Debates

[TaylorSexton]

Hello, friends.

I think I may have commented about this somewhere, but I wanted to open up an official thread about it.

I have a serious problem with getting myself into debates. Almost always these debates become heated. Most times they are about the specifics of Reformed theology, other times they are over matters such as the deity of Christ, and everything in between.

Tell me, do you guys think this falls under the admonition to "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife" (2 Tim. 2:23, NKJV). The problem is that I truly feel (as most all of you here probably do) that Reformed theology is a matter of the gospel. So, is it worth it to engage in debates with people over these things? Or, is it better to just leave well enough alone? After all, Paul does say right after this, "A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will" (2 Tim. 2:24-26, NKJV).

What do you guys think? Is Paul talking about engaging believers or unbelievers here? What is your individual policy on engaging in internet debate? I ask being I am literally tiring myself out always trying to give reasoned defenses, only to have insult, misrepresentation, misunderstanding, and false accusation thrown in my face.

 

[twin1954]

Hello, friends.

I think I may have commented about this somewhere, but I wanted to open up an official thread about it.

I have a serious problem with getting myself into debates. Almost always these debates become heated. Most times they are about the specifics of Reformed theology, other times they are over matters such as the deity of Christ, and everything in between.

Tell me, do you guys think this falls under the admonition to "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife" (2 Tim. 2:23, NKJV). The problem is that I truly feel (as most all of you here probably do) that Reformed theology is a matter of the gospel. So, is it worth it to engage in debates with people over these things? Or, is it better to just leave well enough alone? After all, Paul does say right after this, "A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will" (2 Tim. 2:24-26, NKJV).

What do you guys think? Is Paul talking about engaging believers or unbelievers here? What is your individual policy on engaging in internet debate? I ask being I am literally tiring myself out always trying to give reasoned defenses, only to have insult, misrepresentation, misunderstanding, and false accusation thrown in my face.

I think it is a balance that we often find difficult to maintain. I quit debating when I finally figured out that for me it was a matter pf pride. I still do sometimes get caught up in debates with Arminians. I stay away from places like General Theology.

We are to ernestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, Jude :3-4, and Paul also tells us there are some whose mouths must be stopped. Tit.1:10-11 But whether that is by debate or in the preaching of the Gospel in all its wonder and glory I cannot tell.

I heard an old preacher say once that if you can debate what you believe then what you believe is debatable.

 

[AmericanSamurai]

I heard an old preacher say once that if you can debate what you believe then what you believe is debatable.

I like this. I do agree that debating about the Gospel is an exercise in futility. I believe it was Ravi Zacharias who said not to give people who don't love truth more material to misinterpret.

 

[stenerson]

I think organized, moderated debates are a good thing that have produced fruit.
Online, chatroom and forum squabbling on the other hand probably not so much.

 

[MechPebbles]

If the debate becomes heated, it's definitely time to disengage. The other guy's no longer listening.

I find it very hard to remain silent when someone talks about losing one's salvation. But if it is related to Limited Atonement, I'll probably keep quiet. That doctrine is too hard for most non-Calvinists to stomach.

 

[JM]

I say debates are useful and necessary. They confront an unbelieving world and further harden the hearts of unrepentant sinners. It is a way in which God uses the church to actively harden the hearts of the reprobate. By presenting the Gospel to the so-called intellectual elite we tear down their false sense of knowledge.

Yours in the Lord,

jm

 

[JustAsIam77]

I also say debates are useful. Proverbs 27:17 says iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

However, when debates becomes futile and there is no agreement there becomes a time to "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife" (2 Tim. 2:23, NKJV).

Then is the time to disengage as stated in Matthew 10:14, shake off the dust of your feet and depart.

 

[AMR]

@TaylorSexton

What do you guys think? Is Paul talking about engaging believers or unbelievers here? What is your individual policy on engaging in internet debate? I ask being I am literally tiring myself out always trying to give reasoned defenses, only to have insult, misrepresentation, misunderstanding, and false accusation thrown in my face.

One must be a good steward of the time God grants them (Ephesians 5:15; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Mark 12:30). The time granted should be spent bringing glory to God in word, deed, or thought. Let that be your litmus test (Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8) for entering into debate where some of the clashing that takes place will inflame one's passions and lead one to sin, especially as relates to the ninth commandment. Debates are not for the faint of heart, the immature of faith or character. Nevertheless, I agree with Doug Wilson that debates are a duty.

Given that duty one should equip himself well by much study, taking every word captive for the glory of God. Too much of what passes for "debate" is nothing more than cavils that degenerate into ad hominems or embarrassing error that brings scandal upon that which we hold dear as the hearer is led into error by one's own error. Every disagreement is not a call to debate, so also be a good steward of your gifts and time—not everyone deserves it and you are not obligated to give it unworthily (Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 5:15-17; Psalm 90:12; Isaiah 49:4). That is especially true as you gain ability and find yourself being "called out" often by those that are seeking to make a name for themselves or are just toadying to the mob at your expense. Ignore these types, choosing your battles and your opponents wisely.

Nothing above should be taken to imply we are to be milquetoasts about matters of the faith. MacArthur sums it up nicely:

{The Truth War} is not mere wrangling between competing earthly ideologies. It is not simply a campaign to refine someone’s religious creed or win a denominational spitting contest. It is not a battle of wits over arcane theological fine points. It is not an argument for sport. It is not a like a school debate, staged to see who is more skilled or more clever in the art of argumentation. It is not merely academic in any sense. And it is certainly not a game. It is a very serious struggle to safeguard the heart and soul of truth itself and to unleash that truth against the powers of darkness – in hopes to rescuing the eternal souls of men and women who have been unwittingly ensnared by the trap of devilish deception. This is a battle we cannot wage effectively if we always try to come across to the world as merely nice, nonchalant, docile, agreeable, and fun-loving people. We must not take our cues from people who are perfectly happy to compromise the truth wherever possible for harmony’s sake. Friendly dialogue may sound affable and pleasant. But neither Christ nor the apostles ever confronted serious, soul-destroying error by building collegial relationships with false teachers.​