The purpose of debating

[Stryder06]

Why do we bother with debates? I've been thinking about this for some time now, and after speaking with my Pastor last sabbath, I have little to do desire to participate in these forums any longer.

It's one thing to speak to someone who is genuinly seeking the truth about what we teach, but more so than not, those aren't the individuals that we encounter.

So should we really waste time with people who are more interested in controversy than truth? I don't think so. Speaking for myself, my desire to reach people is the root cause for my actions in regards to engaging in debates, but we wrestle not against flesh and blood. Our time would probably be better spent studying together, and praying for others. That's just my $.02

 

[OntheDL]

Why do we bother with debates? I've been thinking about this for some time now, and after speaking with my Pastor last sabbath, I have little to do desire to participate in these forums any longer.

It's one thing to speak to someone who is genuinly seeking the truth about what we teach, but more so than not, those aren't the individuals that we encounter.

So should we really waste time with people who are more interested in controversy than truth? I don't think so. Speaking for myself, my desire to reach people is the root cause for my actions in regards to engaging in debates, but we wrestle not against flesh and blood. Our time would probably be better spent studying together, and praying for others. That's just my $.02

Hi,

I don't know about the churches where you live. But from what I heard from friends, the condition is not all that different from that of the states.

Our churches are not all that different from those who come here. The churches are full of people who don't understand and don't don't believe in and don't agree with our beliefs. They are just less vocal and are less aggressive because there is more accountability in person than there is online for those who are behind a screen with a keyboard.

The reason I still go to Adventist church and the reason I still come to the Adventist forum here is that I'm the real Adventist. I have no where else to do. And if I don't come and speak up, the church and this forum will be left with those who despise our message. And what about the new comers? They'd be left alone to the wolves.

God is not willing to leave His church is total darkness. He has preserved unto Him a people. They might be scattered and in vast minority. But their voice is not be to silenced.

It'd be great if we can find like-minded believers to study the deeper aspect of our faith together. But the devil has worked tirelessly to destroy the good things. God permits this doing. Controversy sometimes forces us to study. This is part of the last battle, the battle of the mind.The gold refined and purified in the fiery trials.

 

[Kira Light]

I don't think posting here serves much of a greater good for anyone. I find it interesting so I like to read and post something every once in a while.

On a practical note, there just aren't that many people browsing this forum. If you are googling for SDA forums, this one doesn't even come up so I don't think there are a ton of people lurking and missing out on some truth in the midst of all the debate.

 

[k4c]

The only thing I get out of debating is that it keeps me sharp in the word but it does no good to the dispostion of my spirit.

 

[Pythons]

It ( debate ) separates fact from fantasy & allows one to experience if they really belive their doctrines....
...OR, if they simply burp-up what others have told them of the doctrine.

This is why Christ and the Apostles participated in debate....
...And that this spectacle was recorded in Sacred Scripture.

 

[mannysee]

It ( debate ) separates fact from fantasy & allows one to experience if they really belive their doctrines....
...OR, if they simply burp-up what others have told them of the doctrine.

This is why Christ and the Apostles participated in debate....
...And that this spectacle was recorded in Sacred Scripture.

Yes. Debating is a healthy practice. Also when you listen or read a respectful debate or discussion, you can follow along and think things through.
If you've been wrong about something which you've held, then you need to be honest with yourself and adopt the true position, rather than dig your heels in etc.

I once engaged in a discussion here concerning a subject. I presented my points carefully and with thought. My 'opponent' engaged in the 'attack the man' argument, by labelling me "unstable". Quite ridiculous really and childish. Why would I bother any further in discussion, when presented with this?

Yes. Debate sharpens the mind and is useful.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

I agree again with my brother DL... we are to be the watchmen and to sound the warning. I know that some of the people I engage with on here are not one bit interested in the truth, but I will do my best, with the Spirits help, to make sure that the truth is none the less presented. As DL said, there may be someone lurking that may benefit from a seed of truth sown....

Sow on brothers, sow on!

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Yes. Debating is a healthy practice.

