Unhappy discourse

[walter]

You know,
I read some of these threads and I see the same attitude I have seen on secular boards. I see the same wiseguy cracks as I have seen in "debates" between non-believers and believers and Star Trek purists and other Star Trek fans. I see the same profusion of evidence thrown around as if this would settled the issue.
In so many cases there seems to be this need to get the other person to accept your view no matter what. Why can't we all accept that others just don't agree with us and leave it at that?
The only thing that matters is that we agree on the basic tenet of our faith. John 3:16

 

[paisley]

The reason why you see the same attitudes on secular forums is we are all human. Human nature shows through even on Christian forums. We can`t escape it.
As for the debates and wanting others to accept one`s view, that isn`t all bad. I mean young people and young adults especially who are working out their own lives and thoughts independant from their parents sometimes have a need to debate with others to come to their own firm conclusions about things. I know my husband became a Christian as a young college student basically through debating. My husband didn`t really believe in God but his roommate and friends were Christians so he spent many days and hours debating. I think it was worthwhile because in the end truth won, and my husband has remained a faithful Christian ever sense. Perhaps for many people this is a phase of maturing that many people need to go through, but once one has finished that phase, it becomes somewhat childish and distasteful. Now my husband wants nothing to do with debating. He sees it as pointless and argumentative. This is the same man that spent so much time debating in his youth. I think we should be patient with those who have a need to debate and prove their point. I just hope those who debate can do it respectfully because sometimes words from a stranger on the internet can still hurt or disturb feelings greatly.

 

[walter]

A very thoughtful and gentle answer. Thank you. Perhaps you are correct and debating is a phase that young believers need to go through. However, I believe we should all take very seriously the admonition to bridle our tongues before we engage in debates that heat the blood and inflame the spirit.
That, I know, is easier said than done for we are all human but Jesus set the example. He was fully human and fully God but he walked the Earth with the same shortcomings and failings as anyone else and He was able to debate without letting His ego get in the way.

John Cleese described Jesus as being "absolutely devoid of ego."

Ghandi described his views on Christians as such:
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ"