What would happen if we all played by one pre-set set of rules within a debate or discussion in regards to Bible interpretation:
1) All posts will include only scripture. Not labeling, not opinon, not name-calling, just scripture, not man-made assumptions.
2) The discussion will focus on one scripture at a time until it is agreed upon to move to another.
3) When posting scripture, please provide support of your interpretation, including citing of commentaries or other resources for the study of that particular verse, or context, or orginal language, etc. In other words, how did you come to that conclusion? I'm not asking anyone to be a scholar. Even notes at the bottom of a study bible will do. No this is what it means "to me".
4) When refuting that interpretation, please use the same standards.
I wonder how it would change our discussions, and I wonder how many people would actually take that challenge. After all, I think scripture is the only valid focus.
Good thought and I could probably apply some of those suggestions to myself.
I've participated in some topics here and the last few days I have been thinking about the whole debate/discussion topic. I am starting to come to the conclusion that it's not worth debating topics anymore. I am really starting to think that no one ever changes their mind in a debate. People have their views and want to prove they are right or really believe they are right and won't be open to other points of view.
So I guess the question becomes if you see false doctrine being spoken, do you speak up to confront it? or do you stay quiet knowing you won't change their mind? Or is the benefit of speaking up not for the one speaking the false doctrine but to sway those not convinced of either side? Or is there benefit in talking about topcis, not to change their point of view, but to make your own point of view stronger by being challenged?
You'd probably eventually have some new people start posting to debates, and you'd definitely have some drop out of debates.
One difficulty I can think of right off hand with the technical side of debating that way is that people's understanding of scripture is usually at least somewhat interactive with their experiences. So to leave those experiences out doesn't work. Religious discussions are very rarely purely empirical or scientific. There's a lot of emotion and experience involved.
Hi Shawn! (It's nice to see another paramedic, especially one that has also worked overseas) :)
I've been commenting on the forums for almost two years now, off and on, and when I began I had not been exposed to any other views than Baptist (I live in the Bible belt). I thoroughly enjoyed reading the discussions in this forum because I learned so much; I learned more about my own personal beliefs. However, it did/does get tiresome reading my brothers and sisters argueing over who's right and who's wrong.
About whether or not to continue in a debate, I think it boils down to a few key points:
Does the "other" person need salvation? If their beliefs won't hinder them from going to Heaven, then I don't argue. I think other viewpoints should be brought to light, afterall, someone like me could be reading it and trying to figure out who they are in Christ.
If I continue debating my standpoint, could it cause another to stumble? To me, that's a biggy. I don't want to hinder anyone's walk with the Lord.
What am I gaining out of this? Is it edifying? I try to look at the big picture.
So, IMO, I'm glad people contribute to this forum. Like you said, it does make you stronger! I don't post very often, but I read what other's have posted. I'm sure there are others like me that need to see varying opinions as well.
I don't know about using only one scripture. How about listing all scripture that one thinks pertains to a particular doctrine or subject. One thread on here recently asked about alcohol. Wouldn't a good way to look at it be to look up all scripture that mentions wine, grapes, strong drink ect. and then form a conclusion about the subject. Some people justify all kinds of crazy activity by their interpretations.
True, but I always try to ask myself if what I am saying is substantiated by scripture or not. If not, I won't post, or I certainly retract if I am in error. We aren't perfect but I would hope that we try to stick to inpartiality as closely as we can.
Shawn - I love how you always look at all the questions involved. -
Browneyed -
There's wisdom in your words. I think you addressed some of Shawn's questions. Is what we post going to cause a stumbling block to others? How much of a possibility of misunderstandings are there in this type of forum? Good questions.
Hilltop �
You have a point. We have to look at the totality of scripture. I mention just one scripture at a time so as not to get sidetracked but to keep the discussion focused and orderly. Welcome to the forums!
Margo, there are some things that can be substantiated by scripture that still aren't scriptural. I know you know that, but I just wanted to say it anyway. :angel:
