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Thread: Rules of Engagement in Theological Discussions

  1. #1

    Rules of Engagement in Theological Discussions

    I am a student of communications. I always am thinking, how can people have hearty discussion and even disagree in a healthy way?

    Theology is typically complicated. There is a lot of ways dicussions about it can get ugly, OR be an enjoyable experience - BECAUSE you make it a point to respect and honor people, because you realize you are not the fountainhead of all knowledge, and could learn something too.

    I was watching Living Biblically, where the priest and rabbi get together and "fellowship". Now think about it, two people who are far away in their understanding of Messiah, and who could easily get into spiritual fisticuffs, YET, they apparently have a good relationship.

    That tells me that Christians, should also be able to discuss almost anything, IF they operate in good faith and diplomacy and, in a word treat people as they would like to be treated.

    So, where am I am going with this? To show examples of excellence in engagement of fruitful discussion with those you don't agree with
    - Whereas people like John MacArthur follows a well-known practice and attitude of disparagement and contempt to Charismatics and Pentecostals
    - But people like Dr. Michael Brown speaks and corrects people (like MacArthur) - with kindness, respect and brotherly love - not responding in kind.

    Do you have any stories, principles (rules of engagement), examples or videos that serve to show "how its' done" in excellence?

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  3. #2
    Administrator fuego's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan david View Post
    - But people like Dr. Michael Brown speaks and corrects people (like MacArthur) - with kindness, respect and brotherly love - not responding in kind.
    Speaking of priest/rabbi thing, Dr Brown is also good friends with a well-known rabbi, Boteach Shmuley with whom he also debates whether Jesus is the Messiah or not. So they have public debates, but yet are also personal friends and fellowship with one another. Shmuley also wrote a book, "Kosher Jesus" that he received a lot of criticism from within his community. Dr. Brown has also been criticized by Christians for being friends with him.

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  5. #3
    I recently saw a video of something I thought I would never see, John Piper interviewing Rick Warren about his beliefs. It was an amazing event in my book.

    Where many blast Warren for being some kind if demonic agent of deception, here is Piper, with a congenial attitude, asking Warren what he really believes and actually LISTENING.

    Piper realized that Warren was a lot closer to his own beliefs than he is given credit for. See what happens when you take the effort to have a friendly respectful conversation with someone, as opposes to a merciless attack based on ignorance and steeped in immaturity.

    Piper gives a lesson to the "critical spirit" crowd (many who are in his own theological camp) on how to do it right.



    ...and BTW, lets not sidetrack into making this about Calvinism (which I am not). This is about learning to build bridges with people.

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    Administrator fuego's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan david View Post
    Piper realized that Warren was a lot closer to his own beliefs than he is given credit for. See what happens when you take the effort to have a friendly respectful conversation with someone, as opposes to a merciless attack based on ignorance and steeped in immaturity.
    Well, while I was reading your post before I even got to what you said that I quoted, I was saying to myself, "of course he's interviewing Warren with 'understanding' because he isn't one of those devil inspired hell-bound Charismatics'. He's doing it because he knows Warren IS closer to his beliefs. So I hate to contradict your conclusion of the video, but I really see it as highly hypocritical when he personally IS one of the those that 'merciless attack based on ignorance and steeped in immaturity' when it comes to Charismatics.

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  9. #5
    I have friends all over the theological map.

    We manage, for the most part, to disagree agreeably.

    When I go into a convo I don't start from the point of having to win, or get them to change their mind.. but for both of us to give each other something to think about.

    I always intend that we both walk away going That was stimulating!

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    Senior Member Tehilah Ba'Aretz's Avatar
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    I'm one of those "Holy Spirit filled, tongues talking, demon fighting, Pentecostals." Just thought I'd throw that in right here in case somebody wants to attack.
    Theology isn't simple, ever. Thank God, it isn't my job to decide who goes to heaven or who doesn't. The Bible sets the standards, qualifications and rules. The one that actually matters is a person's relationship with the one true God.
    Of course, all of us realize that there are sins listed in the Bible. We sometimes debate if those sins lead to eternal results; negative or positive. We also debate if some are sins or simply guidance. At the end of every discussion we should admit that God will make the final decisions. (And in fact, He already has.)

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    Senior Member Cardinal TT's Avatar
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    Rule no.1 - There are no rules
    Rule no.2 - See rule no.1
    Rule no.3 - If everything fails see Cardinal TT for final verdict

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  14. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by fuego View Post
    Well, while I was reading your post before I even got to what you said that I quoted, I was saying to myself, "of course he's interviewing Warren with 'understanding' because he isn't one of those devil inspired hell-bound Charismatics'. He's doing it because he knows Warren IS closer to his beliefs. So I hate to contradict your conclusion of the video, but I really see it as highly hypocritical when he personally IS one of the those that 'merciless attack based on ignorance and steeped in immaturity' when it comes to Charismatics.
    Thats ok, Fuego. I wasnt giving him a carte blanche on everything, as I really dont listen much to him. Sounds like JP has more work to do to in his approach to PCs. This was more of an example of the right approach that should be used overall.

    I do recall a JP video where he was open to receiving tongues but havent heard much else, as I am already familiar with reformed teaching.
    Last edited by Jonathan david; 04-04-2018 at 02:40 PM.

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    Administrator fuego's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan david View Post
    This was more if an example of the right approach thst should be used overall.
    Agreed.

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    Senior Member Ezekiel 33's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan david View Post
    I recently saw a video of something I thought I would never see, John Piper interviewing Rick Warren about his beliefs. It was an amazing event in my book.

    Where many blast Warren for being some kind if demonic agent of deception, here is Piper, with a congenial attitude, asking Warren what he really believes and actually LISTENING.

    Piper realized that Warren was a lot closer to his own beliefs than he is given credit for. See what happens when you take the effort to have a friendly respectful conversation with someone, as opposes to a merciless attack based on ignorance and steeped in immaturity.

    Piper gives a lesson to the "critical spirit" crowd (many who are in his own theological camp) on how to do it right.



    ...and BTW, lets not sidetrack into making this about Calvinism (which I am not). This is about learning to build bridges with people.
    Is that a Purpose Driven Interview?

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