Solparvus
Puritan Board Senior
John Newton, "On Controversy"
I almost think this should be required reading in the PB membership application with a checkbox button that says "I have read, understood, and agree with the substance of the article." I post here in the Baptism forum because this is generally where most of our debates happen. Even outside PB, the baptism debates take on a very heated character in situations where the heat would be far from inevitable, except for the fact that baptism was involved. The heat then travels to the subjects of covenants, children, biblical theology, church membership, and others closely tied to baptism.
A recent discussion with a brother on this subject has reminded me of this piece by John Newton when advising a friend who was about to take up a publication against an Arminian propagator in his day. We who are zealous are generally not subtle, and we generally think that by being strict, straightforward, or heated in our words that we are doing God a service.
We may in fact be enemies to God's cause, stifling the discussion, and hardening others and ourselves.
We must discuss, we must dispute, as we cannot afford that any one truth of God's Word be neglected or misunderstood, but the spirit in which it should happen the article speaks for itself.
And I am grateful to the moderators who give their time and wisdom to keep us in a Christian spirit.
Samples:
"If you account [your opponent] a believer, though greatly mistaken in the subject of debate between you, the words of David to Joab concerning Absalom, are very applicable: “Deal gently with him for my sake.” The Lord loves him and bears with him; therefore you must not despise him, or treat him harshly. The Lord bears with you likewise, and expects that you should show tenderness to others, from a sense of the much forgiveness you need yourself. In a little while you will meet in heaven; he will then be dearer to you than the nearest friend you have upon earth is to you now. Anticipate that period in your thoughts; and though you may find it necessary to oppose his errors, view him personally as a kindred soul, with whom you are to be happy in Christ forever."
"And I am afraid there are Calvinists, who, while they account it a proof of their humility, that they are willing in words to debase the creature and to give all the glory of salvation to the Lord, yet know not what manner of spirit they are of. Whatever it be that makes us trust in ourselves that we are comparatively wise or good, so as to treat those with contempt who do not subscribe to our doctrines, or follow our party, is a proof and fruit of a self-righteous spirit. Self-righteousness can feed upon doctrines as well as upon works; and a man may have the heart of a Pharisee, while his head is stored with orthodox notions of the unworthiness of the creature and the riches of free grace. Yea, I would add, the best of men are not wholly free from this leaven; and therefore are too apt to be pleased with such representations as hold up our adversaries to ridicule, and by consequence flatter our own superior judgments."
I almost think this should be required reading in the PB membership application with a checkbox button that says "I have read, understood, and agree with the substance of the article." I post here in the Baptism forum because this is generally where most of our debates happen. Even outside PB, the baptism debates take on a very heated character in situations where the heat would be far from inevitable, except for the fact that baptism was involved. The heat then travels to the subjects of covenants, children, biblical theology, church membership, and others closely tied to baptism.
A recent discussion with a brother on this subject has reminded me of this piece by John Newton when advising a friend who was about to take up a publication against an Arminian propagator in his day. We who are zealous are generally not subtle, and we generally think that by being strict, straightforward, or heated in our words that we are doing God a service.
We may in fact be enemies to God's cause, stifling the discussion, and hardening others and ourselves.
We must discuss, we must dispute, as we cannot afford that any one truth of God's Word be neglected or misunderstood, but the spirit in which it should happen the article speaks for itself.
And I am grateful to the moderators who give their time and wisdom to keep us in a Christian spirit.
Samples:
"If you account [your opponent] a believer, though greatly mistaken in the subject of debate between you, the words of David to Joab concerning Absalom, are very applicable: “Deal gently with him for my sake.” The Lord loves him and bears with him; therefore you must not despise him, or treat him harshly. The Lord bears with you likewise, and expects that you should show tenderness to others, from a sense of the much forgiveness you need yourself. In a little while you will meet in heaven; he will then be dearer to you than the nearest friend you have upon earth is to you now. Anticipate that period in your thoughts; and though you may find it necessary to oppose his errors, view him personally as a kindred soul, with whom you are to be happy in Christ forever."
"And I am afraid there are Calvinists, who, while they account it a proof of their humility, that they are willing in words to debase the creature and to give all the glory of salvation to the Lord, yet know not what manner of spirit they are of. Whatever it be that makes us trust in ourselves that we are comparatively wise or good, so as to treat those with contempt who do not subscribe to our doctrines, or follow our party, is a proof and fruit of a self-righteous spirit. Self-righteousness can feed upon doctrines as well as upon works; and a man may have the heart of a Pharisee, while his head is stored with orthodox notions of the unworthiness of the creature and the riches of free grace. Yea, I would add, the best of men are not wholly free from this leaven; and therefore are too apt to be pleased with such representations as hold up our adversaries to ridicule, and by consequence flatter our own superior judgments."