Tag: facts

Reasoned Debates Vs. Heated Arguments

Brent Pollard

In the weeks leading up to the first presidential debate of 2024, there was much discussion about strategies to ensure that the moderators maintained control. One effective strategy to address the contentious arguments that have marred recent election cycles is to mute the microphone of the individual who is not supposed to speak at that moment. We have made significant progress since Lincoln and Douglas engaged in formal debates, meticulously presenting their prepared arguments and skillfully countering each other’s points.

Given the frequent disruptions and disorder in debates, stricter regulations and penalties for non-compliance have become imperative. By following these guidelines, candidates can focus on presenting their ideas and engaging in constructive discussions rather than being entangled in trivial disputes. This promotes more engaged and participative political discussions and reassures us of the positive outcomes that adherence to guidelines can bring.

Some argue that formal debate is disliked for its heavy reliance on logic and reasoning, while others prefer expressing emotions and reacting to words’ impact. However, it is crucial to recognize the significance of logical reasoning in debates, as it facilitates a more objective exchange of ideas. This emphasis on logical reasoning should convince us of its necessity in debates. While emotions have a place in debates, they should not overshadow well-reasoned arguments and critical thinking. Following the structure and guidelines of formal discussion can lead to more meaningful communication. Although some doubt debates can change minds, such talks will always be needed.

Let us consider six Bible debate examples: three negative and three positive.

Although not a debate in the traditional sense, the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4.3–8 illustrates how a lack of communication and overwhelming jealousy can lead to a devastating escalation of conflict. This story vividly portrays the detrimental consequences of unresolved conflict and heated arguments.

In Numbers 16, there is a conflict between Korah and his followers on one side and Moses and Aaron on the other regarding their leadership. This disagreement ultimately results in a harsh divine judgment. This discussion lacks productive conversation and leads to a detrimental result.

In John 8.48–59, the Pharisees engage in a heated debate with Jesus, accusing him of demon possession and blasphemy. The conversation takes a negative turn as they try to harm Jesus, resulting in personal attacks and hostility instead of constructive dialogue.

In Mark 12.28–34, a scribe asks Jesus about the most important commandment. Jesus responds by revealing the two most significant commandments: to love God deeply and show others love and kindness. The scribe agrees with Jesus and further explains his response, praising Jesus for his understanding. This conversation demonstrates a thoughtful and sincere discussion in which both individuals seek knowledge and insight.

In Acts 17:16–34, Paul has a thought-provoking discussion with the philosophers in Athens. He engages their intellect as he delves into the profound topics of God’s nature and the resurrection of Jesus. While some may ridicule him, some are captivated and eager to delve deeper. This example demonstrates Paul’s ability to engage with various worldviews respectfully and logically.

In Acts 15, the early church leaders gathered to discuss whether Gentile converts should follow Jewish law. After much deliberation, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James engaged in meaningful dialogue and ultimately reached a unanimous agreement. This event demonstrates how thoughtful discussion can lead to a resolution that fosters harmony.

By exploring these biblical examples of dialogue and debate, we discover enduring insights into the significance of effective communication. The examples of Cain and Abel or Korah’s rebellion stand as powerful reminders of the destructive power that can arise from uncontrolled emotions and excessive pride. On the other hand, the instances that showcase a positive outcome, such as Jesus’ conversation with the scribe or the council of early church leaders, beautifully illustrate the profound impact of engaging in respectful and open-minded dialogue. These scriptural lessons remind us of the importance of approaching dialogue with humility, a sincere desire to understand, and a dedication to truth and love. We should consider these timeless biblical principles as we journey through our conversations and differences. By engaging in thoughtful and considerate discussions, we can cultivate comprehension, address disagreements, and ultimately strengthen our connections with one another and the divine vision for human relationships.

“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord (Isaiah 1.18, NASB95).

A Myth We Want to Believe 

Friday’s Column: Brent’s Biblical Bytes

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Brent Pollard

Are you hoping for a “white Christmas” like the ones that Irving Berlin alleged to know? If so, I have some disappointing news for you. The reality is white Christmases are rare. They have always been rare, at least as long as we have been keeping meteorological records. Yet, what of the picturesque scenes painted by Currier and Ives? What about the romantic notions of a snowy Christmas extolled by Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Danny Kaye, and Vera-Ellen in Michael Curtiz’s “White Christmas?” Yes, those are likewise a fabrication of Hollywood too.

