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Are we being honest in the way we characterize others views?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by mandym, Sep 23, 2011.

  1. mandym

    mandym New Member

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    It seems to me that there is a debate method that goes on here where we take the words of another poster on any topic we disagree with and use our own theological world view to re characterize is rather than ask for clarification. It appears this is done for the purpose of creating a problem or inconsistency with other posters view so it can be defeated in debate.

    Is it not better to set our own logic aside and try to honestly determine the use of words and the logic used by the other poster? Or are we so insecure with our own position that we have to get every bit of extra edge on others?

    It seems this is more dishonesty than it is a mistaken understanding.
     
  2. mandym

    mandym New Member

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    http://www.lifeaction.org/revival-resources/heart-cry-journal/issue-47/why-tell-truth/
     
  3. JesusFan

    JesusFan Well-Known Member

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    My observation os that is due to 3 factors here on the BB...
    We don't know the other position well, if at all
    We create "straw men" out of what others teach, making them say things others do not believe
    We also see people not willing to be consistent, as when the logical conclusion of their side is given, refuse to admit it!
     
    #3 JesusFan, Sep 24, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 24, 2011
  4. Ruiz

    Ruiz New Member

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  5. 12strings

    12strings Active Member

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    I would add one more, while admitting that most of us are probably guilty of mis-treating other posters and their arguments...I'd like to propose a possible reason why the whole "straw-man" happens, even by those intending to fairly represent the opposing view:

    Each of us has an opinion, which we believe to be right. This is good and normal, since if we did not think our opinion was right, it would not be our opinion. Further, most of us have heard at least a little bit from someone who holds the opposite view. We have considered what we have heard, and most of us remain convinced that our view is correct.

    (almost there, bear with me); One reason we believe our view is correct is because when we thought about the opposite view, something about it sounded unbelievable, unbiblical, or emotionally repelling. When we consider the other view, it often seems that the logical outworking of the other view leads to ridiculous conclusions, which we then assign to anyone who holds something similar to the opposing view.

    So one reason for straw-men is because if we didn't think the other view had some serious logical or biblical problems, we would not be so concerned with debating it in the first place.

    So on one level, I don't know if we can have any debate without both sides setting up straw men and knocking them down. The test comes by asking if we are able to civily and kindly correct our opponents with gentleness about what we truly believe, and be willing to accept that an opponent might hold to a certain view but not hold to what WE believe is the necessary accompaniment to that view
     
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