Jesus' Return

[Jason Gastrich]

Hi IIDB,

Jon Promnitz has approached me because he would like to debate Jesus' return. This thread is for us to discuss the details and parameters of the debate.

I suggest a 7 round debate with a 5000 word maximum per round. The last round will be for summary statements and no new information should be posted. I'd like this debate to begin next week.

Please propose a specific resolution for this debate. I'm open to your suggestion.

Sincerely,
Jason Gastrich

P.S. My email was removed from another thread and I'm thankful for the moderation. If someone would like to email me, they can either email me through IIDB or use the contact form here: http://jcsm.org/contact.php .

[Jon Promnitz]

Hello,

This is a similiar format I propose:
------------------
1) The topic of the debate
Did Jesus' Second Coming Prophecies Fail?

2) The participants of the debate, and what positions they will argue.
I, Jon Promnitz, will argue that the prophecies failed.

3) The scope of the debate.
I plan to discuss the words of Jesus, the disciples, and any other passages related to or in context of the topic.

4) The length of the debate, in number of rounds.
8 rounds

5) Whether statements will be made concurrently or in turns, and if the latter, who goes first.
I believe we will 'take turns'. I propose that I go first with: My Greeting, Jason's Greeting, round 1-my beginning arguments, round 1-Jason's response, and so forth....

6) The maximum length of each statement.
Greeting - 500 word limit (basic greeting, background, and position you will take for the debate)
Round 1 - 5000 word limit
Round 2 - 5000 word limit
Round 3 - 5000 word limit
Round 4 - 5000 word limit
Round 5 - 5000 word limit
Round 6 - 5000 word limit
Close - 5000 word limit (no knew information)

7) The maximum duration between statements.
I propose 5 days

8) The extent to which quotes and references from outside sources will be allowed.
Maybe Jason would like to add to or clarify his ideas for this category.

9) The starting date of the debate.
I propose Monday, July 12, 2004

10) Any additional rules or a debate format that debate participants must observe.
I have none.
------------------

Sincerely,
Jon Promnitz

[Jon Promnitz]

Hi IIDB and Jason,

I would like to modify my first proposal in the following ways:
Greeting - 1000 word limit
Rounds 1-6 and Close could have up to a 7500 word limit

Although Jason expressed concern early on in our emails that the debate may not be 'long enough', I can assure him that it will be adequate in length.

Sincerely,
Jon Promnitz

[KnightWhoSaysNi]

Hi Jon,

I'm afraid that the maximum length allowable is 5000 words. Believe me, 5000 words is a lot! :)

If you and JG would like a longer debate, you can extend the debate to a maximum of 10 rounds.

Jason

[Jon Promnitz]

Hi Jason (Nightshade),

It's good to know that 5000 words is the limit.

Sincerely,
Jon

[Jason Gastrich]

Hi Jon and Jason,

I'm concerned about the resolution of the debate. I believe that Jesus' 2nd Coming is a future event. Therefore, we obviously can't debate whether or not the prophecies have failed. I believe they apply to the future and will be fulfilled in the future.

I think I know what you want to debate, though. Could you propose another resolution that would be more accurate and fitting?

I will need 10 days in between posts. In my last debate, I needed the full 10 days nearly every time because my schedule is very full. I'm sorry that I'm unable to post more frequently.

8 rounds is all right. However, the welcome/greeting post is unnecessary. IIDB doesn't allow self-promotion and things of that nature, anyway. Therefore, we might as well use 1-2 paragraphs of our 1st Round post to include a welcome/greeting.

I suggest that less than 50% of each post should include quoted material. This quoted material should be cited appropriately.

If we can agree on everything and if IIDB can set up the thread in time, I'm content with you beginning the debate on Monday, July 12.

Incidentally, I feel you left the Unchained Radio forums in poor taste. I don't wish to impose a requirement that you return and respond to the questions posed to you, but I do suggest you do so right away.

Sincerely,
Jason

[Jon Promnitz]

Hello Nightshade and Jason,

I agree to Jason's terms.

New resolution proposal: Did Jesus promise to return before his generation passed away?


Regards,
Jon

[KnightWhoSaysNi]

We just need JG's confirmation and we're ready to go. Here's a summary of the parameters again:

1) The topic of the debate
"Resolved: Jesus promised to return before his generation passed away, not a future generation."

2) The participants of the debate, and what positions they will argue.
Jon Promnitz will take the affirmative and Jason Gastrich will oppose.

3) The scope of the debate.
The debates will discuss the words of Jesus, the disciples, and any other passages related to or in context of the topic.

4) The length of the debate, in number of rounds.
8 rounds

5) Whether statements will be made concurrently or in turns, and if the latter, who goes first.
In turns, and Jon Promnitz will go first.

6) The maximum length of each statement.
5000 words.

7) The maximum duration between statements.
10 days.

8) The extent to which quotes and references from outside sources will be allowed.
Up to 50% can include quoted material. This quoted material should be cited appropriately.

9) The starting date of the debate.
July 12, 2004

10) Any additional rules or a debate format that debate participants must observe.
Standard format, no new material in the concluding statements.

[Jason Gastrich]

Hi Nightshade,

Thanks for waiting for me.

I'm happy with everything except I don't understand why this should be an 8 round debate. I proposed 7 and Jon proposed 8. However, after thinking about it more and reading the resolution, I'm realizing that this could be a very short debate! Are you sure you want to debate me for 8 rounds? I'm feeling that 5-6 rounds will be a better fit for our debate.

Sincerely,
Jason

[KnightWhoSaysNi]

Jon & Jason,

When you've agreed to the number of rounds for the debate, we'll start the debate thread (unless you wish to adjust the start date or any other parameters).

Jason

[Jon Promnitz]

Then 6 rounds it is.

I can still start today/tonight(July 12). As long as Jason doesn't mind.

Jon

[KnightWhoSaysNi]

I'll set up the debate thread now. :) This thread will now be closed.

Jason