I can only argue with people in calm situations. When things get heated I get anxious and my brain shuts down. Praying for God to give me strength and wisdom to deal with these situations.
Great video brother! I have learned so much from healthy debates over the years. Because of this my faith has grown and I have left some traditions that were not essential or edifying. I really appreciate guys like Jeff Durbin from Apologia Church who go into the public square with the Gospel and engage with others. Be well and God bless!
Howdy Wilson, I really appreciated this video message. Thank you for titling it The Virtue of Arguing…not Debating. I normally tend to shy away from arguing, thinking spirited debate is somehow more “Christian”. But you have helped me see that the tempering of our character, in order to obtain the “gold” of humility and skim off the “dross” of pride, requires more heat than a controlled debate can provide. We consider arguing to be more inflammatory, but the heat is needed. Thank you Spurgeon Piper, for both the sound teaching…and the pipe smoking!
I wholeheartedly agree! I actually enjoy a good argument/discussion on a number of things. But it’s so frustrating when people blow their top and it turns into a game of who can talk the loudest :/ I’ll admit that when I was younger I was quick to anger when arguing, and it’s something I’m rather embarrassed about now. But I think we can all learn to argue and agree/disagree better. I think once people give up the idea of “winning” the discussion, and consider more the idea of conversing, learning, and honing ideas, things tend to go a lot better. And when people get defensive or combative I often call it out and leave the conversation because it’s no longer productive. Thanks for sharing! Would love to see more videos like this!
Dear Wilson - you have produced a video here of the very highest quality which in my view should be placed on the curriculum of every school and seat of learning the world over! You always display a gentle courtesy and measured calmness in your videos which I hope serve as an inspiration (and lesson) to all who view them. Thank you. Paul
I would agree... good word brother. Arguing does have it's place, but with wisdom. Most people have lost the ability to agree to disagree at the end and still be friends. We are different people and there will always be differences that is when the wisdom comes into play and what I believe it to be the voice of the Holy Spirit. Have a great day and be blessed! :)
Wilson, I’m thankful for your wisdom. This one got me a little long winded. It seems like arguing in a healthy way is an acquired skill. I would imagine people who’s family of origin squelched healthy debate, might view it as confrontation to be avoided. If a parent was overbearing and made it unsafe for opposing views to be expressed, then it would be natural to withhold opposing opinions in order to keep the peace. It seems like some folks gain energy during an argument, while in others it seems to drain energy. It’s fascinating that your congregation can openly dialogue and debate. It seems like the tradition of the western church is to sit in rows and only one person has the microphone, If someone disagrees in some way with what is being taught, the implied advice given is, “don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out!.” It becomes another place where it is unsafe for opposing views to be expressed. The western church’s one inherited trait since 1054 has been to fracture again and again. The body of Christ who can sit in a circle and carry on honorable discourse like a recovery meeting is in a healthy state. Sadly the absence of healthy face-to-face debates seem to have caused them to resurface in unhealthy debates taking place on-line. It’s unfortunate because the old saying “Conflict plus resolution equals intimacy” is true.
Hiyas Wilson, I do agree that a good argument with people we know, love and care about can be healthy and enlightening and humbling. I love Twain's quote on the subject, " Never argue with a fool; onlookers may not be able to tell the difference". I think it's very important to know when to participate and carry out a constructive argument and when to let sleeping dogs lie. Cheers, Gary
I think one of the hardest things I've struggled with is when it is appropriate to argue as a Christian. I want to share the gospel with some of my friends who are hostile towards Christ but sometimes I favor my image in their eyes more than I care about the eternity of their soul which is concerning to me. Additionally, I find it so hard to argue with people without coming across as arrogant with my opinions. This video is really helpful. Thanks for this!
I busted out laughing when you said encyclopedia! You are older then you look. Then said open a book, also got a chuckle. Thank you! I like typewriters and fountain pens. This pipe smoking came late in life. Again, thank you for your content from a 7 month pipe smoker.
I’m extremely passionate and sometimes that comes across badly. I’m not that fond of arguing or debating but I do enjoy watching some debates. I try not to hate and I fight hard against ingrained stereotypes. Passive aggressive behavior is what I try to prevent the most, though I’m a grudge holder by nature. I’m trying, I promise! Great video!
Sound advice. I do tend to lean on the less arguative side- especially with politics. BTW- I checked out one of your recent sermons online and really enjoyed it. Take care and am really enjoying your videos.
I like "discussing" subjects, but dont like "arguments". The issue is we have lost the art of discussing things. People have also lost the concept of opinion and facts. Your opinion cant really be wrong as its your opinion. So if we are talking our opinions about a subject, i can offer my opinion and and am open to yours. If you have a good point i may change my opinion about that subject. If we are talking facts well be ready as i am to admit we had the facts wrong. No one is perfect, but remember that not all "public facts" are actually correct. The point is we probably agree and get along on most subjects is it worth throwing away relationships over a difference. Society has forgotten that we dont have to see eye to eye. The current push is that there is only one way. If that was the case we wouldnt have 90 percent of what we have today, including our freedom. I miss sitting around listening to my elders discuss things. I learned so much!!! Arguments are just closed minded discussions that go nowhere. I hope i actually typed what i meant to say lol Anyways thanks for the great video!!! Cheers 🍻
Wilson I really want to thank you for your content. I have learned so much watching you. I have just started my channel would love to get to email with you on any tips on the way forward I to am a minister would really love to hear from you God bless keep up the good work Tim C
Have you argued with someone who doesn't understand sovereign grace or which Bible is the word of God. The civil war the south had the right to secede. Marriage, divorce, socialism versus capitalism. Yeah been there and doing that. I try to do it in a Christian manner, but it is easy to get hot under the collar. Good thoughts Wilson thank you for the challenge.
