Volume III, Issue 7

To Debate or Not to Debate – That is the Question

      I have often been asked to discuss or debate controversial subjects in theology with fellow believers.  I love to be involved in theological discussions so I usually agree to the debate.  Sadly, it seems that too many Christians are not willing to treat each other with gentleness and respect.  I have recently been reminded that before I agree to take part in these types of discussions, I need to have the terms and purpose of the debate clearly spelled out.

      As a promoter of the biblical creation view, I am regularly ridiculed by opponents because of false and misleading ideas like the following: “99.5% of educated people know the earth is billions of years old.”  Unfortunately, the most vicious attacks come from fellow Christians who believe that my view hinders the presentation of the Gospel and some even believe it is heretical to believe in a young earth.  I wrote an article about this subject two years ago detailing some of the tactics employed by these people.

      As Christians, we are called to make the most of our time here on earth (Colossians 4:5).  Before rushing into another debate, be sure that you know the motives of the person with which you are dealing.  If all he or she is interested in doing is ridiculing or attacking your beliefs then you would be wise to spend your time doing something else.  However, if the person has a genuine interest in debating a subject with you and is willing to listen to what you have to say, then take the time to open up God’s Word together with the intention of arriving at a deeper understanding of it.

      It is sad that so many of those who are ready to scorn me for my beliefs have the atheists and agnostics as their closest allies.  It is even worse that many of the atheists and agnostics have greater respect for me than these fellow believers.  As Christians, we need to learn to treat each person with respect.  When it comes to the battle of ideas, we have to remember that Paul told the Corinthians that we are to attack the “arguments” or “imaginations” and not the individuals (2 Corinthians 10:4-5). 

      We are obligated to give an answer to anyone who asks us a reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15).  We are to do this with gentleness and respect.  Notice that this passage does not tell us to debate with any person that wants to get involved in that type of discussion.  It says that we should be ready with an answer for those who are genuinely asking us questions about our hope.  So before you jump into your next big discussion about the Christian faith, be sure you figure out the motives of the person you are debating.               

Tim the Triathlete

      I debated about whether or not to include this piece but a friend encouraged me to write it.  On June 10, I competed in the annual Green Bay Triathlon.  I completed the course (1/4 mile swim, 15 mile bike, 3 mile run) in 1 hour, 51 minutes and 3 seconds. 

      My time was not too important because my first goal was to finish the race.  In January, I made up my mind that I wanted to complete a sprint triathlon within a year of being diagnosed with leukemia.  So I began training.  It took a while before I could walk that distance – and I still cannot run it, but most of my strength has returned since being sapped during the rounds of chemotherapy.  I’m feeling great and thankful that God allowed me to achieve this goal.  Thanks for all your prayers.

Upcoming Events

     Below is a list of the places Tim will be speaking at in the coming months.  If you would like to have Tim speak at your church, school, camp, etc., please visit our “Contact” page to reach us. 

August 12 – Pleasant View Methodist Church / Belmont, WI (Leukemia and the Lord)

August 19 – Blue River Valley Church / rural Blue River, WI (Leukemia and the Lord)

November 16-17 – Living Waters Bible Camp / Westby, WI (two talks at Creation Apologetics conference)

November 18 – Grace Church / Viroqua, WI (Leukemia and the Lord)

January 18-20, 2008 – Bethel Baptist Church / Green Bay, WI (several talks at Worldview conference)

Miscellaneous

     As always, if you have any questions, comment, concerns, corrections, ideas, prayer requests, etc., please email us and let us know.  Also, thank you for your prayers.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers throughout this month.

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