Question to those who reason the things of God

[Guest man]

Now this does not mean the person is correct and, as we know, men are very proud and hate to be wrong.

I got to this sentence and stopped reading.

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Now as for these.

I've seen a lot of debates and discussions in my 7 years here. I've often wondered - do those participating in the discussions actually consider what the others say when it's counter to one's own thoughts?

I do. I check to see if what's being said lines up with the Word.

Tell me - do you look up the scriptures given? Do you investigate what was said if it's something new to you?

I often check the context in which the scripture is given.

And I'm really curious about this - has anyone ever been in a discussion and altered their view because of it? Here on Worthy, I mean.

I've learned a few things here.

And one last question - do you think it's important to "hear" the other or is it dangerous? Either way, why.

I thinks it's important to always hear the other side, unless the message being put forth is so far off the mark or ridiculous that it would be a waste of time.

[ayin jade]

1) do those participating in the discussions actually consider what the others say when it's counter to one's own thoughts?

2) Tell me - do you look up the scriptures given? Do you investigate what was said if it's something new to you?

3) And I'm really curious about this - has anyone ever been in a discussion and altered their view because of it? Here on Worthy, I mean.

4) And one last question - do you think it's important to "hear" the other or is it dangerous? Either way, why.

I added numbers to your post to make it easier for me to respond.

1) Yes, I try and be berean at all times. I listen to what is said, then compare it to scripture to see if it lines up.

2) Yes, I check out the scripture and investigate anything that is newly presented to me. After awhile though, the same things tend to get brought up without anything new added. Those I tend not to check out again.

3) I dont keep track of things like that lol, but I know my views on some disputable parts of scripture have been altered because of what someone has shown me online on at least one occasion. There are likely other occasions as well. However, I never take someones word for it without verifying through scripture or verifying other sources if it is not a scriptural issue.

4) Yes and no. If one is well grounded in scripture, then listening to another isnt dangerous as it would be to someone who isnt grounded. (Im assuming that someone is posting heresy that can be a snare to another in my response to your question.)

Tell me - do you mostly enter conversations where your viewpoint is already set in stone, or those that give you pause? In other words, are you mostly looking for answers or pushing forward ideas?

I enter conversations on things I am interested in, regardless of whether or not my opinion is set in stone. I sometimes look for answers in a topic, but the only times Im interested in pushing forward ideas is in refuting something false. I cant help myself then. I must take a stance on His truth. Otherwise, I will post my view. How others take it is up to them. I have no need to push a view to anyone who isnt interested lol.

[traveller]

I'm generally very confident in what I understand to be true, but I try to be humble enough to learn new things and change my view. This only happens via sound Scriptural interpretation.

For unbelievers, my understanding is set in stone.

I do enjoy discussing things, but pride is very evident in certain scenarios so I generally avoid discussions online. In person, however, they are very edifying and enjoyable.

So you find it easier to reason the things of God in person? Do you share your heart more fully in person or online?

[Shaliach]

I usually ask myself a series of questions before entering into a discussion (or a debate). During a discussion I will revisit these same questions to see what, if anything, has changed.

What am I getting involved in this subject (discussion/debate)? What is my purpose?

What is my goal(s)? What is it I hope to achieve? Why?

What is my "pay off"? What do I personally get out of participating in the thread?

Then working to keep in mind the following: In order to be the best possible teacher I can be, I must first be (and maintain being) the best possible student that I can be. Accept nothing at "face value", not even my own words! Check, test and recheck everything against the word of God, and when and if necessary, get the advice of mature counselors. Above all: Never be afraid to say, "I don't know."

For example: This thread -

My purpose here is to share a different opinion on the subject. To expand the scope of the discussion.

My goal is to present a different point of view that may assist others in evaluating their own participation in some subjects, i.e., deciding in advance which subjects might be worth the time and effort to respond and carry on an exchange, and those subjects that are designed to simply draw folk in discussions of no personal or spiritual value. To engage in right/wrong games and spiritual one-upmanship exchanges. I do this in order to contribute something to raising (hopefully) the standard of the discussions and to facilitate the exchange and evaluation of ideas, opinions, and insights in a "safe" environment.

If I observe such an improvement as I hope for, then my effort has been validated. If not, then I know that I must try again.

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While all of this may seem to be a lot to go through, with just a little practice one can go through all of the above in a matter of a minute or two. Of course there is a "down side" to it. It requires a growing degree of personal honesty (integrity) each time one utilizes the process. Sometimes I really get scared and just drop it. LOLOL Then after spending a little time with our Lord, I will revisit the subject and then decide if I should get involved or not. If it is for attention, personal gratification, self justification (being right), or to diminish another in anyway, I'll pass. On the other hand, if I think I might be of some actual service to another, then I will generally proceed. When I have said all that I intended to say, think appropriate to say, I quit posting, because sometimes I will post too much and get myself into trouble!

