Why debate? This is a question that I am often asked. Doesn’t the
Bible say that the reprobates are filled with debate (Rom. 1:29)? Well,
the KJV does, but then again the KJV has been known to offer a suspect
translation or two. Truthfully, the word as used in this 17th
century English translation of the Bible had a completely different
meaning than it does today.
The word “debate” finds its origin in the 13th century French
word “debattre” meaning “to fight” from “de” (down,
completely) & “batre” (to beat). It did not carry the
connotation of formal discussions in which opposing viewpoints were
presented and discussed. The Greek word that the KJV translated as
debate is “eris” and refers to “contention, strife, or bitter
conflict.” Such is not the case when I debate.
The Bible actually presents sufficient reason for me to debate things
with others in 2Corinthians 10:4-5 when Paul said that “the weapons of
our warfare were not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down
of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing which
exalts itself against the knowledge of God…” The Greek word for
“imaginations” in this passage is “logismos” and refers to “a reasoning”
but as Thayer said, “a reasoning such as is hostile to the Christian
faith.”
So basically it boils down to this, I am in these Chat Rooms a lot and
hardly anyone agree with anyone else. If you've ever been in one you
will see a wide range of beliefs, and every opposing view feels that
they are correct. I stand firm on Isaiah 8:20 which says, “To the
law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it
is because there is no light in them.” If it doesn’t line up with
the Word of God, then there is no light in it and I am to use the
weapons of my warfare to cast down such reasoning.
In addition to breaking down the arguments of others, my reason for
posting these debates, conversations, dialogues (whatever you would call
them), is to show that there is ample scripture to support everything I
believe. In other words, I am making a defense of my faith as 1Peter
3:15 says to, “be ready always to give an answer to every man that
asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you…”
I don't appreciate being called a "false prophet" or a "heretic" simply
because someone disagrees with me. I want to be shown exactly where my
doctrine is false and I want to be shown how to correct it. This is
what Christians are called to do after all, as 2Timothy 4:2 says to
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke,
exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.”
Contrary to what many may think, I have been shown my error before and
made the necessary corrections. I will always submit to the Word of God
when it is rightly divided. 2Timothy 3:16-17 says that “All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good
works.”
But in no way are these conversations posted to bring any glory to me or
my knowledge of scripture, they are simply posted to show that I agree
with scripture. As Peter said, “If any man speak, let him speak as
the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability
which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus
Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
(1Pet. 4:11)
I do not write the commentary of my "opponents"... THEY DO... If
it is in any way embarrassing to them, then they have themselves to
blame. 1. I did not choose their words for them... 2. I have not
altered their words in any way from the way I have received them... I
pray that anyone who does see their error would correct it... After all,
I would do just that if I realized I was in error as per Psalm 85:8,
“I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace
to his people, his faithful ones. But let them not return to their
foolish ways.” (NLT)
In any event, this is why I debate, to show the varying opinions of
doctrine and to lend support to my views from the Bible. Titus 1:9
says, “He must have a firm grasp of the word that is trustworthy in
accordance with the teaching, so that he may be able both to preach with
sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict it.” (NRSV)
