To Debate or Not....that is the question.

[missjenny]

When you are right, you're right! Everything is a matter of right and wrong, right? So, if people don't see that you are right, then your only real choice is to argue with them, right? After all, they have to be convinced you are right, right?

However, "Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them." Prov. 18:15

>> Instead of the words 'new ideas' --> in Phil. 1: 9-10, it uses the words 'insight' and 'understanding'....the whole idea is to be open to MORE of God...as no one will ever find the end of Him and will always be learning if one is open!

We are all learning...no one has achieved yet....so instead of looking for what is wrong with someones post or reply...look for what is right about it. Then in so doing, you also put the other person at ease and facilitate discussion, instead of argument.

"Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ." 1 Cor. 9:22

Everyone is in a different place: Spiritually, in their maturity, faith, knowledge and personal walk. As well as in all the other ways ~ culturally, age-wise, upbringing and gender ~ therefore it is a good possibility they may express themselves differently then you do. It is also hard to express unearthly-spiritual thought many times using mere earthly-human written words...especially with no facial expression, body language and tone of voice.

"Man looks at what is on the outside, but God looks at what is in the heart." 1 Sam. 16:7

And, argument only puts the other person on the defense and closes their heart to what you have to say.

"Zeal without knowledge is not good; a person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way." Prov. 19:2

If it appears that the other's post or reply is in error, or is not the same opinion as yours...then inquire further to make sure you have everything clarified first...make sure you have the truth concerning what the other person is really trying to say...then proceed, however, proceed with what the bible calls humility and wisdom.

"Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions." Prov. 18:2

"The Godly think before speaking, the wicked spout evil words." Prov. 15:28

"A wise person is hungry for the truth. While the fool feeds on trash." Prov. 15:14

"It is better to be patient, then powerful. It is better to have self-control then to conquer a city." Prov. 16:32

Then, as the discussion proceeds, it is much more productive to not put the other persons opinion down along the way...which again, just puts the other person on the defense and can incite an argument...which closes hearts to listening...and just becomes a show of who's ego is bigger.

"He must increase, and I must decrease." John 3:30

Anyway, has anyone really changed somebody's mind by arguing with them??

"A gentle answer turns away wrath. But harsh words stir up anger." Prov. 15:1

"Beginning a quarrel opens up the flood gate, so drop a matter before a dispute breaks out." Prov. 17:14

"A truly wise person uses few words. A person with understanding is even-tempered." Prov. 17:27

So, you really want someone to listen to what you have to say? Then remember to speak in a way that glorifies Christ and His love...and then with this in mind, as you speak you will much more likely be heard.

Also, "Accept Christians who are weak in the faith, and don't argue with them about what they think is right and wrong...They are responsible to the Lord, so let Him tell them whether they are right or wrong. The Lords power will help them do as they should." Romans 14:1-4

There is always a flip-side, however. It does not show any love by engaging in someone's arguments. If someone wants to quarrel with you, remember, they are probably not really interested in what you have to say. They are probably more interested in hearing themselves talk and in wasting your time.

"When arguing with fools, do not answer their foolish arguments, or you become as foolish as they are." Prov. 26:4

"In the mouth of a fool, a proverb becomes as limp as a paralyzed leg." Prov. 26:7

"Honoring a fool (with your time) is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot." Prov. 26:8 Ouch!

Walk in the Holy Spirit in everything you do...and you will not satisfy the flesh's desires. Show love, and be a peacemaker. Also, kindness and gentleness...treating others the way you would want to be treated, not in the way they are treating you...and in this way you will show tremendous faith in God. Galatians 5:16-26

God created the heavens and the earth...and all things on the earth without our help. So, He can surely convince the hearts of the people that He created, about His truths, all by Himself...also without our help.

Note: When Jesus confronted, He did not debate. He said His truth and did not argue about it...as there is no reason for that, as truth can stand on it's own. The Pharisees would bait Him, but He did not give in to carnality/debate. Debate is two sided and involves opinion. Confrontation is one sided...as it listens to the other, but does not force/fight/debate, as the truth needs no one to force it, as it is Spiritually revealed and understood anyway.

Discussion involves respect for each other's opinions and view points. There is openness and a heart for learning more...and not just in spouting out your view and demanding others comply.

>>>>Speaking the truth in love<<<<<<I can have all knowledge, but without love I am nothing>>>>>Approach is everything to God<<<<<<<

"If you want Christ to be at the center of your life, then love what is at the center of His." By J.E.Sorge

Edited May 30, 2010 by missjenny

[Fez]

"Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them." Prov. 18:15

Just as a matter of interest, where did the scripture come from, the message?

Pro 18:15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge - ESV There is a big difference between the two?

No judgment from me, but it changes the heart of your post, does it not?

