[asa] Guidelines

A few weeks ago, someone asked for guidelines for this list. Some posts during these weeks illustrate the need for a reminder. This note is such a reminder of at least some aspects of our philosophy.

The preface to our statement of faith, as posted on our website athttp://www.asa3.org/ASA/faithASA.html is:
As an organization, the ASA does not take a position when there is honest disagreement between Christians on an issue. We are committed to providing an open forum where controversies can be discussed without fear of unjust condemnation. Legitimate differences of opinion among Christians who have studied both the Bible and science are freely expressed within the Affiliation in a context of Christian love and concern for truth.

This means, among other things, that we expect all participants not to impugn the character, qualifications, or motives of anyone else. This is often tempting for us, since our own impeccable logic interpreting our irrefutable data could only be contradicted because of nefarious character defects, sheer incompetence, or malicious motives. But please do not point that out on this list.

And please don't hide behind interpretations of the adjectives "honest" or "unjust" or "legitimate." Let's all emphasize "...context of Christian love and concern for truth." Let us debate ideas, not people.

Randy

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Received on Sat Aug 29 07:41:33 2009