Challenged to a Bible Discussion/Debate

[classicalkev]

So how many of you here have debated or been challenged to debate?

I ask because I was just recently challenged via email through someone that I don't know. My recent involvement with a blogspot has to be how he learned of me. But I know nothing of this individual.

To be honest I would only be interested in discussing or debating things relating to my background. Furthermore, I'm not sure that I agree with the spirit that often prevails in debating. Of the ones I've watched there seems to be little Christian spirit. They often become shouting matches full of ad hominem attacks.

In controversies, I would much rather see representatives come together in a spirit of love and try to arrive at the truth.

I would like to hear what you brethren have to say.

 

[Andres]

I think it would depend on a few things:

Is it a debate in person?
Has he given you rules?
Who will moderate?

 

[CharlieJ]

You live in Pensacola, FL. Nothing good can come of a Bible debate.

 

[Stargazer65]

You live in Pensacola, FL. Nothing good can come of a Bible debate.

What do you mean by that, hmmm?

 

[Ask Mr. Religion]

I regularly get challenged. One needs to be a good steward of one's time. I avoid those persons that engender strife – which is not biblical (Phil. 1:15; 2:3; 2 Tim. 2:23; Jam. 3:14, 16). I also consider the opponent. Is this person looking to make a rep at my expense or does he have an established reputation? Is the reputation one that is leading many others astray and your debate a chance to proclaim the truth? Is the topic one you have a solid grasp of and can articulate in a manner that is compelling? Do you have the time to engage substantively? Are rules in place for length of responses, use of links to other materials, facility with Greek and Hebrew, bow out penalties when ad hominems begin, etc?


AMR

 

[classicalkev]

I know nothing yet of the topic or rules, as I haven't even responded to his message yet. I just received it a little while ago.

 

[Pilgrim]

I know nothing yet of the topic or rules, as I haven't even responded to his message yet. I just received it a little while ago.

Maybe it's just me, but I find it ridiculous for someone to challenge a man to a debate without at least mentioning the topic.

 

[PuritanCovenanter]

Debates have there positives and negatives. Because a debate is considered to have been won doesn't mean the victor was correct. It only means he presented a better argument than his advocate.

 

[ReformedChristian]

I debate Arminians on youtube all the time and Charismatics. I find the discussion fruitful but at times tempers do flare which is why we need to keep our tongue in check as per Ephesians 4:29 and the spirit of humility Galatians 5:22-27. This is the key ingredient to a debate or discussion patience is key.

 

[CharlieJ]

You live in Pensacola, FL. Nothing good can come of a Bible debate.

What do you mean by that, hmmm?

I interpreted "Bible debate" to mean a debate over Bible versions. With Peter Ruckman's group and Pensacola Christian College in that area, I'm sure you can understand my hesitancy.

 

[tommyb]

Who would the audience be? I believe a debate with a zealot should be conducted to convince the audience, not the opponent - which is almost never going to happen.

 

[Stargazer65]

You live in Pensacola, FL. Nothing good can come of a Bible debate.

What do you mean by that, hmmm?

I interpreted "Bible debate" to mean a debate over Bible versions. With Peter Ruckman's group and Pensacola Christian College in that area, I'm sure you can understand my hesitancy.

I think you mean Pensacola Bible Institute rather than Pensacola Christian College. The former is the one associated with Peter Ruckman and his weirdness. PCC is just a standard fundamental baptist college similar to BJU.