Debating is a Greek philospohy and does not lead to an understanding of truth. It causes seeds of doubt and confusion and stems from the idea that there is no such things as absolute truth, there is my truth and your truth... the real fruits of debating.

 

[Stryder06]

It ( debate ) separates fact from fantasy & allows one to experience if they really belive their doctrines....
...OR, if they simply burp-up what others have told them of the doctrine.

This is why Christ and the Apostles participated in debate....
...And that this spectacle was recorded in Sacred Scripture.

Christ didn't debate. He taught in parables.

And debate has little to nothing to do with seperating "fact" from "fantasy". We wrestle not against flesh and blood. There's a reason why Christ said for us to not cast our pearls before swine. It's a waste of time.

 

[Stryder06]

Debating is a Greek philospohy and does not lead to an understanding of truth. It causes seeds of doubt and confusion and stems from the idea that there is no such things as absolute truth, there is my truth and your truth... the real fruits of debating.

Agreed! Speaking from experience, I've felt disturbed in my spirit more often after leaving certain conversations on this forum. There's no way some of these conversations are pleasing to God, nor should we think that we're always advancing the kingdom as such. There's a proper way to put forth what one believes, but what goes on around here, more so than not, is not the way.

 

[Stryder06]

I agree again with my brother DL... we are to be the watchmen and to sound the warning. I know that some of the people I engage with on here are not one bit interested in the truth, but I will do my best, with the Spirits help, to make sure that the truth is none the less presented. As DL said, there may be someone lurking that may benefit from a seed of truth sown....

Sow on brothers, sow on!

I agree that someone may benefit from our conversations, but that does not mean that this is the best way to put the truth forward. Christ said we ought not cast our pearls before swine, Sr White strongly discourages the spirit of debate. When we debate we're engaging with the minds of the advesary, not the minds of men.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

I agree that someone may benefit from our conversations, but that does not mean that this is the best way to put the truth forward. Christ said we ought not cast our pearls before swine, Sr White strongly discourages the spirit of debate. When we debate we're engaging with the minds of the advesary, not the minds of men.

I am not advocating debate but rather to post the truth of the pillars and platform of Adventism. I am trying not to respond to comment to my posts because I do not want to be de'baited' into a negative spirit.

 

[Stryder06]

I am not advocating debate but rather to post the truth of the pillars and platform of Adventism. I am trying not to respond to comment to my posts because I do not want to be de'baited' into a negative spirit.

I feel you. And @ "de'bated".

Thing is that our words are always going to be misconstrued on these forums. And honestly, if you google search "Adventism" you'll have to wade through more rubbish than truth. I think that it's good for us to stand for what we believe, but I think we're wasting our time when we have to defend ourselves over and over again, against the same people who are obviously not interested in what we have to say.

 

[Kira Light]

I agree that someone may benefit from our conversations, but that does not mean that this is the best way to put the truth forward. Christ said we ought not cast our pearls before swine, Sr White strongly discourages the spirit of debate. When we debate we're engaging with the minds of the advesary, not the minds of men.

It is interesting to think that if EGW hadn't ever come along with her Sabbath truth we would all probably be on the same side right now and happy in our various churches and denominations. We may have smaller disagreements, but probably nothing we couldn't look passed, and we would all be part of the greater Christian family.

Instead we have Christians calling one another swine. It is very depressing.

 

[Stryder06]

It is interesting to think that if EGW hadn't ever come along with her Sabbath truth we would all probably be on the same side right now and happy in our various churches and denominations. We may have smaller disagreements, but probably nothing we couldn't look passed, and we would all be part of the greater Christian family.

Instead we have Christians calling one another swine. It is very depressing.

First, Sr White was given the sabbath truth by a 7th day baptist.
Second, no truth should be overlooked for the sake of unity. The word of God divides between those who truly love Him, and those who do not. God will unify His people, and they won't have to sacrifice truth for that to occur. Third: No one is calling anyone swine. What's truly depressing is having someone question your Christianity under the guise of "brotherhood" and "fellowship".

