what's the point of debate?

Even the word debate can be questionable? A debate in my mind is suppose to be something we discover. My memory of debates in school was fun, exciting and a learning experience. However, I see some debates being made into something ruthless and online debates can be just terrible hostile sometimes, it is true. This is why I like that Mylot has choosen to call our activity discussion not debating. My concern is not so much what other views there might be. People have views for certain and it is good they express themselves but how anger and even vulgarity can creep into debates is never acceptable for me. I believe it is special to talk about our spirtuality even online. If there is a connection between two people or more, then this is something even the angels take interest in (biblical reference) and we should show caution, I agree. It is like a prayer and how it would hurt me to become angry at such times. It is something very disrespectful. I do see though, even delight in other viewpoints for everyone has a different perspective. I've heard it being discribed as looking at an elephant from different views. A good illustration. Some have much different beliefs than ours. The key I think is a respect for each other on a personal level if possible. Jesus had a wonderful way of talking to people.

yes debate is a word that has many faces today. sometimes, people has a different view of it. online debate can be very destructive, people can hide with their username and can say whatever they want. Even Christians can involve themselves in questionable conduct online, like engaging in debates, without careful considerations of its spiritual dangers. talking spiritual matters online is a special thing also for me but to the right people not in a debate. I believe angels have primary obligation to guide the people preaching about the word of God to those with honest heart individuals. I remember the illustration about the elephant and a great reminder for us to look and understand the bible as a whole and not just the portion of it to support our own established ideas. yes, Jesus made a fine example for us. Respect is the key. thanks for the insightful comments.

hi bluedoll, thanks for your views here. pearls are the truths we learned from the Bible, by telling it to people who only want debate, we are like giving it to pigs or dogs.. meaning we are just wasting it for undeserved people. I have no intention to debate when I created this discussion but you are welcome to say how view this. Thanks for the bible text, debate are for those puffed up with pride, not understanding anything, mentally diseased... Ooops it's not my own words but from the bible itself. Thanks!

Searching for the common ground is a great way to get contact with people of all kinds. If they just want to discuss, then we can leave them that time.

hello, thanks for the good points you shared. Like Paul who changed his beliefs people can change too. but as I have said in my previous comments here, I think debate is not the right place. talking to people in personal and knowing their questions is one way I could think of. Jesus also set a fine example for us how to share the truth to others. Yes, we must know when to leave the conversation when we feel that it's becoming a debate.. seek for the common ground and not something to disagree with.

reaching people of all kinds and sharing them the truth should be our aim not debating our belief to the people who have close minds.

yes we all need to listen and we shouldn't insist what we believe, we have to respect other people's opinion. debate often leads to arguing and exchange of bad words, insults and criticism.

I hate it when there is a situation that comes to this. I mean respect is always the key and they must avoid debate when the people that is about to debate cant understand how it will work. Debate is suppose to be an open communication and exchange of ideas not to the extent of fighting

then, I respect your point of view here. thanks for participating.

Oh no not at all. You did not mean you, I was talking about people that take it so seriously if someone does not agree with them. I was not mad or upset at all. I promise. I was talking about people in general. Like a heavy person telling a smoker it is unhealthy for you to smoke. Um no offense to anyone here but it is ALSO unhealthy to be overweight! That is what I was talking about, who are people to try to change others thoughts or habits you know? Lol. I think everyone has a right to their own opinion, but no one has the right to judge what others do when we all have bad habits of our own. That is all I was saying. I'm not mad at all, and if I misunderstood the topic I am so sorry. I thought that was what we were talking about here. Maybe I am losing my mind?

well thanks for clarifying this and I'm glad you're not mad. anything in excess is not good. we have to weigh things and since we are all imperfect no one has the right to judge. Our free will or choice in life make us also all responsible for whatever acts we do in life. oh you're not out of your mind, sorry to let you think that way, it was just a plain misunderstanding.

yes that is true, people in a debate are trying to change the beliefs of others. sorry if you misunderstood my topic here, I am not trying to change the habit of everyone, I just want to say my point of view. So you are right, it's not hurting ME It seems my discussion caused you so much pain!! Just my thought also.

I agree, it has it good side too for those who are open minded. debate can let us think more logically but sometimes it can corrupt our thinking too. so I'd rather be away from it.

I fear God, I think that's the right term for it. I appreciate your suggestion, I saw your point. Well some debate in good faith of convincing others for what they think is right. I guess debate is not the right place for it. It's very rare in a debate to see that someone accepted the point of view of others rather they fight for what they already know. Your observation is right all have their own dialogue in a debate. People like evidence and for someone with a close mind, it will only be a no ending explanation. In short a great waste of time.

what can I say? so far I just receive the best comment.. what you all said are true. sometimes, I laugh how people are fighting and throwing words and arguments to each other. I also notice the logic thinking and made me use my own thinking too. But this doesn't mean that I like debate.. we can always accidentally see debates topic here but it is our own choice to give our comment or just opt to read and observed. The blind men trying to describe an elephant is really a nice illustration. Thanks for the good thoughts you shared!

yes some have intentions to show off what they know. Instead of focusing on the bible's principle and teachings, that person is trying to draw the attention of the people not to the bible but to his own ideas. Truly, it's more easier to say than to show it in acts. It'a an instinct for us to fight for what we believe and it's normal to get hurt when someone insult our religion. So the best thing to do is to respect their own belief too and don't pay back bad for what is bad. I don't like debate and it's not my cup of tea either. Thanks for the wonderful thoughts here.

thanks mikyung for sharing your thoughts. I guess debate always has a spirit of competition, yes there are valuable points we can learn but if the mind of the people in it is closed, we can't do anything from it. In the end it will be just a waste of time.

hi riyaro, thanks! it's always nice to have a constructive communication rather than choosing debate which is really destructive. Have a wonderful day too!