Arguing About Theology
I’ve been reminded that one’s time is always better spent concentrating on one’s relationship with God rather than arguing with others over theological differences, and that if love for Jesus is what people see bubbling out from inside of us, Jesus inside of us will change lives.
I’m the type who needs to be brought back to reality over and over and over again. Sometimes it’s just better to say “I have no dog in that fight” (pardon the expression, especially in light of the recent Michael Vick fiasco). Choosing not to spend time on needless discussions… that’s a lesson I need to continually learn.
What a great way to start the day. 
Categories: Debate, Donny Pauling, Theology, Wendy
That’s the difficulty of the interweb, though. In a perfect world (and don’t think stuff like this isn’t on my “Stuff to do when I die” list), we’d be able to talk about this stuff, to get each others’ perspectives and to be able to grow. That’s the reason I respond anyway…that’s the reason I added the “I’m missing the point” on that one post, because I WANTED to get the point even if I show it badly.
And the thing is…Jesus lives in me, but he points me to the Bible to show me how to live. And while I have an idea about some things in it, I’m completely ready to be molded as he would mold me. And usually, that comes through others.
Meh…maybe this isn’t the best medium to get molded.
If you’re looking for some reading material, you might want to check out Deadline by Randy Alcorn. It’s fiction, but it parallels his non-fiction writing. And his perspective on life, pre- and post-death….and the discussion of things….were very illuminating. Plus I cry like a baby every time I read his portrayal of seeing Jesus for the first time.
seriously man. people will arugue forever about theology. i find it pointless, and time wasting.
people (including myself) get so wrapped up in what they believe and the belief becomes just that, a a belief rather than something they work to live for.
Let’s get out there and love some people…
Same here.
Good comments!
I am really sick of theological arguments. We need to be one in Christ even if we don’t agree on all the side issues!
I’ve thought about this all weekend and I’m coming to the same conclusion: I LIKE thinking about what I believe. I like talking about what I believe. And I like arguing about what I believe with others because it’s through those discussions and arguments is my faith refined.
Is this not the best venue? That’s likely. But Jesus pointed to the Bible and said, “Here….this is how you’re supposed to live. I haven’t come to change that.” It’s got EVERYTHING pertaining to life and godliness. And, shocking as it is, I don’t understand it all myself. For me to understand exactly what it’s saying, I’m going to have to talk with people about it. I’m going to have preconceptions that have to be broken down by others.
Let people see Jesus inside you? Absolutely! But to put that at odds with something like discussing what you believe with a potentially argumentative crowd is kinda missing the point. Is there not room for both?
“In a word, let me say: if we might keep in necessary things Unity, in unnecessary thing Freedom, and in both Charity, our affairs would certainly be in the best condition.”
– Petrus Meuderlinus, 1582-1651, German Lutheran theologian