Is it wrong for Believers to argue about theological matters?

IS IT WRONG FOR BELIEVERS TO ARGUE ABOUT THEOLOGICAL MATTERS?

TEXT
2 Timothy 2:14, 23

PROBLEM:
The Apostle Paul seemed to forbid theological arguments when he instructed Timothy "not to strive about words to no profit" and to "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes". On the other hand, Paul himself argued with the Jews in their synagogues (Acts 17:2, 17) and disputed with the philosophers on Mars Hill (Acts 17:18-23). As well, Jude exhorts us "to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

SOLUTION:
A distinction must be made between the two senses of what it means to argue or to contend.

Arguing is not necessarily wrong, but being argumentative is.

We should contend for the faith, but we should not be contentious in doing so.

Making an earnest effort to defend the faith is good (Phil. 1:16-17; I Peter 3:15), but engaging in fruitless quarrels is not.

Paul did not oppose disputing about what words really mean in a given context--he simply opposed mere semantic wrangling.

(Note: This info is a quote from author, Norman L. Geisler)

0 members like this

Comment

You need to be a member of Black Preaching Network to add comments!

Join Black Preaching Network

Comment by HOPE - Psalm 43:5 on November 30, 2009 at 1:14pm: Oddly enough, I was reading the chapter on the book of Timothy and was already posting Mr. Geisler's comments on Christians and theological debates when I read I got an email notification about that your discussion topic.

I laughed because it flowed so smoothly and in such a timely manner.

Comment by HOPE - Psalm 43:5 on November 30, 2009 at 1:02pm: The book is titled A POPULAR SURVEY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. (I've already gone thru the companion book... A Popular Survey of the Old Testament)