Our Editorial Policy
We at Alive Now welcome and encourage your comments. We are a Christian publication, but we are open to spiritual influences and guidance from all traditions and all ages.
One of the primary goals of the comments is to foster an atmosphere of meaningful dialogue in which everyone who participates can contribute to the discussion and learn from it. Everyone’s views are welcome, but certain guidelines will be rigorously enforced:
- First, for there to be any meaningful discussion, there must be an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance. Other people’s ideas are to be taken seriously and with respect. You may strongly disagree with someone, and you are invited to express your disagreements. But please do so in a manner that treats those you disagree with as people of value, as fellow children of God. If you think that someone is wrong, then teach them that they are wrong. And remember, respecting someone’s beliefs is not the same as accepting them as true.
- Second, for there to be any meaningful discussion there must be an honest exchange of ideas: on the one hand, there must be an honest effort to say what is meant; on the other hand, there must be an honest attempt to understand what is being said. So no “spin”! Say what you mean (but keep it respectful), and don’t misrepresent what others are saying. (Remember the ninth commandment!)
- Third: for there to be any meaningful discussion people engaged in the discussion must remain open minded. Remember, complex issues never have simple solutions, so one always needs to be open to new possibilities. But again, we’re asking you to be open minded, but not uncritical. Being open minded does not mean you are accepting other’s beliefs as true if you don’t think that they are; it only means being open to discussion and the possibility that other ways of thinking may be possible.
We live in a diverse society, with a wide range of opinions and ideas. And the Bible teaches, over and over, to “love your neighbor as yourself.” It also teaches that we become children of God by loving God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind. By keeping your mind open to those who differ from you, you stand to learn a lot from them.