There are two reasons that the belief in a “white Christmas” is faulty. First, there is the fact that Britain was a late adopter of the Gregorian calendar (1752). Hence, December 25th used to be January 6th. That makes a big difference from a meteorological standpoint. Second, Charles Dickens, the man who gave us our concept of the “modern Christmas,” lived during the coldest, snowiest part of the Little Ice Age (1805 to 1820). If one is prone to indulge in nostalgia, he allows his youth to color his perceptions of the present and future. So, young Charles Dickens enjoyed very snowy Christmases. In his earlier days, the snow fell and stuck around for some time. From his perspective, then, idyllic Christmases were white. America, in turn, blindly accepted the Dickensian Christmas as its role model.

It is not charming to learn that we have founded our hopes on a myth, correct?  At least the desire for a white Christmas is innocent. Yet, how many are investing their hopes in salvation based on the equivalent of tradition or myth? In Philippians 2.12, Paul tells us to “make an end of your own salvation with fear and trembling” (GNV). I chose this early English translation (Geneva) because it well-conveys the message from the Holy Spirit. Though salvation is a gift from God (Ephesians 2.8-9), we must endeavor to receive it. Thus, we make “an end” to it. Like the football thrown by the quarterback, we must catch the ball, tuck it in securely, and run to the endzone.

Why would someone purposely mislead another? The real answer, perhaps, is something known only by God. One of the most tragic narratives of the Old Testament is that of the young and old prophet. 1 Kings 13 records how God dispatched a young prophet to cry out against Jeroboam’s idolatry. Jeroboam wanted the young prophet to intercede on his behalf with God. God told the young prophet that even if Jeroboam offered half of his house, he would not dine with anyone but go straight home following a different route. So, the young prophet rejected Jeroboam’s request, repeating what God said.

The story does not end there, however. An old prophet living in Bethel asked the young prophet to dine with him. The young prophet repeated what God had told him. In response, the old prophet lied and told the young prophet that an angel spoke to him, permitting him to dine with him.  In a sense, the young prophet did not “make an end of (his) salvation with fear and trembling.” Rather than consulting God about the truth of what the old prophet said, he accepted the old prophet’s invitation. While sitting at the old prophet’s table, the old prophet told the young prophet that he would die since he disobeyed God. The young prophet finished his final meal and traveled the road towards home, where he met a lion that killed him. And despite being the instrument of his destruction, the old prophet lamented the young prophet after retrieving his dead body.

Just as with white Christmases, there are other myths we want to believe. We want to think that older people sharing kinship with us have our best spiritual interests at heart. For example, most people have “saintly” mothers and grandmothers who took them to a particular church in their youth. They paid attention to some preacher at those services who told them to believe in Jesus to receive salvation. And he calls himself a preacher, correct? Hence, he should be someone you can trust. As with the young prophet, there is a failure to learn the truth directly from the source: God. Jesus promises that we can know that truth (John 8.32) and identifies that knowable truth as God’s word (John 17.17).

However, rather than God’s truth, many would instead believe the doctrines of men, like Calvinism’s predestination, dubbed “the most comforting doctrine.” And they may embrace this false teaching as sincerely as Saul had embraced Judaism before meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus. Ultimately, their rationale has the same fragile foundation as a Dickensian novel or a Currier and Ives lithograph. Warm, fuzzy feelings serve as the basis for belief. That feeling is related to nostalgia for the “faith” of mom or dad or the beloved preacher, not truth. It is a feeling predicated on the myth that a loving God would not condemn any sincerely religious person even though Jesus said that those failing to obey the Father would depart (Matthew 7.21-23).

In conclusion, I’d advise you to heed Solomon’s counsel. “Buy the truth, but sell it not: likewise wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Proverbs 23.23 GNV). Make sure your salvation has a better foundation than a white Christmas.

Further Reading

Staveley-Wadham, Rose. The Truth Behind the White Christmas Dream, Findmypast, 10 Dec. 2020, blog.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/2020/12/10/truth-behind-white-christmas-dream/.

