Debates and Arguments in Evangelism

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 I just read an interesting article: “Why you can't debate unbelievers into the Kingdom of God,” By Michael Wicker. It’s a great example of the current ideas of the Evangelical Christian Church regarding the place of apologetics and argument.  Three points of contention below.

First, everything positive it says could be said equally about sharing the gospel as it is said about apologetics or winning arguments. For example, our sharing of the gospel message does not change hearts; only the Holy Spirit does. The Spirit uses the biblical content of our massage about what Christ has done for us, but that message does not change anyone's heart unless the Spirit brings conviction. This is important because apologetics and argument are used by the Spirit to change hearts as well. For example, Josh McDowell, J. Warner Wallace, and Lee Strobel all share the importance of apologetics and arguments to their conversion.

Second, arguments for God's existence, the resurrection of Christ, and other doctrines are formed all over Scripture. Just read all the sermons in Acts. The Apostles and Prophets consistently give intellectual reasons for faith and exhort us to do the same.

Lastly, at least the article quotes 2 Timothy 2:23-25 in context, but "...the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome..." refers to “...foolish, ignorant controversies..." We are certainly to engage with "gentleness," but issues like the existence of God and the truth of the Bible are certainly not foolish and ignorant. 

Even though many Christians in our day and age will not like it, we are to contend for the faith once for all delivered to the Saints and always be ready to give a defense of the reason for the hope that we have (Jude 3, 1 Peter 3:15).  We cannot be held hostage by people who claim to be offended by our message.  We must share with gentleness and respect, but we must share.  We must argue with and correct others with gentleness, but we must argue with and correct others.  

May God have mercy!


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