I have come to the conclusion that most of the contentious posts are actually questioning each other over principles of exegesis (drawing out the intended meaning of scripture) and eisegesis (reading meaning into scripture from extra-biblical perspectives).
The adversarial nature of the exchanges intensifies when suggestions of eisegesis are made, whereas the contentions over exegesis are summed up by an observation Paul made:
2 Corinthians 10:12
Quote:
For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.
I have been doing this and observing the way the posts are used to measure and rank each other and then challenge the alignments and assigned rankings - I now repent.
I should have been doing this:
2 Corinthians 10:3 -5
Quote:
3For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.
4For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)
I was becoming carnal in how I engaged other people and not walking in the Spirit and commenting in love.
Mark
The adversarial nature of the exchanges intensifies when suggestions of eisegesis are made, whereas the contentions over exegesis are summed up by an observation Paul made:
2 Corinthians 10:12
Quote:
For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.
I have been doing this and observing the way the posts are used to measure and rank each other and then challenge the alignments and assigned rankings - I now repent.
I should have been doing this:
2 Corinthians 10:3 -5
Quote:
3For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons.
4For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5[Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)
I was becoming carnal in how I engaged other people and not walking in the Spirit and commenting in love.
Mark