An Observation From the Debate

I wasn't able to watch the second presidential debate last night between President Barack Obama and the Republican challenger Mitt Romney, but I did listen to some of it on the radio, and then watched a few highlights on TV later in the evening. Debates are often very interesting and lively, and this debate was no different. In fact, not only were both candidates lively, they were quite aggressive, and while the aggression didn't really bother me, many people were turned off by it - the way they interuppted one another, the snide remarks, and the general tone of disrespect. Of course, this shouldn't surprise any of us. It's election season, and politics can get ugly.

 

I've heard some religious people say that it's wrong to debate the Scriptures. I disagree...

"And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, 'Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.' Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question" (Acts 15:1-2).

"As I urged you when I went into Macedonia - remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine" (1 Tim. 1:3).

"...I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3).

Based on these and other verses, it is clear that God expects us to stand up for His truth. If that means disagreeing with someone, or responding to an attack on the Scriptures, or even "debating" spiritual matters with others, then so be it. It matters what we believe!

 

However, in our efforts to defend the truth, we ought not be reduced to squabbling children. We mustn't resort to unfair criticisms and personal attacks. In other words, we shouldn't debate the Scriptures as Obama and Romney debated politics last night.

"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth..." (2 Tim. 2:24-25).

After all, it's not about who's right, it's about what's right.