Are Doctrine & Theological Quarrels/Debates Wrong?

~Brandon James Scott Scholl

I was at my church’s Men’s Breakfast this morning and it’s interesting how much you can get out of just one sentence that someone says and how random or completely off the subject what you can come up with is. We were talking about the tabernacle and how it was set up and why it’s set up the way it is.

There was one specific scripture that was mentioned about not quarreling and such. This made me wonder about things such as debating theology and doctrine. There are times that the bible explains, “²³Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” -2 Timothy 2:23. However with that scripture what would be considered a stupid argument? There are people with the feeling that any kind of conversation, debate, or otherwise that has to do with doctrine or theology is considered a stupid argument. However, there is another scripture to think about, “¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” -2 Timothy 3:16. If the bible says it can be used for correcting, training, rebuking, and teaching then where would we draw the line between a pointless argument and something that may help them decide and weigh the ideas. From my own experience I spend time on chat rooms and various forums online where religion is the general topic that may be discussed. So, in that area I see no reason why and form of argument or discussion shouldn’t be allowed. If you don’t like what’s being discussed in that area then I believe you should either leave the room or put up with the discussion. Although, if you are at an event, like I have been, where there are fellow Christians and various religious topics have come up. I’ve been told by numerous people that we shouldn’t have conversations about that kind of stuff with other people because there’s a possibility of confrontation and such. My answer is this: Why not!?!? Why is it that so many Christians are so afraid of that? How would it be any different if you were talking to someone random or if someone wasn’t Christians? I would think it would be better to talk to another Christian than to run into someone who may attack your beliefs because stone walling someone by saying they should look it up for themselves is NOT TO BE THE ANSWER! We should be able and willing to walk them through if possible. 1 Peter 3:15 tells us to give a defense. Therefore, give a freaking defense and stop being a weenie. The bible says that iron sharpens iron. That means you learn and get stronger when talking with a fellow Christian. Think of it this way: How do you become a good warrior if you don’t practice?