tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post8336456058754297195..comments2024-03-10T10:40:32.319-07:00Comments on Pyromaniacs: On the distasteful necessity of theological controversyPhil Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00649092052031518426noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-77609234641424666092009-05-19T19:03:48.584-07:002009-05-19T19:03:48.584-07:00you gotta be kidding me!
i just started reading "...you gotta be kidding me!<br /><br />i just started reading "between two worlds" today, and he speaks of trollope in chapter two!<br /><br />how do you guys do that? are you monitoring my amazon purchases?danny2https://www.blogger.com/profile/13010556674654842010noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-70326678693863782462009-05-19T00:35:00.000-07:002009-05-19T00:35:00.000-07:00Sorry for being off topic, but what is a "meta" an...Sorry for being off topic, but what is a "meta" and the one being talked about that happened lately: where can I read it?Kirby L. Wallacehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01825673333919420557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-45370128772312210372009-05-18T23:23:00.000-07:002009-05-18T23:23:00.000-07:00An oft-effective tool of quelling dissent and stif...An oft-effective tool of quelling dissent and stifling legitimate discourse is to insist that we all "just get along." You see this in a lot of the lefty "diversity" talk, such that the only approved language is that which soothes, or does not confront.<br /><br />Paul's letters to the churches often exhort them to contend for the faith, to oppose false teaching, and to adhere to church discipline.<br /><br />That said, I would propose that a great deal of what consitutes legitimate church discipline, reproof, etc., should take place within the Body, within the church membership. There are levels of discipline described, both public and private remonstrance.<br /><br />But that deals with church discipline. The expressing of conflicting ideas and debates about various theological underpinnings often takes place between members of the church, or various pastors. In this Internet age, many of those discussions take place in the public arena, due to the accessiblity of blogs, websites, and message boards.<br /><br />Does this mean that because "seekers" might stumble across our acrimony or empassioned exegesis that we shouldn't have such discussions? I would say no.<br /><br />But what good master Spurgeon seems to be saying is that we not let our love of flowerly prose lead us to try and bury the other's arguments beneath a cloud of incomprehensible or excessive verbiage. Much like my comment here.<br /><br />Speak the plain truth, ensure that it is Biblically sound, and conduct your conversations with as much decorum and restraint as possible. But we can't let corrupt or misguided theology take root because of some misapplied idea that we have to present some sort of plastic stewardess-smile to any potential viewer, and so ultimately say nothing of actual consequence out of concern about seeming to "divisive."Steve Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11798539672493222588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-42555105593895638142009-05-18T18:39:00.000-07:002009-05-18T18:39:00.000-07:00George Patton, the general? Careful study of his ...George Patton, the general? Careful study of his life's work teaches us about one method for dealing with controversy, or at least for dispatching the opposition. However, I didn't know that the general wrote much in the area of theology. Maybe, implicitly, there's something we can learn about how to dispatch heretical theological ideas produced by German theologians.farmboyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05445789397476595536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-30061725561171944492009-05-18T18:35:00.000-07:002009-05-18T18:35:00.000-07:00"This kind"? What kind?"This kind"? <I>What</I> kind?DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-1968597719458381952009-05-18T18:10:00.000-07:002009-05-18T18:10:00.000-07:00Mr Patton has dealt with this kind of "God's work"...Mr Patton has dealt with this kind of "God's work" recently.<br /><br />http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/blog/2009/05/calvinists-lets-calm-down/A.M. Malletthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17354778419074793522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-4396543863143716792009-05-18T15:28:00.000-07:002009-05-18T15:28:00.000-07:00Few of the New Testament writers, or our Lord for ...Few of the New Testament writers, or our Lord for that matter, were kind and gentle in the face of erroneous thinking. I believe sarcasm, irony, anger, etc., is all that might get the beam of denial out of someone's eye, though even then... Paul didn't suffer fools, and we made it this far because of it?Spikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07230232511819803784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-42023146053866203782009-05-18T14:15:00.000-07:002009-05-18T14:15:00.000-07:00I agree with your points, Sir. My statements weren...I agree with your points, Sir. My statements weren't meant to imply the gracious hosts of this site are guilty of such things. Just happy to use my logical blunder, after it was pointed out, as an illustration that some things may interfere with the goal of Christian communication among brothers, whether online or in our other interactions with the brethren. May God continue to grant me repentence for any unnecessary offense I may be guilty of in standing up for truth and defending it in theological controversy.Roberto Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12001687796231578134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-19630382703065695442009-05-18T14:04:00.000-07:002009-05-18T14:04:00.000-07:00Ridicule is a divinely approved way of New Testame...Ridicule is a divinely approved way of New Testament communication. Who knew? <br /><br />So how does that mesh with seasoned with salt, always with grace, so that we might know how to answer every man. The how is not the knowledge here, it is dealing with means.