This is a list for the scholarly discussion of all aspects of the History of Christianity. It is not a list for proselytism or polemics. List Members should abide by the following condidtions of membership:

I -- Include your name and e-mail address at the end of your message. Some e-mail packages do not include the header material.

II -- Know the difference between a scholarly post and a polemical post. Send the former. Eschew the latter.

III -- Ditto for the difference between scholarly and pious posts. Send the former. Eschew the latter.

IV -- Avoid ad hominem attacks. We encourage rigorous scholarly debate. Not only can that be done without personal attack, it can be done better.

V -- Do not quote long passages from a previous post (worse yet, the entire post), particularly if your contribution is going to be relatively brief. Assume the listmembers have fairly good memories and ask whether a quote is needed at all. If a quote is needed, quote only the portions relevant to your contribution.

VI -- HOWEVER, do include a brief quote, indicating the origin of the quote, if that is necessary for the continuation of the discussion. (Ask yourself whether another member might be baffled without such information.)

VII -- Avoid "Amen!" posts--i.e.> posts that only contain a brief affirmation of what has already been said. Do not post unless what you have to say can clarify, expand, challenge, or forward the argument, or answer a question put to the list. Affirmations are best sent to the poster, not to the list.

VIII -- Avoid "Huh?" posts--i.e. posts which only contain a brief expression of confusion, but does nothing to indicate the sort of clarification sought.

IX -- Use subject lines that indicate the subject of the post.