Commentary on the "discussion" thread

[tall73]

Gospel Workers page 181

"I was shown that here is the danger of young ministers who engage in discussion: They turn their minds to the study of the word to gather the sharp things, and they become sarcastic, and in their efforts to meet an opponent, too frequently leave God out of the question. The excitement of debate lessens their interest in meetings where this special excitement does not exist. Those who engage in debates are not the most successful laborers, and the best adapted to build up the cause. By some, discussion is coveted, and they prefer this kind of labor above any other. They do not study the Bible with humility of mind, that they may know how to attain the love of God; as Paul says, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." [EPH. 3:17-19.] {GW92 181.1}
Young preachers should avoid discussions; for they do not increase spirituality or humbleness of mind. In some cases it may be necessary to meet a proud boaster against the truth of God in open debate; but generally these discussions, either oral or written, result in more harm than good. After a discussion, the greater responsibility rests upon the minister to keep up the interest. He should beware of the reaction which is liable to take place after a religious excitement, and not yield to discouragement himself."

The context here is debating in evangelism. I agree, that can cause problems. We didn't do it that way. We would preach and do personal Bible studies, etc. . But the days of challenging the preacher to debates are pretty much over in SDA evangelism.

Having said that, no one seemed upset with Palehorse and I for debating in favor of the Sabbath in GT.

 

[honorthesabbath]

Hi Tall—aside from you debating, I often wondered how it was that you had so much time to spend on internet forums. Was you church congregation very small? Like under 30? I know our pastor said he doesn’t have time to waste on forums because his flock needs attending to. So how do you do it? Just curious.

For comparison, I posted three members who joined about the same time—look at that number of posts between the three. I think Daryl might be retired, I’m not sure. But I work at my job and as you can see the huge difference between the number of your posts and those of Daryl’s and mine.

Isn’t being a pastor a full time job too? Where did you get the time to do so much posting?

Join Date: 23rd September 2005 -----TALL
Posts: 11,390

Join Date: 29th September 2005----Daryl

2,777

Join Date: 10th August 2005 ----Honor
Posts: 1,931

 

[sentipente]

Hi Tall—aside from you debating, I often wondered how it was that you had so much time to spend on internet forums. Was you church congregation very small? Like under 30? I know our pastor said he doesn’t have time to waste on forums because his flock needs attending to. So how do you do it?

You can't be serious.

 

[StormyOne]

You can't be serious.

you know she is... and not only that from her post you can see the accusation she is making....

 

[honorthesabbath]

I don't ask questions that aren't. Besides--the question IS to Tall.

 

[honorthesabbath]

Accusation? From a question? hhhmmm

Besides--this question is directed exclusively to Tall since he decided to comment on the OP.

 

[Avonia]

Hi Tall—aside from you debating, I often wondered how it was that you had so much time to spend on internet forums. Was you church congregation very small? Like under 30? I know our pastor said he doesn’t have time to waste on forums because his flock needs attending to. So how do you do it? Just curious.

For comparison, I posted three members who joined about the same time—look at that number of posts between the three. I think Daryl might be retired, I’m not sure. But I work at my job and as you can see the huge difference between the number of your posts and those of Daryl’s and mine.

Isn’t being a pastor a full time job too? Where did you get the time to do so much posting?

Join Date: 23rd September 2005 -----TALL
Posts: 11,390

Join Date: 29th September 2005----Daryl

2,777

Join Date: 10th August 2005 ----Honor
Posts: 1,931

Honor, whether it was your intention or not, that comes off as really ugly.

 

[StormyOne]

Accusation? From a question? hhhmmm

Besides--this question is directed exclusively to Tall since he decided to comment on the OP.

yes accusation.... and you posted it in a public place so anyone can respond.....

 

[sentipente]

I already know I can't tell Honor what aspect of her nature such a post reveals but she clearly revels in revealing it.

 

[RC_NewProtestants]

I have never believed the claim that pastors are so busy. Their evenings perhaps are more filled but I highly doubt they are all that busy in the daytime. Of course to make posts sometimes it only takes a couple of minutes I do it on short breaks at my desk.

But I do think pastor's do try and cultivate that idea of how busy they are so that they can remain on the top of denominational salary range.

 

[honorthesabbath]

I have never believed the claim that pastors are so busy. Their evenings perhaps are more filled but I highly doubt they are all that busy in the daytime. Of course to make posts sometimes it only takes a couple of minutes I do it on short breaks at my desk.

But I do think pastor's do try and cultivate that idea of how busy they are so that they can remain on the top of denominational salary range.

Are you calling my pastor a liar?

 

[honorthesabbath]

Honor, whether it was your intention or not, that comes off as really ugly.

I'm merely asking him how found so much time to post that many posts--why is that ugly?

 

[honorthesabbath]

I already know I can't tell Honor what aspect of her nature such a post reveals but she clearly revels in revealing it.

Pot calling the kettle black?

 

[honorthesabbath]

How funny--JAMES AVERY jewelry ads in a SDA forum!!

ROFL--boy did they get their wires crossed.

 

[sciana]

Hi Tall—aside from you debating, I often wondered how it was that you had so much time to spend on internet forums. Was you church congregation very small? Like under 30? I know our pastor said he doesn’t have time to waste on forums because his flock needs attending to. So how do you do it? Just curious.

Ouch!

I know you are not asking me, but thought I would respond anyway since I have lived this myself.

My Dad was/is a SDA pastor and he worked a lot. He did have spare time, but he would not have used it in forums. He would have taken his spare time and watched tv, read, or watch the news instead. "Time to waste on forums" probably means it isn't important to your pastor. He probably spends his free time doing something else. Does your pastor have a hobby at all or is he really working 24/7? Yes, I realize a pastor is "on call" 24/7, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have any time to do anything but pastoring. Remember pastors are people too and are not the super spiritual giants that many make them out to be. I would hardly think that spending one's spare time discussing things with Christians would be something to disdain though.

 

[honorthesabbath]

Ouch!

I know you are not asking me, but thought I would respond anyway since I have lived this myself.

My Dad was/is a SDA pastor and he worked a lot. He did have spare time, but he would not have used it in forums. He would have taken his spare time and watched tv, read, or watch the news instead. "Time to waste on forums" probably means it isn't important to your pastor. He probably spends his free time doing something else. Does your pastor have a hobby at all or is he really working 24/7? Yes, I realize a pastor is "on call" 24/7, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have any time to do anything but pastoring. Remember pastors are people too and are not the super spiritual giants that many make them out to be. I would hardly think that spending one's spare time discussing things with Christians would be something to disdain though.

Where have I indicated "disdain' for Tall posting on forums? I just ask how he found the time to post SO MANY.

Wow--you ppl are reading way too much into my question here.

 

[honorthesabbath]

Well--so far I have heard from everyone but Tall--where is he anyway on this fine Monday morning?

 

[StormyOne]

Well--so far I have heard from everyone but Tall--where is he anyway on this fine Monday morning?

provocateur to the core in my opinion.....

 

[sciana]

Where have I indicated "disdain' for Tall posting on forums? I just ask how he found the time to post SO MANY.

Wow--you ppl are reading way too much into my question here.

Maybe you can rephrase the question in a way that does not come across as insulting.

 

[sciana]

Well--so far I have heard from everyone but Tall--where is he anyway on this fine Monday morning?

Maybe he's working.