<br /><br />How we communicate truth must never be a hinderance to that same truth. It is always God's truth, and even when we are defending and speaking His truth, we are still His servants and under the obedience of all He commands.<br /><br />When challenging and rebuking the disobedient, we should not be found being disobedient to another facet of the truth we are defending.Rick Fruehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05879848568892457571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-5832742803035405122009-05-18T13:50:00.000-07:002009-05-18T13:50:00.000-07:00Roberto, where have the blog writers on this blog ...Roberto, where have the blog writers on this blog used ad hom against their opponents? I posit that this is not the case. Any less-than-nice comments from Phil, DJP, or Frank have been correct, not ad hom. That the targets didn't take it well is not the fault of the authors of this blog.<br /><br />Sarcasm has its place (as we see in Paul's writings), as does ridicule (read Job....God absolutely ridicules Job for Job's impudence). Their proper use is just fine. True, some people are more diplomatic than others, but simply b/c someone isn't "more diplomatic than thou" doesn't mean they're hampering their message.Sir Brasshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01893578064434019702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-88878200112607930792009-05-18T13:12:00.000-07:002009-05-18T13:12:00.000-07:00Yes, indeed! And my mis-use of the categorical and...Yes, indeed! And my mis-use of the categorical and indicative mood illustrates how the main thrust of one's position can be hampered by such erroneous, unnecessary usage. Similar to when the truth of an argued position may be hampered by the sarcasm, ridicule, and ad hominems tossed out, presumably, from the righteous feelings within us to defend His truth. God will continue to ordain that I make logical and moral blunders. And I pray He grant repentence for those each time.Roberto Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12001687796231578134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-9065899101577647782009-05-18T12:55:00.000-07:002009-05-18T12:55:00.000-07:00"Roberto — When emotions get high, though, that of..."Roberto — When emotions get high, though, that often signals a weakness in argument."<br /><br />OR it simply signals a passion for the truth..<br /><br />..as Jesus displayed in the Temple...twiceBill Lonashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15471751280072744556noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-86895125670091543312009-05-18T12:29:00.000-07:002009-05-18T12:29:00.000-07:00rick,
sorry if i initially misread your response....rick, <br />sorry if i initially misread your response.mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10436809417566796558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-18292270065519564742009-05-18T12:27:00.000-07:002009-05-18T12:27:00.000-07:00Rick'
exactly what i thought, and if it is true, a...Rick'<br />exactly what i thought, and if it is true, and it makes me mad, then i have some work to do.<br /><br />Roberto,<br />school teacher calls you at home to tell you what a pleasure it is to have your daughter in class. she is bright and positive, however she is not much to look at. it is possible that due to the feelings that you have for your daughter, this compliment may not be recieved as such.<br /><br />often, the reason discussions regarding the things of God are heated, is that many of us really do believe that God is to be feared and revered above man.mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10436809417566796558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-77951116380923496442009-05-18T12:25:00.000-07:002009-05-18T12:25:00.000-07:00I appreciate the analogy. I would simply elaborate...I appreciate the analogy. I would simply elaborate that the context I was referring to was more along the lines of a blog such as this that may touch on theological controversies. Assertions are easier to produce than arguments. And between brothers and sisters in the faith, I simply question the contribution of emotions such as frustration or exasperation, for example, to commending any truth concerning the faith we hold dear.Roberto Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12001687796231578134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-57809777507711522352009-05-18T12:12:00.001-07:002009-05-18T12:12:00.001-07:00Roberto — When emotions get high, though, that oft...Roberto — <I>When emotions get high, though, that often signals a weakness in argument</I>.<br /><br />Wow. Really? Categorically, and in the indicative mood? Hunh.<br /><br />So, if you become really, really upset when someone tells a slanderous, scurrilous, vile lie about your wife, then that signals that you really think all those things are true of her?<br /><br />And if someone drags her good name through a sewer, and you shrug and discuss it as if it were a faculty tea, that means you just really trust her?<br /><br />Hunh.DJPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16471042180904855578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-7311576994997396672009-05-18T12:09:00.000-07:002009-05-18T12:09:00.000-07:00"the struggle i am having right now, is that it se..."the struggle i am having right now, is that it seems that open heresy is better recieved from anyone who appears humble and kind, where absolute Biblical fruth is dismissed from a messenger who may be labelled proud or arrogent."