Someone recently told me that a Real Christian or a real Believer in God would never Have a debate with anyone about God / Christianity.
'I do not listen to the debates of people that don't serve God.
It doesnt matter what religion they claim to be.
Muslim . Christian , Shinto , Budhist , It doesn't matter.
1 Timothy 6:4.5 clearly says about such debates or discussions.
''he is puffed up with pride, not understanding anything, but being mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words. From these things spring envy , strife, abusive speeches , wicked suspicions , violent disputes about trifles on the part of men corrupted in the mind and despoiling the truth---''
So these debates that are not based on Gods word the Holy Bible are pointless and will not lead to a clearer understanding about the will of God.'
Christians, is it true that you are not allowed to have Debates about God ?
2007-09-20 15:22:27 · 15 answers · asked by B 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
this is not what I said this is what a Christian told me. Also are you not allowed to Debate others using THEIR religious Texts, like to Prove them wrong ?
2007-09-20 15:34:45 · update #1
Not at all...my dad is a pastor and we debate biblical interpretations all the time...and I've certainly had my share of debates with God.
I would suggest that people who believe that Christians shouldn't engage in debate (with each other and even with non-believers) got that idea because somewhere, sometime someone had something to hide. Perhaps it became part of the doctrine of a particular denomination that was led by people that had political motives and needed to keep followers from questioning those leaders. Perhaps it was taught by a parent that needed a response for a child that asked difficult questions (anyone else think it sounds a little like "because I said so"?).
About the verse, I would point out that it says "debate about words"...this suggests that he is talking about people that debate just to stir up trouble and hinder agreement on an issue. In my experience at least, when people start debating about the words themselves (for example, when people start debating the specific wording of a corporate mission statement), the discussion stops being productive.
2007-09-20 15:52:23 · answer #1 · answered by KAL 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christians are allowed to have debates about God. It doesn't usually work though. People seldom come around to opposing points of view through debate. Setting a Christian example is a much better method of bringing people to Christ.
2007-09-20 15:30:37 · answer #2 · answered by Catholicgal 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It seems that you misunderstood what he was saying.
I hope that this does not sound insulting, but there is a difference between debating with an open minded person who is actually listening to you and raising intelligent points, and simply arguing with a stubborn person who isn't listening, and who is calling you names.
He was implying that your friend was the latter, not the former.
Get it?
"Don't argue with a fool. People might not be able to tell who is which" - Mark Twain.
2007-09-20 15:31:21 · answer #3 · answered by Randy G 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nope, not true at all. But as you say, I base all debates on Gods WORD and not just personal opinion. Opinions are like belly buttons, everyone has one.
We are told to "contend for the faith"...that involves confrontation, discussion, and imparting of information to those who are ignorant of Gods plan and purpose.
2007-09-20 15:27:57 · answer #4 · answered by goinupru 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
i debate with God all the time. He always wins.
Your quote of 1 Tim is out of context. Paul is talking about people who come to church and create arguments for the sake of controversy because they have hardened hearts.
Go ahead and debate with God. I did it two days ago. I'm still coming around to his point of view.
2007-09-20 15:26:53 · answer #5 · answered by TEK 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
False christians do not allow it because they know that truth will come out from their own doctrines but true christians who based its teachings solely on the bible allow it. We are even challengeing any religious group or religious congregation to challenge us but no one will challenge us.
jtm
2007-09-20 15:31:50 · answer #6 · answered by Jesus M 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are 'cherry picking'.
Why did you omit the rest of the context that says, ( 1Timothy6:3) " If any man teaches other doctrine and does not assent to healthful words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor to the teaching that accords with godly devotion,"
Does this not clarify the meaning?
2007-09-20 15:27:08 · answer #7 · answered by Tim 47 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps the ones who say this are not CAPABLE of holding their own in a debate, and just use this as an excuse to hide.
2007-09-20 15:28:34 · answer #8 · answered by au_catboy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes that verse is very out of context. If Christians "Aren't allowed" to have debates about Christianity then how are we going to share our faith? Aren't we supposed to defend ourselves?
2007-09-20 15:29:11 · answer #9 · answered by ca_license_pl8t 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Of course not... if you ever want to have one, give me a shout.
I know this is a rhetorical question -- at best. You ought'a give nonconfrontation a chance some time. It'll serve you well.
2007-09-20 15:29:49 · answer #10 · answered by delsinelu 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