I've been thinking about this for a little bit. The current thread started by Michael provided the catalyst to put something up for discussion. This post is also a partial response to threads such as the one started by Terry and the followup suggestion from Mark .
Overall I think the forum conduct guidelines are sound and appropriate - the issue for me though is that I want to learn how to use this software and I tend to learn best by following examples. For instance, i got A LOT out of watching Mark Barnes' videos - I have not ended up doing things exactly the way he does it - but I have definitely made some changes to what I was already doing that have really made a difference.
In regards to the theological discussions that periodically arise, while I find them (sometimes) interesting I don't find them particularly helpful for the purpose of why I am spending time on this site - mainly because they are often merely a mixture of opinions, proof texts, cut and pasted text from other resources, ad hominem attacks, etc. Much like most other online forums that deal in similar discussions.
So here is my suggested alternative. This is based on the premise that ultimately we are all searchers for truth - and Logos is a great tool to help dig into the truth of Scripture - so rather than just simply stating what *you* think about a particular point along with (hopefully) some scriptural backup - could we not couch our discussions in terms of how we might go about searching for that truth ourselves (using Logos) - and, assuming that it is indeed truth, allow it to be apparent in itself?
I like the way Michael started his post, he is obviously wanting to use Logos to help him look more into the issue that is currently on his mind. I don't believe he was asking for someone to tell him what the "answer" was but rather some suggestions as to how he might go about finding the answer for himself.
So in bullet points :
- When asking a question that might be construed as over stepping the forum guidelines on doctrinal discussion, word it in such a way that it relates to using Logos. ie. How can I use Logos to investigate further the issue often raise by Jehovah Witnesses (and maybe others) in regards to John 1:1 and whether it should be rendered "was God" or was "a god". - Don't answer it in this thread - I'll create a new one
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- When answering such a question do so by pointing out available resources and Logos tools that might be helpful and what inputs (ie. search strings) would be helpful to drill down to the "good stuff".
- If it's a good example of how powerful a tool Logos can be, then put it on the wikl so it doesn't get lost in all the bug reports
