On November 5th/6th at the Southern Baptist Seminary there will be a debate between a Baptist Preacher from North Carolina and a Church Of Christ Preacher from Indiana.

 

I have gone to these in the past and they can be fun, these two groups don't care for each other. The Baptist are the only ones that will stand up to the CoC preachers who live for debates.

 

I have spoken to the guy from NC today by Email and seems real nice.

Sounds like a horrible idea that tends to separate the Christian community instead of drawing them together.

Sounds like a horrible idea that tends to separate the Christian community instead of drawing them together.

 

I agree. Debates are good ideas in theory, but in my experience both groups go into the event with their minds made up and it simply becomes a negative shouting match. Outsiders watching will have no respect or care for either side, which will likely drive people away from the church. What is the goal here?

WHat is the pupose of this?

 

Because there is only "ONE" church.

 

I agree with LBBC

I am assuming that this debate will be in front of free thinking Christians, and is not set up to evangelize.

 

Given that if we cannot be open to hearing what one another thinks and why we think that way then we are in real trouble.

A debate that is done in an orderly fashion helps the Church. We all have seen debates before but maybe not of this type. Scripture is being discussed and anytime thats done its not a "Horrible" experince. The posters in disagreement have you attended a Church Of Christ/Baptist debate? I have.

 

We use debates in high school/college/Political/. These were very popular in the 50s/60s/70s. Look at the way our nation has gotten away from the Church. The schools kicking out anything to do with religion, people afraid of stepping on peoples feelings. Abortion/sexual sins.

 

Remember Jesus/Paul debated all through the New Testament. Now if there is arguing/yelling/getting mad, well thats not a debate. And my last point...do we debate on here?

 

Thanks for your imput.

Edited October 21, 200916 yr by Alabama Larry
Spelling mistake

Reminds me of the old joke......shhh, the(insert denomination here) think they are the only one's in heaven.

 

When it comes to religion I really believe that the Devil is really in the details, literally causing good people who worship the same God & Saviour to argue about little insignificant things.

Let me rephrase what I said.

 

If this is in a setting with mature Christians who can debate the issues reasonably, great job.

 

If this is open as an Outreach or to new Christians who are just learning about what it means to be a Christian, it could turn them away.

 

I agree with Ace that it must be with mature Christians who are willing to have an open debate without a one-sided issue coming in.

Let me rephrase what I said.

 

If this is in a setting with mature Christians who can debate the issues reasonably, great job.

 

If this is open as an Outreach or to new Christians who are just learning about what it means to be a Christian, it could turn them away.

 

I agree with Ace that it must be with mature Christians who are willing to have an open debate without a one-sided issue coming in.

 

Let me echo that, LBBC. That was the intent of my original post. My apologies, Larry.

Hey, no problem. I know this is a touchy subject. Every one sees things in their own light. I just happen to be a nut case for this type of thing. Y'all can AMEN this if you choose. :jump:

Hey, no problem. I know this is a touchy subject. Every one sees things in their own light. I just happen to be a nut case for this type of thing. Y'all can AMEN this if you choose. :jump:

 

Amen for "nut case" or "nut case for this type of thing"? :lol:

Hey, no problem. I know this is a touchy subject. Every one sees things in their own light. I just happen to be a nut case for this type of thing. Y'all can AMEN this if you choose. :jump:

 

AL, if the nutshell fits, wear it.:lol::lol::lol:

Let me rephrase what I said.

 

If this is in a setting with mature Christians who can debate the issues reasonably, great job.

 

If this is open as an Outreach or to new Christians who are just learning about what it means to be a Christian, it could turn them away.

 

I agree with Ace that it must be with mature Christians who are willing to have an open debate without a one-sided issue coming in.

 

 

Somehow this seems appropriate...

I got that ^^^^That is really great, hope he se it. :ylsuper:

Remember Jesus/Paul debated all through the New Testament.

 

Interesting. That sentence made me think.

 

Off the top of my head, it seems what we read in the New Testament would support the arguments people have made in this thread. This type of debate should be for Christians, not for outsiders.

 

Paul debated with people about gospel vs. their erroneous beliefs...I think of time he debated with the philosophers at Mars Hill. He didn't debate doctrinal issues with non-Christians.

 

On the other hand, in Galatians (I believe), he says he withstood Peter to his face on a doctrinal matter. This debate was in front of fellow Christians, and they ultimately made some decisions and came to an understanding.

 

There may be other examples that would go against my initial thought, but as I said, off the top of my head, the Bible seems to support this idea.