Tomorrow morning the Supreme Court of the United States will release their ruling on the Defense of Marriage Act and Proposition 8 in California. For my own personal well-being, I am not going to comment on the rulings and their implications for our society for at least a month, if ever. As a pastor of an evangelical church in the far west suburbs of Chicago, I have already said more than enough on this topic. You can contact me privately if you would like my opinion. My contact information is available here.

In light of this ruling, however, I am putting forth the following eight propositions for healthy online and social media interaction in the next few days in the hope that we can actually make progress as a society.

These propositions emerge from the belief that there is nothing more important to our democracy than civil debate on substantive matters. It is no secret that our opinions are heavily shaped by what and who we interact with online. Therefore, I suggest that the following propositions govern our discourse tomorrow morning.

1. Don't overreact.

If you get the ruling you desire, don't gloat. If you don't, don't sulk or throw a pity party. Win with humility. Lose with dignity.

2. Don't name call.

Not all supporters of DOMA are bigots. Not all persons who support the legalization of same-sex marriage are naive.

3. Accept the ruling.

Perhaps our current system is imbalanced and places too much weight on Supreme Court decisions. However, we live in a society that can peacefully overthrow their rulers every few years. Each citizen has the power to leverage their opinion on how our country should be governed. We should work through the proper channels with the utmost integrity toward the vision for our country that promotes justice and human flourishing. Even if you vehemently disagree with the Supreme Court ruling on this matter, you can help make the change. However, make sure you do so honorably.

4. Only post statements that invite civil debate.

We should understand our opponents argument in its best form. Only disagree with views that your opponents would own themselves. We should not create straw men to strike down that don't exist.

5. Don't quote most talk radio show hosts or the majority of cable news anchorpersons.

Most radio talk show hosts and the majority of cable news anchorpersons are ideologues who are concerned with growing an audience at any expense. Either way the ruling goes, they will make statements to rally their supporters and stir the pot. They are not healthy communicators who facilitate a healthy exchange of ideas. They are verbal drug dealers who give their audiences ideological crack that does more harm than good. Their logic isn't sound. Their emotion isn't wedded to truth. And, they are not open-minded in a way that invites civil discourse.

6. Use facts.

Only utilize verifiable, quantified, reasoned, facts in our discourse. Religious facts are fair game. But, they are subject to criticism as any other fact claim is. If anyone decides to make a religious argument, they should quote scriptures in their proper context with a view of the faith that the majority of its adherents would own. If anyone quotes medical or sociological research, understand the ideology and biases of the association that is putting forth their data. Do not be naive. Every group has biases. Before quoting research as factual, make sure you understand the intended goals of the association and their limitations. These things shape their methodology and color their results. For example, a religious organization might not take scientific research seriously that challenges their faith. But, in the same breath, a psychological organization might attempt to explain away experiences of subjects that do not fit their predetermined psychological grid.

7. Speak with humans not ideas.

Each person in the United States has a right to a political opinion. No matter how passionately you disagree with the person, make sure you are communicating with your opponent in a humane manner. If you don't, you have lost the argument before it starts.

8. Fight fair, but be informed.

One side of this debate is wrong. This is worth fighting for. Remaining neutral on this issue hurts the side of truth and supports error. Get informed. Remain civil. Have some courage. Own your opinion. Be open-minded, tolerant (in the true sense of the world by listening to those who are different from you), and loving (putting yourself in the shoes of those you disagree with). And, lastly, for the sake of your neighbors and your country, fight for the truth. It's worth it.