When a disagreement arises anywhere in Catacomb, the interlocutors should move their discussion herein, to a dedicated debate thread, intended to facilitate charitable resolution of the dispute, in mutual pursuit of Truth.

Any of the participants in the debate may open the debate thread; and all debate threads must begin by precisely defining the agreed upon terms and resolution.

“Sanctify the Lord Christ in your hearts, being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that hope which is in you. Who is he that can hurt you, if you be zealous of good? But if also you suffer any thing for justice’ sake, blessed are ye. And be not afraid of their fear, and be not troubled.”
—1 Peter 3:15, 13-14.

“If any of you want wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men abundantly; and it shall be given him.”
—St. James 1:5.

“Avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes. The servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be mild towards all men, apt to teach, patient. With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if perhaps God may give them repentance to know the truth.”
—2 Timothy 2:23-25.

“In all things shew thyself an example of good works, in doctrine, in integrity, in gravity, the sound word that can not be blamed: that he, who is on the contrary part, may be afraid, having no evil to say of us.”
—Titus 2:6-8.

“The heart of the wise shall instruct his mouth: and shall add grace to his lips. Well ordered words are as a honeycomb: sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
—Proverbs 16:23-24.

“Do not think that you are doing your brothers a favor if you should see them pursuing some absurdity and should fail to accuse them with all zeal.
“Our common Mother, the Church, has lost a brother. The devil stole him and now holds him. You know who stole him; you know him who was stolen. And do you stand silent, refusing to denounce him? What excuse will you have? Will the Church not reckon you among her worst enemies? Will she not consider you a foe and destroyer?
“This silence makes you an enemy to God and brings destruction both to you who conceal such sinners and to those whose sins go unrevealed. Even if your fellow servant be vexed with you now, he will be grateful later on for his cure. But if you seek to win your fellow servant’s favor, if you remain silent and hurt him by concealing his sin, God will exact from you the ultimate penalty. Your silence will make God your foe and will hurt your brother; if you denounce him and reveal his sin, you will make God propitious and benefit your brother and you will gain as a friend one who was crazed but who learned from experience that you served him well.
“Heaven forbid that anyone who hears my words of advice should commit such a sin as to betray the brother for whom Christ died. Christ poured out his blood on his account. Are you too reluctant to utter a word on this account? I urge you not to be so reluctant.
“Stir yourselves to the chase and let each of you bring those suffering from [heresy]. Do not regard my words lightly. Be scrupulous in hunting out those who suffer from this sickness. Let the women search for the women, the men for the men, the slaves for the slaves, the freemen for the freemen, and the children for the children. Come all of you with such success that you obtain from God a great and indescribable reward. May all of us obtain this by the grace and loving-kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom and with whom be glory to the Father together with the Holy Spirit now and forever, world without end. Amen.”
—St. John Chrysostom, Adversus Judaeos, Homily 1.

“Whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words: going forth out of that house or city shake off the dust from your feet. Amen I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves. Take no thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak. For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you. And you shall be hated by all men for my name’s sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.”
—St. Matt. 10:14-22.

Artwork: Christ disputing with the Doctors, by Gregorio Preti, ca. 1660 A.D.