The FreedHearts blog is a forum dedicated to raising awareness of the issues faced by LGBTQ+ and their families, allies and advocates, as well as those deconstructing false religious beliefs. We recognize that inclusion and acceptance of people who are not heteronormative is a new (and perhaps even radical) viewpoint for many who may read and/or comment here, and we welcome and encourage a vibrant discussion.
However, we want our little corner of the Internet to be a safe place. In order to promote such an atmosphere, we do moderate this forum. For the most part, the rules are fairly straightforward: be civil, be respectful, do not engage in personal attacks against other users of the forums.
It’s Not What You Say. It’s How You Say It. We know we share some rather inflammatory opinions. We probably tick people off on a fairly regular basis. Whether you love what we’ve written or hate what we’ve written, we don’t mind reading your opinion. But speak to us and the other commenters on this blog with respect. Say what you want, but play nice.
When commenting on our blog, please keep the following rules and guidelines in mind.
- Be civil. Treat other users with the same respect you would like to receive from them. If someone takes offense to something that you say, take a step back, read what’s been said on both sides, and consider why that person might be offended instead of just thinking he or she shouldn’t be offended. It’s all right to have fun, show a sense of humor, and even be a little snarky – but please, remember that the others on this forum are not just nameless robots behind a screen. Everyone here is more than just “one of them.” Remembering that there is a human being – with hopes, dreams, pain, and laughter – behind every comment will help the discussion stay where it should be. Be polite, and avoid excessive profanity. Do not make threats. Do not ask questions unless you are prepared for the answers.
- Stay on topic. A little bit of light banter and “small talk” is accepted and encouraged, but avoid lengthy, drawn-out discussions about things that aren’t related to the central point of the blog. If someone disagrees with you, don’t just repeat yourself – respond to the question being asked or the point being made.
- Don’t be a “drive-by shooter.” Avoid the “clobber passages,” and for that matter, avoid Bible verses altogether if you have no intention to include some sort of context and/or analysis. If your only reason for commenting is to point out the sinfulness of same-sex relationships, please refrain from commenting. We are not opposed to free speech, but such comments are not constructive to the discussion, and they have already been addressed at length by the links and notes on our Key Resources page. If you believe that same-sex relationships are wrong, please open your mind and take the time to read those resources. If you feel you must share your viewpoint about sinfulness, please add something new to the discussion that hasn’t already been addressed by the key resources.
- Don’t feed the trolls. Many of us here have been hurt and wounded deeply. We’ve been told that we’re “abominable,” or that we’re “twisting scripture to support our beliefs,” or that we are, in some way, “less than” in the eyes of God. Know that you are loved, whoever you are. If someone does choose to be a “drive-by shooter” in the comments, it’s better not to respond; drive-by posts are best left alone so that they can be unceremoniously deleted.
- Be sensitive. We don’t like to be overly legalistic; that’s contrary to our very ministry. But at the same time, temperate language – and, dare we say, political correctness – will go much further than Bible verses. Don’t refer to being gay as a “lifestyle.” It’s better to say “gay” than “homosexual.” If you’re responding to a transgender person, use his/her preferred pronoun, if you know it. Even if you don’t think you should have to do things that way, you will be seen in a much better light if you do, and those are simple things that you can do to have a civil discussion.
We ask anyone commenting on this blog to respect these rules. Thank you for participating in the discussion! 🙂
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