Is theological debate pointless?

Answer 1

only if you enter it close minded

Answer 2

No, not at all. But is is not for the uneducated. A Theological degree would be required, or else you would not know enough about the subject. It would be rare for a person without a theological education to be able to understand even simple theology.

Answer 3

I don't know; sometimes debate helps in that at least it forces you to define what you really believe and it makes you think about why you believe it.

If the purpose of debate is simply to convince someone else that you are right and they are wrong, then you might as well ask if ANY debate on any subject is pointless. Most people will never come out and admit that they are mistaken. But if it educates other people about your point of view, then perhaps it has served its purpose.

And besides, you never know who else might be listening, and they just might be on the fence.

Answer 4

Not really. The point of theological debate is to convince the opponent to accept your version of reality. It's called "proselytizing". The goal of debate is not to establish truth (that is found through hypothesis testing) but rather to establish dominance of ideas (ideological warfare, of sorts). Theological debate is only pointless if you fail to convince the other to adopt your position or to abandon their position.

Answer 5

At the end of the day (meaning life) yeah it is a pointless debate. I believe because a being like a God would be so beyond human comprehension that it is important to debate/discuss so as to continue to evolve our concept of what God is. Either way human beings are very insignificant in the grand scheme of things so don't lose sleep over stuff like this. You live, you die, the wheels on the bus go round and round...

Answer 6

In my neighborhood there are at least 5 different Christian churches less than 5 minutes from my home. We have been inundated with Christianity in this country. The playing field needs to be leveled to include all ideas. These forums definitely serve a purpose. If an idea cannot stand up to scrutiny then how valid can it be. Get it all out in open where everyone can see and compare ideas before deciding. Question, question, question.

Answer 7

Not completely. It is an excellent way to escape reality or fantasize.
After all, that's the very purpose of religion.
Nothing really concrete or real ever came out of theological debates, but it is fun.
Some people prefer to play chess or watch a movie.

Answer 8

Yes, I think it is pointless. For as many people there are on the planet earth, you will have that many opinions. Theologies are "opinions" based on study, experience etc. I am a Christian because that is the way I have found to be close to my creator. Perhaps others have found another way...I don't know if there is a "right" theology, but I do know that God is here with me. He has shown it on hundreds of occasions so that my faith has been strengthened every day.

Answer 9

Personally I have learned a great deal through theological debate. People who challange you cause you to think, study and refine your Bible knowledge. Without it you can be extremely one sided. If you are in to Bible study it can exciting and a great deal of fun. I love a good debate over the Bible.

Answer 10

No, but it is difficult because religious proofs are cyclical in nature. That is they use god to proove that their god exists.

For example: "Look around you, how could this not have been created by God!!!"

The reason that it is not pointless is because if I can help one person just be a better person because they can be, rather than fear of a murderous deity, then I consider it a success!

Answer 11

Definately not. I've seen many people swayed through theological debate. Besides, it's usually fun. Though I prefer philosophical.