Ok why this thread? Because I reckon that there are many who have a good knowledge of scripture here yet can not seem to close a debate. The point of debate ought to be to learn, not to be right all of the time. And the majority of debating that I see here tends to circle and circle and circle. Why? Because we have missed out on the key of scriptural debate.
Here is what typically happens (at least in my observation).
The 1st person will state an idea and a bunch of scripture to back it up.
The next person in will say, "oh yeah, but what about these scriptures..." and post a bunch of seemingly contradictory scriptures.
It is right here at the onset that the key of scriptural debate has been lost.
OK?
Here's the principle. (This only applies to Baptist/Anabaptists what the rest of them do in their own forums is none of my concern)
We believe (at least I hope I can say "we") that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, given by inspiration, and is perfect. If this is so you can not use the Bible to disprove the Bible. Either it is all true or none of it is true.
Therefore your first objective in scriptural debate is to state how the original verses have been misinterpreted. Then, and only then, do you have an avenue to present your scriptures that show the opposite of the OPs opinion. You will never persuade someone that their idea is wrong if they sincerly believe that the Scriptures are telling them something. So you MUST clarify the scripture first. This should be done in a gentle and humble way. Soapboxes don't help anyone.
Now that is the key, but we can add some principles to guide our understanding.
1) Don't (automatically) go Greek. Especially if you don't know Greek.
There is value in the original languages but I have found, after learning Greek, that the KJV in English is more than sufficient. When cutting and pasting some Greek from a computer program you'll find yourself in big trouble when you come upon someone who has actually studied the language. Greek is complex and remember that not all "scholars" agree on all points of translation (or manuscripts for that matter). So if you start to toss Greek around you may actually end up more confused than when you start. (remember: I'm talking about trying to prove points in a debate-style thread).
2) Be wary of Commentaries. (Hey that rhymes!)
Commentaries are great sources for personal study and clarification, but when you try to use them to prove your points, you may end up in trouble. Absolutely no one agrees with anyone commentary. Personally when it comes to interpretation I couldn't care less what Matthew Henry has to say, or Martin Luther or any other man. Illumination is the ministry of the Holy Spirit and I trust in Him alone. This, of course, does not mean that I never use commentaries. Rather I mean that I do not treat them as authoritative.
3) Don't try to "win" a debate.
If that's your motivation, then frankly you've already lost.
4) Seek to reach and teach.
The truth IN LOVE is our goal. To the edification of the saints (which is all of us, not just you
) is our call. This is being "wise as serpents, gentle as doves." The cause of Christ is never moved forward by pontification (Bleecher's will love that statement!).
5) Be open to the truth that you may be wrong.
I find this more often than not is the problem. Human beings will often continue with an argument or debate even when they know that they are wrong. This is the utmost of silliness. (But I could be wrong ).
6) Guard your emotions!
ACK!
If you are getting emotionally wound up, leave the debate for awhile and come back to it when your spirit is settled. Emotions are a deceiver. Don't be led by them. There is no room for "righteous wrath" in here because it is more often than not "self-righteous wrath".
7) Love each other.
Here is what typically happens (at least in my observation).
The 1st person will state an idea and a bunch of scripture to back it up.
The next person in will say, "oh yeah, but what about these scriptures..." and post a bunch of seemingly contradictory scriptures.
It is right here at the onset that the key of scriptural debate has been lost.
OK?
Here's the principle. (This only applies to Baptist/Anabaptists what the rest of them do in their own forums is none of my concern)
We believe (at least I hope I can say "we") that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, given by inspiration, and is perfect. If this is so you can not use the Bible to disprove the Bible. Either it is all true or none of it is true.
Therefore your first objective in scriptural debate is to state how the original verses have been misinterpreted. Then, and only then, do you have an avenue to present your scriptures that show the opposite of the OPs opinion. You will never persuade someone that their idea is wrong if they sincerly believe that the Scriptures are telling them something. So you MUST clarify the scripture first. This should be done in a gentle and humble way. Soapboxes don't help anyone.
Now that is the key, but we can add some principles to guide our understanding.
1) Don't (automatically) go Greek. Especially if you don't know Greek.
There is value in the original languages but I have found, after learning Greek, that the KJV in English is more than sufficient. When cutting and pasting some Greek from a computer program you'll find yourself in big trouble when you come upon someone who has actually studied the language. Greek is complex and remember that not all "scholars" agree on all points of translation (or manuscripts for that matter). So if you start to toss Greek around you may actually end up more confused than when you start. (remember: I'm talking about trying to prove points in a debate-style thread).
2) Be wary of Commentaries. (Hey that rhymes!)
Commentaries are great sources for personal study and clarification, but when you try to use them to prove your points, you may end up in trouble. Absolutely no one agrees with anyone commentary. Personally when it comes to interpretation I couldn't care less what Matthew Henry has to say, or Martin Luther or any other man. Illumination is the ministry of the Holy Spirit and I trust in Him alone. This, of course, does not mean that I never use commentaries. Rather I mean that I do not treat them as authoritative.
3) Don't try to "win" a debate.
If that's your motivation, then frankly you've already lost.
4) Seek to reach and teach.
The truth IN LOVE is our goal. To the edification of the saints (which is all of us, not just you
) is our call. This is being "wise as serpents, gentle as doves." The cause of Christ is never moved forward by pontification (Bleecher's will love that statement!).5) Be open to the truth that you may be wrong.
I find this more often than not is the problem. Human beings will often continue with an argument or debate even when they know that they are wrong. This is the utmost of silliness. (But I could be wrong
). 6) Guard your emotions!
ACK!
If you are getting emotionally wound up, leave the debate for awhile and come back to it when your spirit is settled. Emotions are a deceiver. Don't be led by them. There is no room for "righteous wrath" in here because it is more often than not "self-righteous wrath".
7) Love each other.
