Subject: Possible Lockman Forum Improvements #2 |
Bible Note: I suppose my question would be, What is a neutral perspective? Once you start getting beyond the very basics of the Christian faith, we delve into areas that are incredibly shaped by one's theological perspective. Whether one is asking how can a loving, all-powerful God permit the terrorist attacks in New York City; or how (and even IF) he can be assured of his salvation, different traditions within Christianity will come into play. The answers will conflict at times. Should we all "agree to disagree," and in essence say that the answers do not really matter? Debate is something that has characterized the church from its very beginning. Without wrangling at the Council of Jerusalem recorded in the book of Acts, where would the Gentile believers be today? What about the Council of Nicaea in the fourth century, in which the historic Christian understanding of the Trinity was codified? Reasoned debate and discussion has led to most of the beliefs we cherish (or should cherish) today as followers of Christ. To avoid debate is to constantly wade in the shallow end of the pool, theologically speaking. I agree that repetition is not necessary in written discussion or debate, except in the case of summary or to particularly emphasize a point. However, to shun debate in order to falsely present a consensus on all issues is nothing less than deception. We debate, sometimes vigorously, not necessarily because we are contentious beings, but rather because the issues on this forum do bear a lot of importance. The online debate between Tim Moran and myself, for example (even though I think he is as wrong as he thinks I am), has served both to help me clarify my own thinking and understand the perspectives of others. My biggest complaint regarding debate is the way that soem conduct it. We are not engaged in a presentation of opinions or of theology with no clear Biblical basis. What irks me is that in debate here we see such a scarcity of actual references to the Word of God. I see a lot of "I believe this" or "I grew up under pastors who teach this" with little or no Scriptural support. When the debate turns to the Bible, often one of the debaters turns to ad hominem attacks rather than critiques of the theological perspective being put forward. If you do not like rigorous, in-depth discussion of the more profound questions raised here, that is fine. One is not forced to read the threads on here. However, unless the discussion is clearly not Bible-related or is obscene or inappropriate in some manner, let's all please realize that on unmoderated forums such as this, what we see here is par for the course. Feel free to debate with me on my point of view. My skin is thick enough to take it! :) --Joe! |