 

[Cribstyl]

The rational of debating does imply conflicting arguments about specific topics.

The purpose of debating among Christian should be to reach common ground that we may be one family in Jesus Christ.

We all win when the scriptures settle the questions and answers.

 

[Kira Light]

The rational of debating does imply conflicting arguments about specific topics.

The purpose of debating among Christian should be to reach common ground that we may be one family in Jesus Christ.

We all win when the scriptures settle the questions and answers.

Is it even possible to be "one family" with Adventists? The entire thing is based on exclusivity. In fact, they actively avoid being part of the greater Christian community because "narrow is the way".

If they woke up tomorrow and the entire world had accepted SDAism, how fast would they abandon it?

 

[JohnMarsten]

Debate or not debate that is the question!

From what I read (not just in this thread, but in others) some people seem to be a little bit against my being here. Apparently I am just copying from anti-adventist webpages, not seeking the Truth and being in need of repentance.

Well, first of all I want to share with you that I am going to post less in the time to come, maybe not all, I have thought about this before I read those post of yours today, so dont worry I took no offence. Rejoice!!!

As far as this debate thing is concerned I want to share my position with you.

As you already know I was involved with the SDA church some time ago, I know the church, I know the people, I know the strategies, there is nothing knew under the sun.

Before I got a lot of information from the internet I had some thoughts before that turned into doubts, being dissatisfied with what was going on in the church I didnt want to let it suck me dry and stopped attending. It was after that that I started to get info from the net, from people who have studied it and found some fault.

It is only natural that anti adventist sites will post negative views on SDAizm. And they are way beyond the position of seeking some affirmation on whether the SDA is the so-called true church, remnant or something...

Lets cut to the chase, after having all that info it was just interesting for me how people would react to the stuff I posted, IMHO it is disturbing info/news indeed.

From what I can read even in this post, we have a guy like ECR who is not up to debate he is up to spreading the pioneer truth, there is no room for debate, no humbleness to accept.ackowledge mistake, its just spreading some truth which doesnt necessarily have to be truth. THat is what debate is for.

Its like, does the bible allow for a glass of wine? Debate would allow all people to come up with arguments, in this case let the bible speak for its own. But no, if people say a bishop cannot drink too much wine, which in turn means he was allowed to drink at least some wine, no, we will not accept that but come up with wild theories, grape juice thing and stuff...

We live in a free world (for now, and partially of course) debate is a means of expressing opinion. THe other side of the coin is dictatorship, thats what the Roman Catholic church has done over the ages, I think all sects work the same, they come up with ideology which cannot be questioned, and if questioned, people are encouraged to leave, if they dont repent.

As for me I cannot accept such a stand. And of course it dawns on me that people like ECR are only interested in having two kinds of visitor to this forum. ONe the hand indoctrinated people who possess a vast knowledge of SDA truth (especially EGW) and post it and on the other hand people who are seeking to get to know more of it. THe third kind, people who question it, are not welcome...

Be it as it may...

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

The fellowship of brethren is for edification and instruction in righteousness. We are told not to say or do anything that may be a stumbling block to a brother. When someone expresses a doubt about a commonly held belief or doctrine within the church, that can, and has, caused weaker brethren to question and to fall away from the faith. I believe that if a person is experiencing problems with some aspect of church doctrine, they should speak to someone in the church such as an elder or pastor (or PM someone) that is strong in their faith and will be able to adequately address their concerns. I don't think anyone on here wants to be found responsible for causing another of turning from their faith... unfortunately, in a public forum, we don't know who is reading the things we post... let's not be a stumbling block to those we cannot see.

 

[Stryder06]

Is it even possible to be "one family" with Adventists? The entire thing is based on exclusivity. In fact, they actively avoid being part of the greater Christian community because "narrow is the way".

If they woke up tomorrow and the entire world had accepted SDAism, how fast would they abandon it?

I'm sorry, but how exclusive can you be when you hold to a mission that involves reaching the entire world? And what do you mean by actively avoiding being part of the greater Christian community?