The Benefits of Christian Debate
Pecking away on my laptop at my job, I enjoy playing Dr. James White’s debates on my iPad. I later discovered debates by the late Dr. Walter Martin and Sye Ten Bruggencate. All are gifted apologists that have their own unique methods. Dr. Martin is probably best known for his knowledge of cults. Sye Ten Bruggencate has made a name for himself as one who challenges atheistic and agnostic worldviews.
There are aspects of Christian debate that turn some people away. Debates can be a little heated. Passions can flare on both sides as beliefs and views are scrutinized and questioned. Debates can also be lengthy. They can last hours. Sadly, in our culture of short attention spans, we have a hard time focusing.
Those issues aside, I believe that watching debates has lasting benefits for Christians. We are told in Scripture to always be ready to give a defense for the hope that we have in Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:15) The theological term apologetics comes from the Greek word used in that verse. We should always be ready to defend what we believe in a world increasingly defiant and hostile against the things of God. However, the defense of our faith must always be done lovingly and patiently. (2 Timothy 2:25) A defense, nonetheless, we are to be able to provide.
I’ve been thinking about some of the ways debates are helpful. I also want to provide a few of my favorite debates in this article.
Debates help us share our faith.
One of the biggest fears Christians have when sharing their faith is not knowing how to answer someone’s question or challenge. When the doorbell rings and there are two Jehovah’s Witnesses on your front porch, do you fear to give them the gospel because they may ask a tough question? Watching good debates can equip you for that challenge. Many common objections on both sides of the table are often handled in a typical debate. We can grow in our courage and knowledge to share the gospel by learning from those gifted by God in the areas of apologetics.
Debates help us increase in knowledge.
Debates have a double benefit. Watching them increases your knowledge and understanding of Christian theology, as well as what others believe and why they believe it. Knowing why they believe what they believe can be very helpful in a gospel conversation. One word of caution. Knowledge can puff up a person with spiritual pride. We’re not learning to become scholars first and foremost, but ambassadors of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. The more we grow in the knowledge of God, the more it should humble us. Our knowledge of the beliefs of other religions and worldviews should cause us to long for their salvation.
Debates can increase our love for the lost.
There have been several debates that I’ve watched with a broken heart as I hear the opposing side defending a worldview or belief that provides no hope. Satan has blinded so many minds through worldly religion and a refusal to bow to the Lord Jesus Christ this side of his return. Watching debates opens our eyes to the reality of this spiritual war and should cause our hearts to yearn for the salvation of their souls. Christians sadly can become so isolated from the world that they lose a passion for evangelism. We are to be out in the world with the gospel message, just not of the world. We must not forget that!
Debates can teach us how (and how not) to defend our faith.
Some debates are just downright nasty. One or both sides may get a little too passionate, or feelings may start to win over the truth. The same text of Scripture that commands us to always be ready to defend our faith also says to do so with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15) I continue to this day to be haunted by an encounter I had with a cult member at a park. My speech was far from gentle and respectful. Watching gifted apologists defend the faith Biblically can teach us how we are to act in a fallen world with those blinded from the truth. On the flip side, we can also see the hatred that fallen, unregenerate hearts have for God. Our hearts should mourn for the condition of mankind outside of Christ. It should also greatly humble believers as they remind themselves that it is only by the grace of God they are saved.
These are just a few reasons I recommend Christian debates. If you have the attention span of a gnat, one trick is to jump to the cross-examination portions of the debates. This is the part where both sides ask each other questions. I admit that I often do this, but skipping the opening statements causes you to miss important details. As a bonus, some debates include audience questions.