Debates between believers, are they really necessary?
By tokouchi
@tokouchi (370)
Philippines
November 10, 2009 1:53pm CST
I'm really disturbed that there are religious groups that promote debates with other believers to make them join theirs. I think it's not proper. We can share our beliefs with others, but to go as far as to debate them with issues that does not really concern salvation or anything of much importance (like if God had a gender, did snakes have feet before God punished them, etc). It's really sad that people would have to argue about such trivial things when what matters is your own personal commitment to God. There are certain beliefs though that others have that we find hard to accept, we try to convince them to believe what "we think" is right or what God has revealed to us. But isn't it wrong to force them into other people? What is your stand?
1 person likes this
2 responses
@rg0205 (2636)
• Hong Kong
10 Nov 09
This topic irks me to the core. Primarily because these people usually claim that they're great and holy and their church or religious group is the chosen one and if you don't join them then you're gonna burn in hell. Well, now, holy indeed.
I think we have our freedom for good reason but I don't believe we are entitled to use it callously. Yes, these matters are trivial and I think there is no need to get into a debate about it.
In the end it all comes down to personal beliefs and what your interpretation of religion is. I think it's wrong to coerce people into religion just because of what you think. People have their own inquiring minds and they should be given freedom to choose and not be cornered by the "holier than thous" who seem to think that they are above everyone else.
It's okay to give people information. It's okay to express yourself. What's not okay is to push people, get upset and argue just because they don't agree with you. I've been called an anti christ just because I don't agree with some things that are being taught in various churches. They like to say they're good Christians but they usually are the first to judge. Very rarely have I met truly religious folks who keep an open mind and ones who do not judge others without mercy.
@tokouchi (370)
• Philippines
10 Nov 09
Very true. It just shows them how highly they think of themselves and how low they think of others (like the pharisees in Jesus' time). I watch TV and i see some religious group badmouthing another religious group. It's such a pity that such quarrels happen within what is supposed to be "Christ's Body". If we have differences, why not just focus on what we have in common? I don't think God cares if you eat meat on Holy Week or not, what he cares about is your heart. Thanks for the comment, my burden is lessened now.
@mrjburt164 (34)
• United States
12 Nov 09
If the Bible is not the inerrant Word of
God, then we have no standard of belief. The Bible state that it is to be used for correction, among other things. Our form of government allows us to hold whatever beliefs we wish, the almighty does not.
As for trivial discussions, I quite agree. But we are admonished to hold to sound doctrine!
@tokouchi (370)
• Philippines
2 Dec 09
Agreed. I do believe though that the Bible is clear enough that it does not require people to fight over what's written on it. And what makes these discussions harder is that most would never concede or change their minds even when proven wrong, which i think is pathetic. For me, salvation is what matters.
