How about in the future, when we have some hot issue to discuss, we use these terms of engagement on how to fight fair:
1. Be respectful. Don’t name-call, use sarcasm, or belittle others.
Example: “I believe there’s a God because he talks to me!â€
“I always thought you were a stupid idiot!â€
2. Focus on the issue. Don’t get personal. Maintain clarity on your view.
Example: “If there is a God, why is there so much evil in the world?†“Ya, well, you’re Satan! That’s why, you stupid idiot!â€
3. Stay on point. Don’t change the subject until you’ve dealt with the original issue.
Example: “I don’t like the church and refuse to attend such an abusive institution!†“Ya, well, you weren’t breast-fed enough! Let’s talk about that, you stupid idiot!â€
4. Wait before writing. Don’t respond when angry. Cool off first. Present a reasoned response. It can be impassioned, but make sure it is not a knee-jerk reaction.
Example: “I love Jesus because he’s my personal Lord and Savior!†“Oh is that right? Then why every time you open your mouth, I smell manure, you stupid idiot!â€
5. Try to understand what others are saying. Don’t write people off, but try to understand where they are coming from. Walk in their shoes for a minute.
Example: “God is your imaginary friend!†“Well, men are from Mars; women are from Venus. But you might as well be speaking from Uranus, you stupid idiot!â€
6. If you don’t understand what they are saying, ask for clarity. Don’t assume you know what they mean. Example: “I don’t believe there’s a literal Hell.†“That’s why I think you’re going to hell!†“Ya, well, I must already be there because I’m talking to you, you stupid idiot!â€
7. Even if we argue ideas, try to respect and appreciate other people, even love them.
Example: “I’ll pray for you, that you will get saved and go to church.†“Ya, well, I pray that you get drilled through the head with a meteor, you brainless moron!â€
Anyway, those are just a few rules to help us fight fair and to encourage everyone to stay in the game. No head-butting! Check out this site for a humorous mixture of advice:
Check out this site for some humorous advice on debating fair!