Updated: April 18, 2023
As member and/or visitor to the We Are Reformed site and/or group , you acknowledge and accept the following:
THE GOAL AND PURPOSE OF WE ARE REFORMED
The goal of We Are Reformed is to be a safe, comfortable place where people can talk freely with other Reformed Christians about a variety of topics such as: theology, family, current events, and more. We don’t want to create cliquey or divisive group, nor do we want to create a community that is restrictive with unnecessary rules. The rules that are in place are there for the overall safety, health and well being of the Site and its members.
REFORMED CREEDAL AND CONFESSIONAL STANDARDS
This community exists mainly for the edification of Reformed Christians. While anyone is welcome and healthy debate is encouraged, we will not tolerate hostile, ongoing opposition to the Christian faith broadly (as described by the Nicene Creed and Chalcedonian Definition) or the Reformed faith narrowly (as described in the Three Forms of Unity, Westminster Standards, and 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith, as well as their respective catechism) which are the doctrinal standards of the We Are Reformed site and community.
Also, while the Reformed Confessions agree on primary, foundational doctrine, there are some important, but secondary, differences between them. Although discussion about these differences is encouraged, any attempts to convert others to a specific view on debatable topics such as baptism, theonomy, millennial views, church polity, etc., will not be permitted. The We Are Reformed site and community is not a mission field. Admins will remove posts, comments, and memes, at their discretion, as well as ban members who are deemed to be on aggressive, militant crusades to proselytize and convert others.
WE ARE NOT A CHURCH
This site and community is not intended to replace your actual church, and the admins are not your elders. While it may be helpful to seek wisdom, knowledge, encouragement, etc., in the community, if an issue is one of a serious nature, please consult your church’s elders, "for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account." (Hebrews 13:17)
BASIC EXPECTATIONS
- Civility - Avoid personal attacks, insults, slurs, name-calling, false accusations, insinuations, excessive or malicious sarcasm, etc., or adding posts for the purpose of publicly mocking, criticizing or ridiculing other members or the admins. Robust, yet civil, discussion and debate is strongly encouraged, but contentious quarreling and backbiting are not. Remember that fellow members aren't just names on a screen, but actual people. Treat them as brothers and sisters in Christ.
- Wholesome Talk - Avoid any offensive or profane language, innuendos, coarse joking, blasphemy, etc. Always err on the side of caution. Keep your speech wholesome and honoring to the Lord.
- Decency - Be mindful of the links, pictures, images and memes that you post. Indecent, offensive, or insensitive links, pictures, images, or memes will be removed.
- Accurate Representation - Avoid misrepresenting people or other community sites, forums, & groups. This includes Armenians, Catholics, Anglicans, etc., but should especially apply to our Reformed brethren. For example, don't tell a Presbyterian what Presbyterians "really” believe; don't imply that Reformed Baptists really don't love their kids properly, or that they aren't really “Reformed”; don’t accuse others of not loving God's Law... etc., etc. Also, please do not use this rule as a defense. If you feel that you are being misrepresented, don't just call, "Straw-man!", but try to explain/clarify how you feel you are being misrepresented.
- Precise Language - Please refrain from using strong words unnecessarily. This is especially true of the word "heresy" which is often misapplied. While the boundaries of what constitutes heresy can be debated, for our purposes here, if it doesn't contradict something in the Apostles’ Creed, the Nicene Creed, or the Chalcedonian Definition, you are not permitted to call it heresy. Even if someone is in grave error, correct them with gentleness, that God may grant them repentance. (2 Tim 2:25)
- No Highjacking - Posts naturally flow in different directions from the original post (OP). However, sometimes a post gets “hijacked" when someone brings up a topic that is irrelevant and/or unrelated to the OP. Rather than hijack a post with a comment that is off topic, please start a new post out of respect for the poster. Also, there are a wide variety of topics posted in the We Are Reformed community. Some are more lighthearted, while others are more serious. So, out of mutual respect, only make serious comments on posts dealing with serious topics. Not only is this being respectful of others, but it also helps the post to maintain its overall integrity by staying on topic, making it easier to follow, and ultimately more interesting for everyone.
