Westside church of Christ - Irving, Texas

The Preacher's Pen

by Mark Roberts

In our day of political correctness some may be a bit squeamish about a frank exchange of differences on an issue, as in this month’s AL. Some might even argue that Christians shouldn’t debate. Why did brother Vick and I debate the sponsoring church issue?

First, because it is right to do so. The old King James mistranslates the word “strife” as “debate” in Romans 1:29. Some will appeal to that verse or others like it to say Christians must not debate. Yet Jude says we must “contend earnestly for the faith” ( Jude 1:3). Peter urges an answer be given to any who ask about our faith ( 1 Peter 3:15), and Paul never hesitated to engage in clear discussion of what was right and what was wrong (see Acts 17:2ff; 28:17ff). A debate is nothing more than a special means of teaching the truth. As Christians we should look for every opportunity to teach the truth, debates included.

Second, because it is helpful to do so. A debate allows both sides of an issue to be heard, and weaknesses in a position to be clearly demonstrated. In short, truth can shine brightly in the crucible of controversy. I believe one of the reasons that so few debates are conducted today is because many are too cowardly to defend their false views, knowing that in debate the truth would crush their pet error. Yes, some debates have been conducted with malice and perhaps that is why some stay off the debating platform. However, I thought brother Vick conducted himself as a Christian in our debate, I hope I did the same, and I believe much good will come from brethren carefully considering both sides of this matter.

Third, because debates say truth is important. Rather than just join the “you have your truth and I have mine” crowd a debate says “There is objective truth, let’s find it. I disagree thoroughly with brother Vick, but can at least respect his convictions. Of what use are the spineless who will agree with everything and stand for nothing? So I pray that those who read this written debate will be helped by it, and will see how vital obeying the truth really is.

Related

Abundant Life: The Sponsoring Church: A Written Debate