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I've been interacting on this board for a couple of years now and the hottest threads, in terms of popularity and offense, have consistently been in this forum and the Politics and Government forum. The latter is less core to a theological understanding so it remains a member's only forum. This forum, however, is where the core pre-suppostions between the LBCF and the WCF/3FU come into regular collision.
I have, at times, been the chief of sinners in giving offense to Baptist brethren. I call you brethren because I believe that Christ died for you and how could I not lavish love upon a man or woman for whom Christ died? How can I despise the man or woman that Christ cherishes and calls one of His own?
Some have repeatedly suggested that the forum be completely shut down because the division brings reproach upon this very idea. If I thought that would solve the problem, I would close the Baptism forum.
Yet, think of this beloved, the very things that are being said to each other in the Baptism Forum are being said behind each other's backs. In other words, the reasons why facile arguments are introduced on the Puritanboard is that they have a home in other forums and in the rarified air of our own communities. It is one thing to speak ill of our brothers and sisters for their Sacramentology when we're talking to our own crowd but then it comes into the Baptism forum and it is revealed for what it is.
I, for one, love the Baptism forum - not for its rancor - but because Credo- and Paedo- Baptists have to deal with the Biblical arguments that lie at the strength of the opposing position and not the straw men that are regularly burned in effigy in pulpits and Bible studies all over.
It is my hope that the discussions not only strengthen your understanding of your own position regarding Baptism but that they allow you to speak up and correct a brother who has ignorantly maligned a position. You may not agree with a position but, as joint heirs in Christ, we all deserve to have what we state accurately represented and not throw around the standard buzz phrases and jokes that "play to our crowd."
Thus, the following guidelines are implemented:
1. Remember that the person at the other end of the Internet is someone who God redeemed. You both deserved Hell but now you are both God's friends and so he is your friend.
2. Treat your friend's position on the Scriptures with the same kind of care and concern that you want your own convictions treated.
3. We allow the Confession of both Credo- and Paedo- Confessions of Faith. There will be no calls for repentance on this board for people who are confessing with their Church what the Scriptures teach.
4. If you are not well studied in the opposing Confession then it's probably worth reading for a bit before chiming in.
5. If something another brother states confuses you then ask. Don't read into every statement that you cannot understand some monstrous denial of the Gospel.
6. If you do believe that a Brother is in error then labor patiently with them. Labor with them as if you love them and are not disgusted. If forthright language is needed then use it but with the motivation to help and not merely to score points.
7. Even though we are "debating" the subject here, this is not the place for "tactics". Don't defend a half-truth simply because it doesn't help your case. The Truth doesn't need tactics.
8. If something you just read offended you then make sure it was really aimed at you personally. Try to cover it with love but, if not, try to reconcile via Private Message in lieu of returning the slight in kind. If someone is offended by you unintentionally then seek to clarify.
9. Be slow to anger and quick to reconcile but then come back and sharpen iron again.
10. Don't demean the memory of great Saints by attributing outright stupidity or cowardice to them.
11. Never be too proud to be able to admit that you may need to study an issue more closely. It is not always a "tactic" when a Brother or Sister suggests that a person is confused or misrepresenting a position. If a facile argument is made (see Point 2) then expect some concern that ignorance may be the charitable reason ascribed.
12. Persuasion does not always consist of proof. You can't merely prove your way into someone's conscience. This is not an argument for irrational argumentation or holding to fallacies because "... it makes me feel good...." It is a simple reminder that our goal is to persuade because we desire our brother to see a more excellent way to please God.
Blessings!
Rich
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Originally Posted by SemperFideles 
There are so many forums and threads that I just take in, gleen from. It seems I tend to view baptism threads like those threads on escatology. I know and understand their importance, but I understand that a certain amount of latitude should be given to brothers and sisters in Christ as they try to work through the strengths and weaknessess on all the positions. I want my doctrine to be as close to the truth as possible. This should be our constant prayer. This is what I work for and why I diligently study. I know, however, that I will not fully realize that goal in this flesh.
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