Why debate at all?

[Tone]

"Why debate at all?"

To determine a case...

Proverbs 18:13
"He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."

Proverbs 18:16-17
"16A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men. 17The first to state his case seems right until another comes forward and examines him."

 

[Tony Bristow-Stagg]

Debating or witnessing without judging the audience is a waste of time. No amount of witnessing or debate will convince anyone unless they have a heart prepared by the Spirit to receive the truth.

Only God knows who has receptive hearts and Faith is a gift from God.

Regards Tony

 

[Tone]

What's the point?

Plus, I think that it is a better use of time to have a real debate (objective) here on CF than to be doing some other things...

Besides, the debates here are post by post, so...I mean, how heated are they gonna get? I think these types of debates are inherently more objective than verbal ones.

 

[Tom 1]

Curious as to the purpose.

Listening to Matt Dellahunty, Seth Andrews and others helped me to lose my faith for 2 years.

Now I have repented and I am hopefully accepted again by Christ.

Isn't it risky to allow debate that may take away others from the true faith of Christ?

What's the point?

Personally I find it to be a useful learning process, in most cases. I think it's partly about understanding that ideas are just ideas, you have to form your own, not rely on others to do it for you.

 

[Gottservant]

It's more important that we agree with one another, than that we perfect scripture.

 

[DamianWarS]

Curious as to the purpose.

Listening to Matt Dellahunty, Seth Andrews and others helped me to lose my faith for 2 years.

Now I have repented and I am hopefully accepted again by Christ.

Isn't it risky to allow debate that may take away others from the true faith of Christ?

What's the point?

So you would rather debate debate? What caused you to repent? Could that reason, whatever it is, be used in debate?

 

[PoppyB]

I think you are right. Not everyone who comes to these forums is robust enough to withstand the constant barrage of controversy. Some just come for fellowship and encouragement but end up being so confused about various aspects of their beliefs that like you their faith goes on the back burner. I'm glad you got yours back.

Being able to trust in God to show us the truth out of all the differing views is vital and we need to pray about them and practise the gift of discernment.

 

[YJM]

Personally I see it was very Christian of the modeators for you to get a warning. I also see such hate speech is not based on the Love of Jesus the Christ.

Regards Tony

Do I hate Islam and the Quuran?

Absolutely. Guilty as charged.

Do I hate Muslims?

Absolutely not.

 

[Tony Bristow-Stagg]

Do I hate Islam and the Quuran?

Absolutely. Guilty as charged.

Do I hate Muslims?

Absolutely not.

That is not logical as hate is the motivational factor. It is the hate of who a Muslim Is, their very soul. Put to the test the hate would become manifest against a muslim.

What you may hate is what you see in not from God /Allah in the Quran, in a way that it is practiced by some Muslims. In that case Christianity and the Bible can also fail the same test.

Regards Tony

 

[Dave L]

I think it is better not to debate but to post opposing views and let the reader decide. Debate often ends in frustration and confusion.

 

[Tony Bristow-Stagg]

I think it is better not to debate but to post opposing views and let the reader decide. Debate often ends in frustration and confusion.

Another way is having the ability to let go of a view, if in debate it is found to be flawed. In the end we do not own a view, we would have built it upon other thoughts. The best place to build them being upon the 'Word of God'.

Sometimes it takes the clash of differing opinions before the spark of truth is found.

Regards Tony

 

[Dave L]

Another way is having the ability to let go of a view, if in debate it is found to be flawed. In the end we do not own a view, we would have built it upon other thoughts. The best place to build them being upon the 'Word of God'.

Sometines it takes the clash of differing opinions before the spark of truth is found.

Regards Tony

I'm moving more into this by letting things lay after a certain point.

 

[Tony Bristow-Stagg]

I'm moving more into this by letting things lay after a certain point.

That is very wise. We can only offer the good we have found, if what we offer becomes a further cause for division, then that is a good time to let things lay.

Regards Tony

 

[tim bennett]

Curious as to the purpose.

Listening to Matt Dellahunty, Seth Andrews and others helped me to lose my faith for 2 years.

Now I have repented and I am hopefully accepted again by Christ.

Isn't it risky to allow debate that may take away others from the true faith of Christ?

What's the point?

hopefully accepted again?

 

[tim bennett]

I'm moving more into this by letting things lay after a certain point.

i don't let go

 

[Dave L]

i don't let go

I'm getting away from this but was always the last man standing.

 

[Anthony2019]

Sometimes I can't help but chuckle when I log in and see the same "debates" get re-enacted over and over again. Usually it's some issue no-one can agree on and keeping the debate running is like flogging a dead horse. I'm often amazed if the threads go further than the first page without everyone throwing their toys out of the pram.

Debate is precisely what it is. It's not a sermon. It's not me teaching you or telling you what you must believe and what you must do. It's about sharing my thoughts on a topic and listening to yours. I might not always agree with your conclusions, but I am interested in what life experiences you had which brought you to those conclusions so I can be a person who is more tolerant, understanding, and willing to learn.

 

[SteveIndy]

Curious as to the purpose.

Listening to Matt Dellahunty, Seth Andrews and others helped me to lose my faith for 2 years.

Now I have repented and I am hopefully accepted again by Christ.

Isn't it risky to allow debate that may take away others from the true faith of Christ?

What's the point?

"Iron sharpens iron" but sharp iron can inflict a deadly wound. Debate causes me to "prove all things" and I will concede to anyone who gives me good Scriptural reason to change my mind. What I have found among those who simply want to argue is that they will not concede one iota regardless of the preponderance of evidence. Healthy debate is good.

 

[dms1972]

How did you come back to Christ may I ask, did you talk over your lost of faith with anyone?

 

[lsume]

Debate is a good thing.

Arguing is not.

Most do not understand the difference.

In debate both people should be able to pose their beliefs in a calm, rational way. Not only should they be able to state what they believe, but why they believe it.

In arguement, I am right, you are wrong and I dont need to support my position or beliefs because with my hard heart I'm not listening to you anyway, my pride and ego wont let me.

Debate you can, at the very worst come to a respectful stalemate where you or they walk away with at least some understanding of your or their beliefs and why.

If you debate and your beliefs and whys do not contradict themselves.. you cant lose when you know what you believe and why.

Arguing is nothing more than a waste of time.

There is not a doubt in my mind that Christ would debate while He walked the Earth, because debate is about discussing ideas, it's nothing more than a respectful conversation on one topic... with a goal. (The goal being to put truth out there, and let it be heard. In a manner that doesnt need to state "I'm right you're wrong" as truth, is truth and truth calls out to those that truly desire truth and light.)

Arguing being a waste of time, I do not see Jesus doing because it doesnt matter how many truths are spoken... if they do not have ears willing to hear those truths.. it will change nothing, do nothing but waste time.

Some decades back, there was a debate between a PhD in physics and a PhD in education about evolution. I was embarrassed by the approach taken by the professing Christian. Faith is Faith and it won’t happen by seeing miracles.