Been out in the Christians Only Section.....

[Defcon]

and keep finding that any argument against reformed theology is posed by those who don't hold the Bible to be the infallible Word of God. I usually argue to the point where that is disclosed and I lose all interest. How can we discuss anything further when we don't hold to the same authority? Anyone else get tired of this sometimes?

 

[jbarcher]

Try to convince someone who thinks everything is a conspiracy, that not everything is a conspiracy.

He or she will think that you're part of a conspiracy; every bit of information you appeal to has been fudged in some way by conspirators; every attempt at argument means that the conspiracy you're part of is just that much bigger.

If people are rational, you must attempt to create what all good arguments have; epistemic force, which proceeds from a valid argument and mutually agreed premises.

 

[calmcoolandelected]

Defcon,


I used to be very skeptical of internet conversions, but a few folks here on Semper have testified that they had them. I have found that today, with the deconstruction of the English language, one must constantly define terms. It is amazing to me just what little bit of nothing people are willing to put their faith and trust in. I think the best route to take with these folks is to love them, give them Scripture and let the Holy Spirit do His thing. Keep pressing on toward the Goal, Defcon!

CC&E

 

[edie19]

and keep finding that any argument against reformed theology is posed by those who don't hold the Bible to be the infallible Word of God. I usually argue to the point where that is disclosed and I lose all interest. How can we discuss anything further when we don't hold to the same authority? Anyone else get tired of this sometimes?

Wish I had the answer to that question, but I don't. I have family members who don't hold Scripture to be authoritative, who think its a "nice story." I know people who get their theology from "The DaVinci Code."

For me, I just stay in the Word, listen to my pastors, pray. And I hate to say this, but if someone is truly "anti-Reformed" but I don't even bother. I figure God will turn them around in His time.

edie

 

[CoffeeSwirls]

They will not adhere to Sola Scriptura because the scriptures say things they don't want to hear. They would rather accept verses they like and reject verses they disagree with. They are in violation of Romans 12:2, refusing to be transformed by the renewing of the mind in favor of keeping their own concepts and shaping a theology around that. At that point, theology becomes ME-ology, a form of idolatry of the self.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

 

[JimfromOhio]

Only the Holy Spirit can convince anyone.

 

[McWilliams]

Only the Holy Spirit can convince anyone.

That is so true, and yet, how do we know at what point in our frustrating conversation with those that dont agree that the Holy Spirit will remove their blinders, open their hearts and shine light there! We are His seed planters, waterers, sharers. If we do get frustrated and stop then we just might lose a great opportunity to see that work of the HS taking place in that life!

God uses means to effect His work. We are that means. At what point can we then decide we've tried hard enough, long enough that we can now just leave them to their own false opinions? What are your thoughts?

 

[jbarcher]

A few things come up...

- debating for the audience
- debating to shame opponents
- debating an honest inquirer

Sometimes it's very clear that people have shut the door to changing positions; they merely want to run grind axes. I consider this reason to stop, but then there is the question of the audience. You may have done something a thousand times, but for a few people in the audience, it may be their first time. If you don't do it the thousandth and one time, they may well go away thinking there's no answer. Where does one draw the line--if at all? A perpetually perplexing question.

 

[McWilliams]

Sometimes it's very clear that people have shut the door to changing positions; they merely want to run grind axes

Yes, thats a good thought and if we leave it right there, perhaps they will continue to ponder whereas if we continued they might then give no further consideration to what we've said.

Saying too much, not enough, surely takes prayer and discernment on our part! May our sweet Lord guide our words, that they will glorify Him alone!