debate with pagans?

[Timothy39]

According to the teachings of the EO church, do I err in engaging in online debate with practicing pagans or those who practice witchcraft?

I know the Scripture says "have nothing to do with the unprofitable works of darkness" but doesn't this mean actually doing stuff as opposed to online discussion and/or debate?

In the opinion of those of you who are Priests, Deacons or Readers...does this include discussions where some people consider themselves
Christian and are teetering on the fence - and others are not and are actively hostile to Christ Jesus?

Do the Fathers of the church have anything to say that would hinge on this?

 

[ArmyMatt]

I think it's okay (although I am not a clergyman), provided you get a spiritual father's blessing to do so. many saints engaged pagans in debate and discussion, and that proved Orthodoxy to many.

so yeah, depending on your condition methinks it'd be aiight

and welcome to TAW!

 

[Timothy39]

Thanks for your reply. Seraphim Rose is a favorite of mine too. Have a blessed Holy Week!

 

[ChristianT]

As a personal testimony, not as a previous pagan, but as a previously oblivious heterodox Christian: debate of any kind with non-Orthodox Christians, so long as it's done in faith and respect, you may open anyone's eyes to the whole Truth, be that in thought or The Person of Christ. In fact, use their own literature and authority to teach them. Saint Paul did this in his journeys and quoted a pagan poet to show that their "Unknown God" was in fact the One and True God.

 

[ArmyMatt]

As a personal testimony, not as a previous pagan, but as a previously oblivious heterodox Christian: debate of any kind with non-Orthodox Christians, so long as it's done in faith and respect, you may open anyone's eyes to the whole Truth, be that in thought or The Person of Christ. In fact, use their own literature and authority to teach them. Saint Paul did this in his journeys and quoted a pagan poet to show that their "Unknown God" was in fact the One and True God.

good point