Analogy
Three young Christians study vigorously about the eschatological time frame of Christ’s return in relationship to the tribulation period. Each student then resolves to three different positions, and all three join a Christian forum which was constructed for the furthering of the kingdom. Each student is highly motivated to share, persuade and even win their ideas to others on the forum. Each of the three contributors then with motivation collides on several key threads that provide great opportunity to share. In the heat of the moment, while pulling scripture, axioms, and principle, they all three compete aggressively to win persuasion, yet to their frustration they discover that their individual ideas are not being reflected with the other two.
In frustration one unfortunately leaves the forum, the second with a spirit of competition declares victory, and the third with a timid spirit tries to offer pragmatism and solace, yet all three were ultimately respectful as Christians even though the competing views were not respected at all. The whole exchange seems aggressive, yet void of pure insults, yet again had much challenge to discredit the other views.
In this analogy if all three go back to their individual studies coupled with prayer, is it possible that the antagonistic contributions will “fortify” their existing position or “challenge” it? Yet here is the most significant paradox; I propose that the challenge will not happen during the threaded debate most often, but will happen instead “later” with future study and future debate.
Shall this kind of debate that moves in forums all over the interweb then cause many to learn from every sword-fight where masteries of the word develop to stronger foundations. For in the great book of Daniel, we know that knowledge will be increased even till the very end. For with each individual that studies, meditates and will pray, the spirit will use the challenging knowledge to resolve. It will get tested by His word as we steady ourselves to rightly divide with the leading of His spirit.
Though kindness, love and respect most obviously should always be first and foremost, can it be possible that the highly ardent exchanges in debate can move to the rigors of scriptural knowledge? Antagonistically one could argue fallacy may permeate, yet will not good debate also remove a weak foundation, if many in the faith contribute with scriptural truth?
I only suggest that ardent exchange that often time seems to be a stand-still may be far more beneficial than we might possibly imagine.
Thoughts?
Three young Christians study vigorously about the eschatological time frame of Christ’s return in relationship to the tribulation period. Each student then resolves to three different positions, and all three join a Christian forum which was constructed for the furthering of the kingdom. Each student is highly motivated to share, persuade and even win their ideas to others on the forum. Each of the three contributors then with motivation collides on several key threads that provide great opportunity to share. In the heat of the moment, while pulling scripture, axioms, and principle, they all three compete aggressively to win persuasion, yet to their frustration they discover that their individual ideas are not being reflected with the other two.
In frustration one unfortunately leaves the forum, the second with a spirit of competition declares victory, and the third with a timid spirit tries to offer pragmatism and solace, yet all three were ultimately respectful as Christians even though the competing views were not respected at all. The whole exchange seems aggressive, yet void of pure insults, yet again had much challenge to discredit the other views.
In this analogy if all three go back to their individual studies coupled with prayer, is it possible that the antagonistic contributions will “fortify” their existing position or “challenge” it? Yet here is the most significant paradox; I propose that the challenge will not happen during the threaded debate most often, but will happen instead “later” with future study and future debate.
Shall this kind of debate that moves in forums all over the interweb then cause many to learn from every sword-fight where masteries of the word develop to stronger foundations. For in the great book of Daniel, we know that knowledge will be increased even till the very end. For with each individual that studies, meditates and will pray, the spirit will use the challenging knowledge to resolve. It will get tested by His word as we steady ourselves to rightly divide with the leading of His spirit.
Though kindness, love and respect most obviously should always be first and foremost, can it be possible that the highly ardent exchanges in debate can move to the rigors of scriptural knowledge? Antagonistically one could argue fallacy may permeate, yet will not good debate also remove a weak foundation, if many in the faith contribute with scriptural truth?
I only suggest that ardent exchange that often time seems to be a stand-still may be far more beneficial than we might possibly imagine.
Thoughts?