Need help

[bsd058]

Need help in this thread, brothers and sisters: http://www.christianforums.com/t7702875/

I've got a kenoticist denying the hypostatic union (a quasi-Eutychianist), and I might be in need of assistance if I can't handle myself.

lol. He said that he is sure that I never studied this subject at all. Has me thinking I'm missing something. I feel like I've studied a lot and understand the proper doctrine.

But then he said that my problem is that I read too much of other people's works. So any help appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Calvinist Dark Lord]

Need help in this thread, brothers and sisters: http://www.christianforums.com/t7702875/

I've got a kenoticist denying the hypostatic union (a quasi-Eutychianist), and I might be in need of assistance if I can't handle myself.

lol. He said that he is sure that I never studied this subject at all. Has me thinking I'm missing something. I feel like I've studied a lot and understand the proper doctrine.

But then he said that my problem is that I read too much of other people's works. So any help appreciated.

Thanks.

Without looking at the thread, you need to realise that your opponent's response is what is generally said when they are incapable of answering the argument presented.

Go back and see if he or she has given any actual answers.

 

[bsd058]

Ya, he was giving a few answers, but they were kind of weak and he wasn't really understanding the basic concepts. I think he was talking past my points. Whatever. Not important. I found out that he wasn't interested in learning. He just wanted to tell people that they were wrong. Even though every passage I gave refuted him, and he barely gave any scriptural support for his view, he just chose to not take me seriously, I guess. Whatever. I just sometimes feel like people don't want to learn. they only want to say what they believe. I even asked for material that would assist me in understanding his view and he didn't give me any. So no one can say I didn't try.

 

[Eddie L]

That's been true of theology forums for the last 15 years. Most of the time none of us are here to learn. Most people posting on a forum like this are already convinced one way or another. That's why there's no point in getting emotionally attached to a discussion or frustrated by a person that doesn't seem interested in what you think are awesome arguments.

I like engaging people who are kind of angry about Calvinism. The pattern is always the same because most people's struggle with Calvinism is philosophical, not biblical. Rather that get in "argue mode", I think some progress can be made when we emphasize the sweetness and kindness of sovereign grace. It may be the first time they've seen that. They bash Calvinists with their friends, most likely, and have only heard the philosophical objections. By keeping our cool, refusing to become offended, and putting the alternative out there we might actually offer a good witness while offering a perspective they've not seen before.

The only way this works, though, is to decide up front that you are not emotionally tied to any outcome of the conversation, to decide that you're speaking to one person and not showboating for readers, and praying for the patience of Job. That, to me, is the only way this remains fun.

 

[bsd058]

That's been true of theology forums for the last 15 years. Most of the time none of us are here to learn. Most people posting on a forum like this are already convinced one way or another. That's why there's no point in getting emotionally attached to a discussion or frustrated by a person that doesn't seem interested in what you think are awesome arguments.

I like engaging people who are kind of angry about Calvinism. The pattern is always the same because most people's struggle with Calvinism is philosophical, not biblical. Rather that get in "argue mode", I think some progress can be made when we emphasize the sweetness and kindness of sovereign grace. It may be the first time they've seen that. They bash Calvinists with their friends, most likely, and have only heard the philosophical objections. By keeping our cool, refusing to become offended, and putting the alternative out there we might actually offer a good witness while offering a perspective they've not seen before.

The only way this works, though, is to decide up front that you are not emotionally tied to any outcome of the conversation, to decide that you're speaking to one person and not showboating for readers, and praying for the patience of Job. That, to me, is the only way this remains fun.

That's good advice. I think I'll just do that. It's difficult sometimes. You almost want to reach through the computer screen and shake them till they get it. lol. Thanks.

 

[Calvinist Dark Lord]

Ya, he was giving a few answers, but they were kind of weak and he wasn't really understanding the basic concepts. I think he was talking past my points. Whatever. Not important. I found out that he wasn't interested in learning. He just wanted to tell people that they were wrong. Even though every passage I gave refuted him, and he barely gave any scriptural support for his view, he just chose to not take me seriously, I guess. Whatever. I just sometimes feel like people don't want to learn. they only want to say what they believe. I even asked for material that would assist me in understanding his view and he didn't give me any. So no one can say I didn't try.

Seen stuff like this before on other boards.

i would not be surprised if your opponent is giving 'canned' responses from some source.

He or she would be anticipating your objections and posting some response from a FAQ off a web site advocating his position.

Find the source, and rebut the contentions of the actual author. Force the guy off his 'script' and he won't be able to answer.

i once ran into this with somebody who was advocating the Noahide religion. The advocate had entire essays dedicated to certain objections.

Of course, the original author didn't know much Greek, and a few simple Greek grammar questions punctured the entire essay. The guy wasn't so good when he had to think for himself and come up with his own arguments.

 

[bsd058]

Ya, I think I'll just take the Proverbs 26:4 method on this one. He has made it clear that he is not willing to learn about the traditional view. He said he just wanted to debate and show that the orthodox view was wrong. So I'll just distance myself for now, and wait for someone willing to be honest with the text.