Why do Christians Argue so Much?
This week’s podcast kicks off several posts this week about interpretation that will just cover a few things I’ve noticed going on with the hope that you’ll take the opportunity to think about some of the things that cause confusion. Here on the podcast, I’ll be talking about presuppositions, also called premises or preconceived notions. These are our biases through which we filter information, and fairly often, they color our views without our even realizing it.
Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll have a post with an example of how a false presupposition, backed up with straw-man arguments can lead a person to a conclusion that puts all of Christian teaching in peril, and then on Thursday, I’ll post a dialogue in which you can see two people going through their thinking on a Biblical topic and arriving at a conclusion in a way that avoids most common interpretational mistakes. I hope that these posts are of interest, and if nothing else that they will help all of us to be a little more careful as followers of Jesus… and now this week’s podcast:
Life Project Blog 
Don – really enjoyed this! And REALLY enthusiastic to see the linked pieces as the week unfolds. You are on to something really good in my humble opinion!
(And I am “hearing” that it is okay to disagree – and why. And that arguments are a tad short-sighted – and why)
Community – common unity!
>>> on a personal note I find my thinking/posts go in sequences, developing thinking, listening, guidance, feedback. The podcast and then your follow-up posts “work” in the same way for me!
It’s funny you should say that. Last Wednesday the podcast popped into my head, so I recorded it. Thursday, an incident: wow, gotta post this. Then Friday, an incident: wow gotta post this too… Holy Cow, there’s a plan!
I wish I’d thought of it…
🙂
Goody goody! 🙂
Don I couldnt wait to hear what you had come up with and boy did you start out with a bang! This is the crux of our christian separations. Its been a part of my life and what i have researched for years. Constant proof text on every side! Its useless! Is it so important to get everyone on “your side” of the debate about things that Jesus would surely say Stop Arguing about? Love The Lord your God. Love one another. There is no side to be taken here. No varying view on what that REALLY means.
Great podcast Don i loved it.
Katie 🌻
Katie, thank you! Oh, I am so OVER PROOF TEXTS! They get a whole post all their own… or maybe the next podcast; I haven’t decided. Anyway, thanks a bunch; I love what you’re doing on your blog!
Thanks Don! 🍦
Great podcast! What you said makes such good sense. Looking forward to the rest of your posts this week ! Have a blessed week, Don.
Thank you Elaine, you too!
excellent!
🙂
I really enjoyed listening to your podcast! I had learned that lesson years ago about being willing to disagree on small things. I used to be big on arguing, until I lost a few good friends because of it. I still argue sometimes but I try to learn to agree to disagree. Thanks for sharing.
As a Recovering debater myself, I can feel you pain! 🙂
Really enjoyed your podcast.
Thanks Steve