Christian Debate - Oxymoron?

Amen. We must be VERY careful when discussing issues. Discussion is a part of learning, but when it turns to contention it becomes sin. This conviction has pulled out of several threads here on the BB.

We must however delineate between discussion and contentious debate. It is the heart behind it. When I find myself becoming angry during a discussion it is time to change the subject or leave the "debate."

 

Hi Timothy - I have been thinking about this exact same thing in the last few days. Some more examples:

2 Tim 2
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

And:

Titus 3
9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

I was talking to a (Christian) friend of mine about some of these verses, and he suggested that they mean we aren't to debate with other Christians - simply to tell them the truth from the Bible. If they ask questions, answer them; but if they refuse to believe the truth, then just leave them alone. Hoy do YOU think we should handle discussion of different ideas/doctrines???

 

How can we, this side of heaven, avoid strife in the sense of disagreement? Are we going to elect a pope who will decide all disagreements infallibly?

It is humanly impossible to avoid all disagreement, and our only choice is to learn to deal with our disagreements in a fashion that is better than the ways of the flesh.

Paul gave us some hints along that line as he discussed how we ought to deal with a brother who disagrees with us over whether or not to eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols.

 

It goes back to what is going on in our hearts. If a Bible discussion is resulting in mutual edification and learning, staying Bible based, then that is a valid learning tool.

When I judge my brother, instead of his argument, then I have gone to far.

 

Dear Bro Timothy1769,

To me and IMO, it's a very simple formula, if the results of the "debate" are the all-to-often insult, and innuendo followed by a vindictive put down, it is of the flesh and we are all of like passion.

If the results are edification, blessing and yes even a well received exhortation then it is of the Spirit.

I know its probably not kosher to mention names but by way of illustration, Archangel is almost always a source of edification for me and we have debated and disagreed concerning a number of items. He never ends his notes with a "na-na-na-na-na-na, my bible's better than yours" attitude.

That very attitude (being a disobedience to the Scripture IMO) is what causes a mental block in the heart, mind and spirit of the one against whom it is launched, even if perchance the launcher had the very truth.

On the other hand, the Scripture encouragers those who are spiritual to admonish others when necessary.

Jesus our High Priest leading the way...

Revelation 3:19
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

HankD

 

Paul rebuked Peter regarding his legalism. No, not to humiliate him, but to bring him back to the truth.

 

Well said.

And

Well said.



Dave