I am reading “Tactics” by Gregory Koukl.
Here are some nuggets:
“If truth is central to Christianity, and the ability to argue is central to knowing truth, why do some Christians-even mature believers-push back when Christians try to determine truth through disagreement and thoughtful disputation?
1st: Some fear division. They say that when people are free to express strong differences of opinion, especially on theological issues, it threatens unity. Consequently, the minute a disagreement surfaces, someone jumps in to shut down dissent in order to keep the peace.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
And because some disagreements are vital, Paul solemnly charges us “reprove rebuke, exhort when necessary.” 2 Tim 4:1-2
2nd reason why Christians resist arguments: Some believers, unfortunately take any opposition as hostility, especially if their view is being challenged.
Is some circles, it’s virtually impossible to take exception to a cherished view or a respected teacher without being labeled malicious.
This is a dangerous attitude for the church because the minute one is labelled as mean spirited simply for raising an opposing view, debate is silenced. If we disqualify legitimate discussion, we compromise our ability to know the truth and error can thrive without restraint.
Paul told Timothy “Guard…the treasure which has been entrusted to you.” (2 Tim 1:13-14) He told Titus to chose elders who could “exhort in sound doctrine: and “refute those who contradict-false teachers, who must be silenced.” (Titus 1:9,11)
When the church discourages principled debates and a free flow of ideas, the result is shallow Christianity and a false sense of unity.
Where arguments are few, error abounds.
TT’s summation: Catch me not being fight phobic on that good fight of faith.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. ~MLK Jr