- Liberty - While there is a great deal of liberty regarding the various topics discussed in the Community, please be cautious to not abuse that liberty. Think before you post. Just because you can post something, doesn't mean that you always should. And extend reasonable liberty to others, particularly in non-essential topics. Just because you may not care for a specific post doesn't automatically make it wrong. If you come across a post that you don't care for, just bypass it, rather than stirring up unnecessary strife. Take what you like, leave what you don't, and just enjoy yourself. Nevertheless, if you strongly feel that a post is in violation of the We Are Reformed Rules of Conduct, then report the post.
- Proactivity - First, set a godly example for other members in your posts and comments. Second, if you see an issue that needs attention, report it. Third, if a post you have started is getting out of control, remove it if your the OP. You don't always have to wait for an admin to step in.
- Transparency - Accounts with fake or anonymous names will not be allowed except on a case by case basis. Please contact an admin if you have questions.
- No Solicitation and/or Advertising - Posting links to personal blogs, websites, sales (except of theological books or Bibles) or fundraising efforts is not permitted without prior admin approval. It is our goal to promote a healthy forum for discussion, not a medium for the promotion or advertisement of external sites. As a standard policy, we do not allow spin-off forums or groups, or the promotion of other groups in the Community. Also, we do not allow any promotion of apparel sales or design under any circumstances, except by We Are Reformed Admins acting in their official capacity.
- Supporting the Moderation Team - We Are Reformed is under the care of its Moderation Team, who are listed at the base of this document, and as such, the Site and group is subject to their discretion, as to those who strive to use godly wisdom, discernment and judgment in their oversight, yet are themselves fallen humans. DO: Extend grace to them, as they will also extend grace to you. No one is getting paid, and no one stands to profit from censoring your opinions. Please support the Moderation Team in what they’re trying to do, to keep the Site and forum the great place that it is. DON'T: Publicly questioning the decisions of the Moderation Team will not be permitted. If you have an issue, contact a member of the Moderation Team via the built in private discussion.
- No Screenshots,Screen Recording, or other content capturing methods - We Are Reformed is a private site and community, there is an implicit agreement to keep what happens in the We Are Reformed site and community, in it. Any posting of screenshots from the We Are Reformed site and community (regardless of how you obtained it) outside this site and/or community will result in immediate banning. As well, respect the privacy of other community sites, forums, & groups. Do not post screenshots of other community sites, forums, & groups - or individual-identifying information on our site and forum. These posts will be deleted.
- No Unsolicited Messaging - Do not send unsolicited messages/private discussions to members without first asking their permission (unless you are actually friends, family, married, etc outside of this site. Any messages/private discussions that contain content that violates our community standards is ground for immediate removal and/or ban.
BIBLICAL STANDARDS
As believers in Christ, we all are bound by Scripture, first and foremost, to behave in a spiritual, godly manner toward others in our own lives. We Are Reformed will be no different. This isn’t a place where anything goes, and Christians can let loose and leave their spiritual character at the door. We Are Reformed seeks to uphold biblical standards in how its members interact, and with that are some specific admonitions from Scripture which all should be careful to follow:
Psalm 133:1: Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
1 Peter 3:8-12: Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For “Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit, let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.
Galatians 5:22-23 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
- Love - Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) Be kind and loving to one another. (Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 John 2:9-11, 3:11-24, 4:9-21)
- Grace - Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:6) Not only speak graciously to one another, but show grace toward others who may not be gracious in return, or with whom you may disagree.
- Humility - Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3) We're all brothers and sisters in Christ here. Treat one another in good faith. Always assume the best. Let the other guy have the last word. If you find that you are in error, be quick to repent and resolve the situation.
- Maturity - When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. (1 Corinthians 13:11) Be men and women of God. Set a good example for others. Avoid irrational discussion, scoffing, pettiness, boasting, gloating, whining, defensiveness, retaliation, manipulation, intentional annoyance, display or promotion of drunkenness, or any other juvenile, disrespectful, or carnal comments or behavior.
