Why We Moderate the Comments

The purpose of this blog is to foster discussion on the issue of gender roles, specifically concerning Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. We have received some feedback asking us why we occasionally do not post their comment. Why not simply allow all comments to pass through? If discussion is what we want, wouldn't this be the ideal way to attain our goal?

The simple answer is, of course, yes.

The longer answer is a little more complex.

We do want to encourage dialogue on these topics; we do so because we believe it is important. But we want to have a discussion that is Christ-centered, engaging ideas genuinely and respecting the other person(s). To give you a good idea of what we want to see in the comments, here is a list of guidelines that we can all abide by while commenting:

1.) Remember the person. We are talking to other real, live humans. Strive to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). We unabashedly desire to be constrained by the Word of God--what it says, we desire to do; what it forbids, we desire to shun (John 17:17). Therefore, may our talks be seasoned with as much grace as possible. Any insults or slanderous or ad hominem remarks will not be tolerated. Remember, there is a person on the other side of the web.

2.) Engage the ideas; this is not a podium for one's own pet theology. This is a blog about gender and the authority of Scripture. If it is evident that a reader has failed to even read the post upon which he or she is commenting, their comment will not be accepted. Read the posts. Engage the ideas.

3.) As creators of this blog, we have the final say for what we deem to be an inappropriate post. We will try to be fair; we are not simply going to post comments with which we agree. Abide by our other two rules, and your comments will be posted. At the end of the day, however, we will decide what is appropriate.