[traveller]

Very nice reply, Shaliach! And this is what I was getting at with this thread. Can it be that the way we enter a discussion will determine whether or not we will gain? You said, "do not be afraid to say 'I don't know.'" This is so true! Yet, perhaps this is the least thing ever said.

I am always moved when i read a thread and see someone that clearly listens, and reacts with humble replies, and the gist ends up being "I never knew that." It's like watching a light bulb come on. How beautiful it is to "see" someone when they "get it." And how encouraging it is to watch the brothers and sisters come together with reasoning and love and compassion toward one another in order to reach across the lines to correct or instruct one in error.

Even in heated discussions, where much can be gained, grace can be extended to one another.

Thank you all, for your input here. I find it fascinating to read all of your words, and hear your heart as you do so. I simply wanted to know more about what makes my family tick.

Please, continue though. I don't mean this post to end this thread.

[Guest lovinghim4ever]

I've seen a lot of debates and discussions in my 7 years here. I've often wondered - do those participating in the discussions actually consider what the others say when it's counter to one's own thoughts?

Tell me - do you look up the scriptures given? Do you investigate what was said if it's something new to you?

And I'm really curious about this - has anyone ever been in a discussion and altered their view because of it? Here on Worthy, I mean.

And one last question - do you think it's important to "hear" the other or is it dangerous? Either way, why.

Yes to all the above.

Now, I know this thread is not about the "once saved always saved" belief, but you asked about altered views.

And, after discussing "once saved always saved" here on Worthy I have no more doubts in my heart that I believe you cannot lose your salvation.

That is just one example of one belief that my Worthy family has helped me solidify in my heart.

Thanks everyone.

Hope I answered your questions traveller.

[kross]

I've seen a lot of debates and discussions in my 7 years here. I've often wondered - do those participating in the discussions actually consider what the others say when it's counter to one's own thoughts?

Tell me - do you look up the scriptures given? Do you investigate what was said if it's something new to you?

And I'm really curious about this - has anyone ever been in a discussion and altered their view because of it? Here on Worthy, I mean.

And one last question - do you think it's important to "hear" the other or is it dangerous? Either way, why.

If a person brings up a point I have not heard or a verse that is unfamiliar, I will do the research. I someone makes a statement that seems reasonable, I will look into it.

[refugepsa91]

I've seen a lot of debates and discussions in my 7 years here. I've often wondered - do those participating in the discussions actually consider what the others say when it's counter to one's own thoughts?

Tell me - do you look up the scriptures given? Do you investigate what was said if it's something new to you?

And I'm really curious about this - has anyone ever been in a discussion and altered their view because of it? Here on Worthy, I mean.

And one last question - do you think it's important to "hear" the other or is it dangerous? Either way, why.

I always try very hard to consider what others say....sometimes it may take me a few days to really think/pray and reply...I believe its always best to answer after prayer, if its a "hot" topic.....

Yes I look up scriptures given....I also read the paragraph before and after the scripture (learned my lesson there years ago... )

Yes I have had discussions that altered my view, and it was right here on worthy!!

Personally, I believe God allowed me to live/believe a falsehood for a time so I would better see the "truth".....

Just my ole' rusty two cents....

[traveller]

I've seen a lot of debates and discussions in my 7 years here. I've often wondered - do those participating in the discussions actually consider what the others say when it's counter to one's own thoughts?

Tell me - do you look up the scriptures given? Do you investigate what was said if it's something new to you?

And I'm really curious about this - has anyone ever been in a discussion and altered their view because of it? Here on Worthy, I mean.

And one last question - do you think it's important to "hear" the other or is it dangerous? Either way, why.

I always try very hard to consider what others say....sometimes it may take me a few days to really think/pray and reply...I believe its always best to answer after prayer, if its a "hot" topic.....

Yes I look up scriptures given....I also read the paragraph before and after the scripture (learned my lesson there years ago... )

Yes I have had discussions that altered my view, and it was right here on worthy!!

Personally, I believe God allowed me to live/believe a falsehood for a time so I would better see the "truth".....

Just my ole' rusty two cents....

I always appreciate your two cents.

[refugepsa91]

Thats cuz you luv me....

Feelings mutual seester....

Its hard sometimes to listen/read a falsehood, but sometimes I believe that person will be a brighter light when the veil is lifted. Patience is totally required when speaking with one such as this. I'm very grateful for the patience that was extended to me here on worthy. The time and effort that was taken to gently guide me in the right direction without judgement or harsh words.