GCF Listserv Info

New GCF Discussion Listserv! If for any reason you'd like to be taken off the listserv, there is an automatic utility for unsubscribing: http://listserv.arizona.edu/Unsubscribe.html . If you'd like to be added, contact us .

If you are on the GCF Discussion Listserv, please see the guidelines below (approved by the steering committee and small group leaders) to help keep the discussions in the spirit of fellowship and encouragement

Guidelines for the gcf_discussion listserv:
  1. The gcf_discussion listserv is a forum for GCF members members to discuss topics related to:
    • the Christian life, and
    • the life of the mind, and most especially
    • the intersection of the two.
  2. Two broad categories of messages can be identified as appropriate: devotional postings and debate-oriented postings.
    • When a posting is devotional in nature, it should not become a subject for debate.
    • If a devotional posting presupposes a particular controversial viewpoint, the controversy can be discussed in a new thread.
    • A debate-oriented posting will likely generate just that: debate. This is welcome and expected.
  3. Debate on the listserv should highlight conflicts between ideas, not create conflicts between people. Therefore we ask that
    • respect for individuals be more forcefully communicated than disrespect for those individuals' ideas.
    • no ad hominem be used at all.
    • we agree to disagree (i.e., cease discussion) if, in the course of discussion, it becomes difficult to separate people from their ideas.
    • offense not be taken where none is intended. Posting a debate-oriented message to the listserv should be understood as an invitation to have ideas critiqued.
  4. GCF has no specific denominational affiliation. As such, each of us comes to the table with a slightly different set of facts (i.e., different interepretations of Scripture, different traditional theological emphases).
    • It is reasonable to ask for justification of a particular assertion.
    • It is reasonable to debate the merit of various source of information.
    • It is reasonable to disagree with facts on the basis of exegetical or ecclesiastical tradition. But we must recognize that, at this level, there is no further basis for discussion, except to discuss the merits of a particular tradition overtly.
    • It is unreasonable to belittle others' beliefs.
  5. Discussion of the Christian's role in society is encouraged, since most Christians live in society. Discussion should not center around certain political partys' platforms, however. Separate issues should be raised separately.
    • Related systems of thought can certainly be discussed; for example, the relation between certain theological systems and public policy. Political platforms are rarely coherent systems of thought.
    • Avoiding overtly "political" discourse (in the petty sense of the term) should keep the dialog civil, as well as leaving it accessible and relevant to international members.
  6. Abuse of the listserv, of one form or another, at some point in time, seems inevitable.
    • Rather than having a central moderator, it seems preferable to allow list members to selectively delete messages from individuals from whom they do not care to hear. Automatic message filters can be easily set up in most e-mail environments.
    • In the extreme case, members may be asked to leave the listserv; certainly this course will not be pursued lightly.
This page is maintained by Kara Johnson. Last updated on Jan. 9, 2007
*Keep in mind the page is currently under construction.