Debating The Bible

A discussion came up tonight between a friend of mine and I after we got out of a class about when is it appropriate to get into a debate about theology and when should we just keep our mouths shut.

It seems as if spiritually young people tend to enjoy debating theology a great deal, especially those who are in the process of learning the finer points of theology. I can remember as I got into Bible college spending many late nights (or should I say early mornings) debating theology with others. My friend mentioned that shortly after he became a Christian, he found himself debating a large number of issues with people, but only found those debates to stir people up into a frenzy of passionate anger. Is this fruitful? My 3:00am debates were typically more subdued, but I think that was only because it was 3:00 in the morning.

Since then, I have found myself feeling less and less inclined to enter into debate. I wonder why this is. Maybe it is theological laxity; the idea that I have ceased to care about the finer points of theology. Or maybe it is wearisome feelings about the idea of debate itself, that I no longer feel I have the energy to enter into debate. Or maybe it is a sign of growth in the maturation process. Personally, I am convinced it is a mixture of all three.

We do need to be cautious. We need to be aware of attacks that come against the Christian faith, because many, if not most, come in very subtle forms. Diligence is required on the part of the shepherd over his flock. We as "professionals in ministry" must remain diligent in equal manner. But we also must approach the defense of the Gospel in a wise and savvy manner. We should not seek to debate theology simply for the purpose of debate (which is what most of those 3am debates were). All that does is create division. Ask this, how often do these debates result in people changing their views. Most of the time it is two or more people willing to press their views while having no interest in what the other person is trying to say. I am convinced that the only time it is appropriate and even necessary to enter into serious theological debate is when foundational theological principles are at stake. These are things that relate directly to the possibility of and even the precise nature of salvation itself. Other things I am willing to discuss with people who have humility in their theology as I seek to have humility in my own, but outside of that is a realm I will no longer enter.

And this is not a new problem. Paul told Titus in 3:9-11 to avoid foolish controversies. I am convinced what Paul was getting at is to avoid those debated issues that are not relevant to the promotion of the Gospel. Notice, if someone attacked the Gospel message, Paul had no problem speaking out. But when it came to lesser issues, Paul avoided them because they were "unprofitable and worthless", only causing "division." I believe this is something those of us particularly living in the academic world of theological studies really need to take to heart. We constantly need to check ourselves and ask what is really important. What must we absolutely stand up for and defend at all costs, and what debates should we leave aside.