There are so many ill mannered and simply intemperate folks posting what they will out in the ether of this age of instant gratification where thoughts instantly become words in the public square and where everyone becomes a self published expert! It is particularly lamentable when those in the ministry or intending the ministry write and post like they are neither ambassadors for Christ, nor even, horrible to say, Christians. The Internet seems more to serve the art of the jab, the sarcastic remark, the rolling of the eyes and a haughty arrogance, than grace filled conversation.

How to converse profitably with others is not a new problem. Long before the internet there was the more personable social interaction of “the parlor”. While it is very clearly dated (late federal period) and directed to those in or intending the ministry, I have always thought two chapters from Samuel Miller’s book on Clerical Manners were useful in their direction on conversation and religious conversation.

If you were going to direct someone who was for the first time going to get out onto discussion forums, Christian or otherwise, what resources would you give them to get some good ground rules on the art and manner of conversing with others, worthy of a profession of faith in Christ?


Conversation | Naphtali Press

Religious Conversation | Naphtali Press

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Chris Coldwell, Lakewood Presbyterian Church (PCA), Dallas, Texas.
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The Regulative Principle: The Scriptures are the “only infallible rule of faith and practice, no rite or ceremony ought to have a place in the public worship of God, which is not warranted in Scripture, either by direct precept or example, or by good and sufficient inference” (Samuel Miller).

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This may not be the exact thrust of what you're getting at, but here's a good article from Roger Nicole on "How to Deal with Those Who Differ from Us."

Here's a blurb:

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Josh Hicks, Chloë's Dad
Christ Covenant Reformed Presbyterian Church, RPCGA
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It is God that multiplies our sorrows.... God, as a righteous Judge, does it, which ought to silence us under all our sorrows; as many as they are, we have deserved them all, and more: nay, God, as a tender Father, does it for our necessary correction, that we may be humbled for sin, and weaned from the world by all our sorrows; and the good we get by them, with the comfort we have under them, will abundantly balance our sorrows, how greatly soever they are multiplied. - Matthew Henry