Most Christians I know choose not to engage in debates finding it pointless and a waste of their energy. While I completely understand, so often when it appears a person is debating, they are actually trying to seek answers and testing what they may believe as truth against what others believe. Though an unbeliever who wants to debate may truly intend to frustrate and stump you for their own personal satisfaction, so often there is a part of them that is seeking more than they care to admit. For this reason, it is so important to follow what the Bible says:
- “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15)
One of the biggest things skeptics want is proof. The concept of having faith is often foreign or found to be illegitimate in argument to those who don’t believe as some of us do. The best suggestion I can make in debates such as these is for the unbeliever to try to prove air to me, or an emotion. How about trying to prove that man actually landed on the moon? There are people who legitimately question this event. None of us were there in person to witness it right?
- “But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” (Titus 3:9-11)
- “Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.”(Proverbs 14:7)
Thankfully for us, we are not required to debate with others. It is better for us to live by example and pray for those who are in need of answers. I do believe God will provide opportunities for them to know truth. If you do choose to engage in debate, be ready with your Bible at hand. Find some common ground; you are much more likely to gain someone’s respect if they can relate to you as another human. If you should find yourself in conflict with someone who may be seeking but is choosing to be argumentative, try to remain graceful. Perhaps let them know if they really have questions, you will try to answer them the best you can or get back to them with the answer if you don’t have one. Let them know too if you are not interested in debating with them and if you would just rather agree to disagree. This is not a copout, it’s a sign of human respect and an opportunity for you to reach out to them by your actions as well as pray for them. Hopefully your non-threatening approach will speak louder than your argument in debate.
- “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech be seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”(Colossians 4:5-6)
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Scripture references are quoted from the NKJV.