It's not only a waste of time, but it is scripturally prohibited - online criticism instead of online collaboration, that is. Using online means to argue theology and create or empower a spirit of disunity is such a waste of the tool that could be used for constructive collaboration purposes.
Open dialog is valuable until it digresses into debate, dividing individuals into opposing camps of self-righteousness and criticism. This observation is based on Titus 3:9 which says: "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless."
The beauty of online communication is that the wonderful truths of God can be shared in a broader fashion to more individuals than has ever been possible before. Furthermore, they are often free of charge and usually without boundaries!
Additionally, online communication can, in some cases, foster deeper understandings of God's great love for us, provide a clearer understanding of God's Word and sometimes produce conversations that enlighten us with new applications of Biblical truths. We can celebrate our differing views, approaches, interpretations, etc. rather than attempting to "prove" how right OUR theology is. God's Truth is absolute. Our vantage point is simply that - ours. Any arguments?
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
true!
Chuckk,
You never fight me anymore…
Wow…talk about your catch22…to say, “Yes, I believe that a healthy debate can serve to challenge people’s thinking on topics they traditionally thought settled” would be to enter into an “argument”.
But then, am I “arguing” with you?
This could be a meta-argument: arguing about arguing. I suppose the next logical step would be arguing about the argument against arguing.
How then, does one proceed?
I propose a blog set up to blog about the merits of argument. We could call it “can’t we all just not get along?”, and it would be nothing but flamewars. full of fallacies, flame wars, and ad hominem attacks.
Joseph (3) You blow things up for a living? I like that.
Fortunately, the blogosphere is inhabited with numerous individuals who regard themselves as Christians and mark themselves by their displays of spiritual fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians says these practices can prevent \”biting and devouring one another\” (which we are cautioned against).
Differing perspectives underscore our uniquenesses, giftings and roles and do not necessarily pose a threat to our walking in unity with the bond of peace.
Should you set up a blog to explore the merits of argument? I wouldn\’t argue with you. Challenging thinking is stimulating as it can lead to productive change. Debating to the death brings just that.
no arguements for me - that would be a great guest spot type of piece… hint hint
What a fresh perspective in a time when a lot of Gen-X’er Christians (including me, I admit) are struggling with the way the church in America works. I think alot of us who grew up in the church, and love the church, also have begun to question or challenge ideas we’ve always accepted without thought. But to remember that we’re all pushing toward the same goal here (or should be) is important. We serve one God!
Thanks, Cynthia!
T
I have found that debate about things can often open one’s eyes towards looking at the world and reveal a reasoning towards the older ways of doing things that we hadn’t realized.
Now, I understand that not all things turn out this way, but just be open to that.
The phrase “Those who aren’t liberal in college have no heart. If they aren’t conservative afterwards, they have no brain.” has never rung more true. I supported Jesse Jackson in ‘88. Now I work for the military industrial complex, and own a firearm.
Don’t be afraid to change your mind on things. Sometimes older ideas work for a reason.
As my friend who works at Pfizer loves to point out:
2000 B.C. “Here, eat this root.”
A.D. 1000 “That root is heathen. Here, say this prayer.”
A.D. 1850 “That prayer is superstition. Here, Drink this potion.”
A.D. 1940 “That potion is snake oil. Here, swallow this pill.”
A.D. 1985 “That pill is ineffective. Here, take this antibiotic.”
A.D. 2000 “That antibiotic doesn’t work. Here, eat this root.”
New isn’t necessarily better.
You supported Jesse Jackson when you were 11 years old? Wow. When I was 11, I supported the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Although, I haven’t learned to change my mind on that just yet.
-T
Tobias (6) thanks for the feedback and it’s because you’re a GenXer who loves the Church and is committed to serving it that you have the voice to ask questions and be part of a solution. Agree that we’re all pushing toward the same goal. It seems so fruitless to sit around and say what’s wrong with Church instead of become what’s right.
Joseph (7) Tobias knows me well enough to know that as a pastor I would never disclose my voting history……..it might reveal my age.
Thanks for your comments and adding to the dialog.