“Traditional ‘White Christmas’ Thought to Be a Myth.” Traditional’ White Christmas’ Thought to Be a Myth | Century Ireland, RTÉ ,www.rte.ie/centuryireland/index.php/blog/traditional-white-christmas-thought-to-be-a-myth.

Ferwen. “A Christmas Carol: Dickens and the Little Ice Age.” Letters from Gondwana, Letters from Gondwana, 19 Dec. 2015, paleonerdish.wordpress.com/2014/12/24/a-christmas-carol-dickens-and-the-little-ice-age/.Ortiz, Diego Arguedas. “How Dickens Made Christmas White.” BBC Future, BBC, 21 Dec. 2018, www.bbc.com/future/article/20181217-how-dickens-made-white-christmas-a-myth.

“He Shot Me”


Neal Pollard

I want to preface this story by saying that, of all my siblings, I probably got away with more than the other two combined.  However, on at least one occasion, I was punished for something I did not do.  My brother was about four years old, and he, some neighborhood buddies, and I were playing war.  Brent had a toy Kentucky rifle, while I was toting my new, unloaded Daisy B-B gun.  Perhaps my parents had worried that at nine years old I was too young for such a potent weapon, but they allowed me to own it.  In the heat of battle, Brent and I converged around the corners of our house.  I aimed and fired.  He fell down to play dead for the obligatory “five Mississippis,” but he fell on the sight of that Kentucky rifle.  This led to perhaps the quickest peace treaty in the history of boys playing war.  Brent had a nasty gash under his eye and very nearly did permanent damage to himself.  When Dad and Mom asked what happened, he said, “Neal shot me!” You, Brent, and I know what he meant, but seeing things from their point of view they concluded I had fired a B-B that produced the gaping wound.  These were the last moments between my Daisy and me.  Soon it was a mangled heap of metal.  Dad felt terrible when he understood what Brent meant.

Before you wag your head in disbelief at how this was handled, consider a few facts.  The Sunday before, another buddy and I had been putting Easter eggs on the chain link fence at our property line for target practice.  We did pretty well, though we were oblivious to the fact that we were putting small dings in my buddy’s stepfather’s new 1979 customized Chevy van.  It was another thirty feet beyond the eggs.  I escaped any punishment for that one.  Dad had shown me how to safely use the gun, but I had my own ideas.  The target practice example was my worst but not my only.  I was destined for a date with a demolished Daisy.  My track record caught up to me.

Paul deals with “track records” and character with his son in the faith.  He had been teaching Timothy about how to deal with sin in the latter part of 1 Timothy five.  Public sinners were to be rebuked publicly (20).  Yet, dealing with others’ sins was to be done prudently to avoid sharing responsibility in their sins (22).  The rebuking one was to keep himself free from sin (22b).  Then, Paul ends by writing, “Some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden” (24-25, NKJ).  In context, Paul is guiding Timothy in the investigating of those who would serve as elders.  Prudence and deliberation, in looking into their character, was vital.  Jumping to conclusions too quickly, whether too charitably or too severely, was unwise.  To help Timothy, Paul emphasizes that character often becomes apparent after sufficient examination.

By way of broader application, isn’t the same true of all of us.  As Jesus once put it, “Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children” (Luke 7:35, NASU).   John and Jesus had been wrongly rejected by the Jews, but time and fruit would eventually exonerate the character of each.  That is, those converted through their work would prove the rightness of their teaching.  This would require the test of time and sufficient proving grounds.

Is one preaching for fame, glory, wealth, or power?  Look long and hard, with a good and discerning heart.  You will often see.  Is an elder serving through selfish ambition, to wield power, or out of materialistic greed?  It often comes to the surface.  Why are we Christians?  Why do we serve God?  It so often comes to light in this life.  Yet, whether it does in this life or not, it will ultimately.  Let us strive to keep watch over our hearts (cf. Mark 7:20-23).  Let us constantly purify our motives (cf. Eph. 6:5-8).  Remember that character will be tested.  Strive to do what is right even when you are not seen by others, and character will usually be apparent.

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