<br /><br />It is not either/or.Rick Fruehhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05879848568892457571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-69314461639825268402009-05-18T12:05:00.000-07:002009-05-18T12:05:00.000-07:00When emotions get high, though, that often signals...When emotions get high, though, that often signals a weakness in argument. This takes the form of being overly sensitive, ignoring the substance of a position, or hastily mis-labeling before one's own case is fleshed out. Many may have heard of the story told of the preacher who supports a point of his sermon by simply raising his voice louder when he actually didn't arrive at strong support for it in his studies.<br />Although blogs are not an educational forum, learning can take place here. And the same patience required with those in other contexts, should be exercised a little more in Christian blogs. Or else, they will merely resemble the interactions that take place on political blogs.Roberto Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12001687796231578134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-8277233998758240092009-05-18T10:55:00.000-07:002009-05-18T10:55:00.000-07:00the struggle i am having right now, is that it see...the struggle i am having right now, is that it seems that open heresy is better recieved from anyone who appears humble and kind, where absolute Biblical fruth is dismissed from a messenger who may be labelled proud or arrogent. <br /><br />the messenger has become MORE important that the message, and i have to wonder if that isn't because we are attempting to appeal to the mortal man, instead of to a reborn son of God within whom the Spirit lives to bear witness.mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10436809417566796558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-61308131604798816942009-05-18T10:02:00.000-07:002009-05-18T10:02:00.000-07:00"The iron sharpening iron principle is always bene..."The iron sharpening iron principle is always beneficial, except when the axe head aims for flesh instead of iron."<br /><br /><br />That is precisely when the "iron sharpening iron" principle is MOST beneficial. The purpose of the sharpening is to be ready when it is appropriate to cut, not to just sharpen for the sake of sharpening. The question isn't about whether to cut or not, it's about making sure we are cutting the right things.Garyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05789615082333952443noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-28409988986247646522009-05-18T08:55:00.000-07:002009-05-18T08:55:00.000-07:00Rick's comment:
The iron sharpening iron principl...Rick's comment:<br /><br /><I>The iron sharpening iron principle is always beneficial, except when the axe head aims for flesh instead of iron.</I><BR><BR>was well worth reading that entire post for.<br /><br />Thanks, Rick!David Ruddhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12572780147564110421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-47856806932318414292009-05-18T08:42:00.000-07:002009-05-18T08:42:00.000-07:00PJ: "He also had an uncanny knack for bringing co...<B>PJ</B>: "He also had an uncanny knack for bringing common sense to bear against popular opinion, and at times—even while disagreeing with his fundamental perspective—I find myself in awe of his logic."<br /><br />I'm in awe of his logic too.<br /><br />Funny that you're previous post on the weekly Spurgeon excerpt was titled "Against Eloquence".Truth Unites... and Divideshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08891402278361538353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-58231492254955492052009-05-18T07:02:00.000-07:002009-05-18T07:02:00.000-07:00Jeff,
I have had one such e-mail correspondance w...Jeff,<br /><br />I have had one such e-mail correspondance with a Disqualified Elder, who was convicted by the US Courts of acting fraudulently.<br /><br />I was concerned that a disqualified Elder continued to stay in that offie of responsibility and contacted him directly with my concern for him, his Congregation, The Body of Christ at large and the LORD Himself who had been dishonored by unbelievers as a consequence.<br /><br />He was very kind, responsife and gave me some helpful insights; despite us being at variance about his disqualification as an Elder.<br /><br />What I want to say is: <br />It is possible to have PRIVATE and SENSITIVE conversation about difficult matters via communication technologies we now possess. But both arties should act with compassion, care and in the love and fear of the LORD Himself, correcting with the Scriptures Alone.<br /><br />The question is more about our capability to balance truth with love, and we ought to pray the Spirit of grace and truth to enable us in our weaknesses herein to be couragious and compassionate.<br /><br />Your bondslave for the glory of Christ our King,<br />WBoerseuntjiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12823588390354919031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-89437464197295885072009-05-18T06:47:00.000-07:002009-05-18T06:47:00.000-07:00When criticism is directed at a specific person wi...When criticism is directed at a specific person within the body of Christ, I wonder sometimes if the courtesy of a face to face conversation or in the least a phone call precedes it. I feel that is the manly thing to do. I would think that for some public figures withing the church, such a conversation might be difficult to arrange, but I think the effort is worth it.Roscoe Washingtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04796027152639870863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21212024.post-78945342005049345452009-05-18T06:38:00.000-07:002009-05-18T06:38:00.000-07:00I absolutely LOVE the "Olde Enlisch" language in s...I absolutely LOVE the "Olde Enlisch" language in such writing. It puts to such shame the plebian twitterings and MySpace hiccuppings we present as "writing" today. Our definition of literature has suffered in the past decades.<br /><br />Writing like this fill your mouth like a fragrant and delicious oatmeal.Steve Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11798539672493222588noreply@blogger.com