- Unity - I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10) I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
- Peace - Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. (2 Timothy 2:23) But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. (Titus 3:9) Stirring up meaningless controversies, instigating drama, making statements for the sake of shock value, creating strife, dissension and quarrels, or being hostile toward other members in any way, will not be tolerated. If a conflict arises, endeavor to resolve it prior to contacting an admin.
Further References: Ephesians 4:15-16, 4:25-32, 5:8-11; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3:12-15, 4:5-6; I Thessalonians 5:14-15; 1 Timothy 5:1-2; James 1:19-21, 3:1-12; 2 Peter 2:16-17
Second Commandment - While opinions may differ, many fellow members find pictures of any of the three persons of the Trinity to be a violation of the Second Commandment, and as such, sinful and offensive. Please refrain from posting pictures of God the Father, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. Such images will be removed. Members do not have to agree with the rule, but please respect it. (Exodus 20:4-6, Deuteronomy 4:15-19, 12:30-32; Acts 17:29)
Lord's Day - The Scriptures, and the reformed confessions we believe to be a faithful summary of their teaching, are clear that we are to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8) and that this is a “positive, moral, and perpetual commandment binding all men in all ages” (WCF 21.7, LBCF 22.7) and that keeping this command is a great blessing. (Isa 58:13)
The We Are Reformed community group is not moderated on Sundays to give a sabbath rest from labors to the Moderation Team, and to allow us all to celebrate the Lord’s day according to conscience to the glory of God.
RULES VIOLATIONS
If a member violates any of the rules, the Moderation Team, at their own discretion, may do one of the following:
- Comment on a thread, reminding one or more members of the Rules, and if they are potentially or actually violating them.
- Send members an email or private message: 1) notify them that they are in violation of the Rules (based on their posts, comments, images, or manner of engagement with others), and 2) warn them of the potential removal of posts, comments, or images; or 3) warn them of potential removal from the We Are Reformed site and group.
- Remove posts, comments, or images that are in violation of the We Are Reformed Community Rules.
Note: Not every removed post, comment, image, etc., will be one that explicitly has broken the rules. Having a post, comment, image, etc., removed is not a black mark against your name. We all get heated, and make mistakes.
*** Repeated violations may result in a ban. Bans are determined on a case by case basis. Usually, they are temporary, but, very rarely, they are permanent. ***
Duplicate accounts in an effort to circumvent a ban, will not be tolerated and will result in an IP ban from all site/groups/entities associated with We Are Reformed, and reporting to your provider.
IF YOUR POST, COMMENT, IMAGE, ETC., IS REMOVED:
- Consider that you may have been part of the problem, either initially or not.
- Consider that even if your post, comment, image, etc., wasn't the problem, it may have led to a larger problem involving other members. Once again, not every post, comment, image, etc., removed necessarily breaks a rule.
- Your post, comment, image, etc., may have simply been deemed generally inappropriate for the We Are Reformed site and group, and is subject to admin’s discretion.
- Consider that sometimes the Moderation Team may make mistakes. Please be gracious with them. It may have taken you roughly 30 seconds to type out your comment; so, please, just let it go. If, after all that, you still want to know why your comment was removed, DO NOT ask within the We Are Reformed site and group. Contact the site Admin via the built in private discussion and please understand we will do our best to correct any issues or misunderstandings.
The above community rules were adapted from those found on the Reformed Pub Facebook Group. We felt it was uneccessary to completely rewrite them since they existed in a form we agreed with (much like the Confessionals).
Community Admin/Moderator Team
Individuals who are on the Moderation Team will be designated by a Blue Circular Bolt Icon next to their user picture and by a Red badge on their Profile page. They help to guide this community and site to ensure that a safe and biblical environment is present at all times. As such they have the ability to close posts, and to ban individuals from posting further if necessary. Please respect them and the process.
If you feel you have been unfairly treated by a member of our Moderation Team, we encourage you to use our dispute process by contacting the site Admin (We Are Reformed) via the built in private discussion feature or by email.
