Ask Mr. Religion
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I was recently asked What is your individual policy on engaging in internet debate?
My response follows....
One must be a good steward of the time God grants them (Ephesians 5:15; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Mark 12:30). The time granted should be spent bringing glory to God in word, deed, or thought. Let that be your litmus test (Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8) for entering into debate where some of the clashing that takes place will inflame one's passions and lead one to sin, especially as relates to the ninth commandment. Debates are not for the faint of heart, the immature of faith or character. Nevertheless, I agree with Doug Wilson that debates are a duty.
Given that duty one should equip himself well by much study, taking every word captive for the glory of God. Too much of what passes for "debate" is nothing more than cavils that degenerate into ad hominems or embarrassing error that brings scandal upon that which we hold dear as the hearer is led into error by one's own error. Every disagreement is not a call to debate, so also be a good steward of your gifts and time—not everyone deserves it and you are not obligated to give it unworthily (Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 5:15-17; Psalm 90:12; Isaiah 49:4). That is especially true as you gain ability and find yourself being "called out" often by those that are seeking to make a name for themselves or are just toadying to the mob at your expense. Ignore these types, choosing your battles and your opponents wisely.
Nothing above should be taken to imply we are to be milquetoasts about matters of the faith. MacArthur sums it up nicely:
My response follows....
One must be a good steward of the time God grants them (Ephesians 5:15; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Mark 12:30). The time granted should be spent bringing glory to God in word, deed, or thought. Let that be your litmus test (Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 10:5; Philippians 4:8) for entering into debate where some of the clashing that takes place will inflame one's passions and lead one to sin, especially as relates to the ninth commandment. Debates are not for the faint of heart, the immature of faith or character. Nevertheless, I agree with Doug Wilson that debates are a duty.
Given that duty one should equip himself well by much study, taking every word captive for the glory of God. Too much of what passes for "debate" is nothing more than cavils that degenerate into ad hominems or embarrassing error that brings scandal upon that which we hold dear as the hearer is led into error by one's own error. Every disagreement is not a call to debate, so also be a good steward of your gifts and time—not everyone deserves it and you are not obligated to give it unworthily (Romans 12:6-8, Ephesians 5:15-17; Psalm 90:12; Isaiah 49:4). That is especially true as you gain ability and find yourself being "called out" often by those that are seeking to make a name for themselves or are just toadying to the mob at your expense. Ignore these types, choosing your battles and your opponents wisely.
Nothing above should be taken to imply we are to be milquetoasts about matters of the faith. MacArthur sums it up nicely:
{The Truth War} is not mere wrangling between competing earthly ideologies. It is not simply a campaign to refine someone’s religious creed or win a denominational spitting contest. It is not a battle of wits over arcane theological fine points. It is not an argument for sport. It is not a like a school debate, staged to see who is more skilled or more clever in the art of argumentation. It is not merely academic in any sense. And it is certainly not a game. It is a very serious struggle to safeguard the heart and soul of truth itself and to unleash that truth against the powers of darkness – in hopes to rescuing the eternal souls of men and women who have been unwittingly ensnared by the trap of devilish deception. This is a battle we cannot wage effectively if we always try to come across to the world as merely nice, nonchalant, docile, agreeable, and fun-loving people. We must not take our cues from people who are perfectly happy to compromise the truth wherever possible for harmony’s sake. Friendly dialogue may sound affable and pleasant. But neither Christ nor the apostles ever confronted serious, soul-destroying error by building collegial relationships with false teachers.