Is it pointless

[IAMANOBODY2015]

Not necessarily. There are levels of "argument". If it is a one-on-one argument without exposure to anyone else, at some point, there must be discernment as to whether or not to continue the discussion/argument.

If there are others that witness the discussion/argument, such as in an internet forum or in the public square, there is again discernment on when to stop the discussion/argument (i.e. when the opponent appears closed). However the difference when there are other witnesses present or have access to the argument, you really have no idea how God is working in the heart of the witnesses. So it always important to discuss/argue in truth and grace, realizing that you may be effecting lives you had no idea. It has happened to me. I was involved in a discussion with a very closed opponent, yet weeks later someone outside of the discussion sent me a note thanking me for the encouragement that they found in my side of the discussion. This is not meant to brag, because I am nothing apart from the grace of God, but my point is, you never know who is listening. And for the Christian, the audience to which you are presenting is God (not saying that your opponent is God, but that one day, you will give account before God for every word spoken from your mouth, or written down).

I know you are right. That is scary. I just hope I don't condemn myself. I probably already have.

 

[Chriliman]

Is it pointless to argue with the haters? I mean it doesn't change their minds.

The better question is: How can we show love to those who disagree with us?

It is not pointless to show love to those who disagree with you.

It is pointless to try and convince someone that God exists because God is the one who proves himself to people, people do not prove God. However, we are still called to give a reason for our hope to those who ask and we are to do this gently and respectfully.

1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"

 

[IAMANOBODY2015]

The better question is: How can we show love to those who disagree with us?

It is not pointless to show love to those who disagree with you.

It is pointless to try and convince someone that God exists because God is the one who proves himself to people, people do not prove God. However, we are still called to give a reason for our hope to those who ask and we are to do this gently and respectfully.

1 Peter 3:15
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"

I wish I knew how to do that.

 

[Chriliman]

I wish I knew how to do that.

The answers come when you stay humble before God and show patience and love to others.

 

[Strivax]

'Those convinced against their will
Hold the same opinion, still.'

You cannot argue someone into faith. They will find it for themselves, if they search with their hearts, rather than their heads.

The best we believers can do with argument, I think, is to show that, given the accepted premises of a God existing, and being supreme goodness, we are not inconsistent in our beliefs.

Cheers, Strivax.

 

[Loudmouth]

Is it pointless to argue with the haters? I mean it doesn't change their minds.

You may change the minds of people who read the posts (i.e. lurkers). That makes it worthwhile.

In the end, demonstrating that someone is dogmatic and closed minded can go a long way towards changing the opinion of the general public.

 

[Uncle Siggy]

But you're not that way?

If it's something I've never heard before I will look it up, if it's plausible I will consider it if it isn't it goes in 13 circular...

 

[Uncle Siggy]

Then why are they here on CF?

You would have to ask them that, maybe they will tell you the truth and maybe they won't...