[missjenny]

"Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them." Prov. 18:15

Just as a matter of interest, where did the scripture come from, the message?

Pro 18:15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge - ESV There is a big difference between the two?

No judgment from me, but it changes the heart of your post, does it not?

Nope...not at all....the post is not only about this...in fact the main point is about attitude and approach. However, I do not see a big difference. "The ear of the wise seeks knowledge"..means to me that they are open to knowledge that they do not already have....thus, open to new things/ideas. So, you like debate? It appears so...

[Matthitjah]

"Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them." Prov. 18:15

Just as a matter of interest, where did the scripture come from, the message?

Pro 18:15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge - ESV There is a big difference between the two?

No judgment from me, but it changes the heart of your post, does it not?

Nope...not at all....the post is not only about this...in fact the main point is about attitude and approach. However, I do not see a big difference. "The ear of the wise seeks knowledge"..means to me that they are open to knowledge that they do not already have....thus, open to new things/ideas. So, you like debate? It appears so...

Grace to you,

No disrespect, okay. Not being argumenative either.

How does your opinion figure into your own post? Are you subject to the same criteria?

Shouldn't folks have the right to examine your opinion and give their two cents? This is a Discussion forum and therefore folks will give their opinions.

Peace,

Dave

[enoob57]

"Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them." Prov. 18:15

Just as a matter of interest, where did the scripture come from, the message?

Pro 18:15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge - ESV There is a big difference between the two?

No judgment from me, but it changes the heart of your post, does it not?

FEZ explain the difference you see in this. Please!

[Matthitjah]

"Intelligent people are always open to new ideas. In fact, they look for them." Prov. 18:15

Just as a matter of interest, where did the scripture come from, the message?

Pro 18:15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge - ESV There is a big difference between the two?

No judgment from me, but it changes the heart of your post, does it not?

FEZ explain the difference you see in this. Please!

I believe that if you're "open to new ideas" as opposed to "acquiring Knowledge" you are in for a world of hurt.

Oprah has alot of new (old ) idea's but one can only gain Knowledge and Understanding from God.

[Matthitjah]

Grace to you,

I believe that the OP is trying to state that in a room full of elbow throwers and finger pointers that there's a whole lot of blind men.

Peace,

Dave

[~candice~]

"Open to new ideas" sounds sooo liberal .

It makes me think that the truth is negotiable or changes over time or circumstance. Acquiring knowledge doesn't play around with the non-negotiable, non-changing, ever steady attribute of truth.

As for whether debate is called for or not, what do you do about the passage that tells us to have our defense ready?

1Pe 3:15 but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason of the hope in you, with meekness and fear;

Php 1:17 ButG1161 the otherG3588 ofG1537 love,G26 knowingG1492 thatG3754 I am setG2749 forG1519 the defenceG627 of theG3588 gospel.G2098

G627

ἀπολογία

apologia

ap-ol-og-ee'-ah

From the same as G626; a plea (

[Guest man]

"Open to new ideas" sounds sooo liberal .

It makes me think that the truth is negotiable or changes over time or circumstance. Acquiring knowledge doesn't play around with the non-negotiable, non-changing, ever steady attribute of truth.

Actually, it speaks of a willingness to learn. Nothing liberal about that. If one isn't willing to learn, they will never gain knowledge. If one isn't open to new ideas, they will never advance any further than they are right now.

The rest of your post is a testimony to that concept.

As for whether debate is called for or not, what do you do about the passage that tells us to have our defense ready?

1Pe 3:15 but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason of the hope in you, with meekness and fear;

Php 1:17 ButG1161 the otherG3588 ofG1537 love,G26 knowingG1492 thatG3754 I am setG2749 forG1519 the defenceG627 of theG3588 gospel.G2098

G627

ἀπολογία

apologia

ap-ol-og-ee'-ah

From the same as G626; a plea (

[~candice~]

"Open to new ideas" sounds sooo liberal .

It makes me think that the truth is negotiable or changes over time or circumstance. Acquiring knowledge doesn't play around with the non-negotiable, non-changing, ever steady attribute of truth.

Actually, it speaks of a willingness to learn. Nothing liberal about that. If one isn't willing to learn, they will never gain knowledge. If one isn't open to new ideas, they will never advance any further than they are right now.

The rest of your post is a testimony to that concept.

As for whether debate is called for or not, what do you do about the passage that tells us to have our defense ready?

1Pe 3:15 but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason of the hope in you, with meekness and fear;

Php 1:17 ButG1161 the otherG3588 ofG1537 love,G26 knowingG1492 thatG3754 I am setG2749 forG1519 the defenceG627 of theG3588 gospel.G2098

G627

ἀπολογία

apologia

ap-ol-og-ee'-ah

From the same as G626; a plea (