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Bible Note: A Newcomer's Guide to StudyBibleForum.com by Kalos (Disclaimer: The views presented here are my own and do not necessarily represent those of our host -- the Lockman Foundation -- or a majority of active Forum members.) Following are guidelines for your consideration: 1) First, before you do anything else, learn to use the Forum Search function. It will make participating in the Forum much easier. 2) As the Lockman Foundation suggests, before you post your question use Search to determine whether it has been asked previously. This will save everyone, including you, a lot of time, repetition and rehashing of old issues. 3) Read the Terms of Use. Among other things, you will note that StudyBibleForum.com was originally intended as neither a discussion group nor a topical survey, although, regrettably, that is what it has become. 4) "Your submission may not include...[certain] characters." If you should attempt to use one of these characters, then when you go to preview your submission, you would get the error message above, listing all the unacceptable characters. Print and save that error message. (It may be the only undisputed point you'll ever find at this website.) Unacceptable characters should not be a problem here at the Forum. 5) While you are new to the Forum, you may unintentionally submit the same entry two or more times. If you do, don't worry about it. It's easy to do. 6) In the unlikely event that someone will misunderstand or disagree with a particular point of yours, try not to take it personally. 7) Always bear in mind that the Bible contains many verses which are subject to more than one interpretation (although it would be incorrect to assume that all interpretaions are equally valid). In these cases, a calm, reasoned, polite discussion is preferred. 8) There are but few basic principles of biblical interpretation. If you have not already done so, familiarize yourself with and apply them, particularly the principle of analogia scriptura which is defined here: John MacArthur writes: "One of the basic principles of biblical interpretation is the *analogia scriptura*, the analogy of Scripture. In other words, we must compare Scripture with Scripture in order to understand its full and proper sense. And SINCE THE BIBLE DOESN'T CONTRADICT ITSELF, ANY INTERPRETATION OF A SPECIFIC PASSAGE THAT CONTRADICTS THE GENERAL TEACHING OF THE BIBLE IS TO BE REJECTED." (Emphasis added.) 9) In my experience I have found that the Lockman Foundation sincerely desires and welcomes your input. Do not hesitate to contact them with your questions, comments and suggestions. 10) You can save yourself needless frustration if you remember that you need not reply to every criticism you receive. 11) An excellent standard to expect of yourself and your fellow Forum members is: "Every person has a right to their own opinion; but no person has a right to be wrong in their facts." Check your facts carefully before you post them publicly for all the world to read and remember. Careful reading, research, review and rewriting BEFORE YOU POST could save you embarrassment. 12) 2 Timothy 2:23 (ASV) "But foolish and ignorant questionings refuse, knowing that they gender strifes." The possibility, however slight, exists that every great once in awhile, you may encounter a "foolish and ignorant" question. Avoid being drawn into a dispute over it. Stick to the issues and avoid naming personalities involved in the dispute. WELCOME TO THE FORUM! Grace and peace, John |