Good or bad idea???

[Guest Guest]

I'm asking this question, not to start a debate (like we really need another one of those..lol), but to see what most IFBs think. I already know what I think about it, but I recently heard an IFB (not mentioning names) say something about how Christians ought not debate doctrines online. The reasons were because it makes the lost not want to become Christians, and because it leads to false doctrine (like Calvinism).

(the person saying this used the word "debate", but I said "discuss" because I prefer not to look at it as a debate... It's technically not supposed to be a competition... even though it usually becomes one... but that's another story :Green )

Please keep it civil. I just want your honest opinions. :wink

[MilkmanDan]

I like the word "discuss". Debate can be kinda harsh sometimes.

As far as the OP I'm not sure that I am either way. :puzzled:

[John81]

Such discussions are fine so long as all involved conduct themselves in a Christian manner rather than becoming emotional or making it a personal conflict.

[Bakershalfdozen]

I voted for the first one - it is really good for you. I believe it is good for you because it makes you think. What is bad is when folks start attacking a person instead of a subject.

Like BroMatt has said often, OB welcomes the discussion of nearly any topic as long as all parties involved remain civil. :thumb Threads get locked for attitude more than anything else.

[Guest Guest]

I voted for the first one - it is really good for you. I believe it is good for you because it makes you think. What is bad is when folks start attacking a person instead of a subject.

Like BroMatt has said often, OB welcomes the discussion of nearly any topic as long as all parties involved remain civil. :thumb Threads get locked for attitude more than anything else.

I agre... and I was thinking this would be a typical OB response. :Green (which is a good thing, btw!) I just don't think deep Bible discussions lead to false doctrine like this person was saying. As far as I know, 2 Timothy 2:15 is still in the Bible. :cool

[kevinmiller]

Such discussions are fine so long as all involved conduct themselves in a Christian manner rather than becoming emotional or making it a personal conflict.

I do believe that such discussions help a person research and study out why they believe what they believe. That is, IF they approach a discussion with an open mind. :smile

[matie-k]

I think it would be fine and good IF everyone would accept the fact that others won't agree with them and then treat each other with courtesy and respect even in disagreements.

[Anon]

I voted "fine" because it can be good but if not handled correctly it can be bad.

[Chelle]

I voted "it's fine...". It depends on the maturity level of those involved in the discussion, and whether they can keep themselves on-topic. :lol

[JerryNumbers]

We are to point out false teaching for what it is, false teaching, pointing out false teachings does not mean that person is being rude nor unkind, but being honest.

[kevinmiller]

I think it would be fine and good IF everyone would accept the fact that others won't agree with them and then treat each other with courtesy and respect even in disagreements.

:amen:

[JerryNumbers]

There are some things that can we can disagree on, but there are others we should never agree to disagree on because they are false teaching that changes very plain teachings of the Bible, they are very dangerous. I feel very strongly that some that have been discussed on this board, that there are other pastors like myself, who would not allow it to be taught in the church that God has placed them over.

But many would have you to believe that you can come together with anyone and disagree on any and everything, just take a look and some of the very liberal churches in our world.

I understand well, there will always be some who will never take a stand against false teachings thinking unity is the most important goal.

Several times it has been mentioned on this board that thru out the ages there has been certain basic Bible doctrine that Baptist have always stood on, referred to as Baptist distinctive, that they have never compromised on, that has set them apart from all others. Some would love nothing better than for us to throws theses out the door as some have for the sake of unity, if we did that we would be no different than many of the other denominations who have just turned into worldly churches compromising on all teachings.

I might add, the closer we get to the time Jesus comes for His own, the last days, the stronger the attack will be on Jesus' faithful just as is pointed out in the Bible, we are to stand firm and not bow to their demands, but stand strong with God who will give us the power to stand against all attacks by the devil and his helpers.

[Madeline]

I'm with the majority opinion here that we are to be respectful even when there are those who disagree with us. The followers of Christ in the first century, debated, taught, discussed Christianity with anyone who would listen. They never forced the truth on anyone...but they were always willing to open up the eyes of the lost and answer the questions of fellow-believers. Incorrect ideas come from taking things out of the context God put them in and/or simply accepting what someone has taught without examining what the Bible teaches.

Love,
Madeline

[Jerry]

I believe it can be helpful to an extent. Endless debates are not profitable - and the Bible even speaks against such.

It also depends upon what the nature of the discussion is - and why it is being discussed. Is it a person sincerely searching for answers and trying to work out an issue doctrinally? Or is it someone who is determined to present heresy - their own unique doctrine on something - and is coming as a teacher of that doctrine?

For example, if someone comes on these boards with questions about Calvinism - or posts why they generally agree or disagree (with an attempt to back it up with the Bible) - that can be helpful. But if it is someone coming on here to push that system of beliefs, then it creates more controversy and is detrimental.

As has been stated, the attitude and mentality of the main posters of the thread also plays a big part. In their mind, is everyone ignorant and needs to be told so, or are they sincerely trying to teach others what the Bible says and trying to show the holes in someone's viewpoints?

[Madeline]

I will opt out of a thread when a poster refuses to submit to biblical truth, even when he/she has clearly been refuted. I will also opt out of a thread when the poster has to resort to mudslinging and personal attacks. The bible teaches that we are to rebuke others in the spirit of meekness, not arrogance and bullying others into believing what we believe.

Love,
Madeline