Avoiding Controversies?

This post is going to be a little funny (I hope), a little serious, and perhaps even controversial. My friend and fellow-blogger Barbara over at Tidbits and Treasures recently posted on a topic entitled Influence or Edification that really got me to thinking. Some of the most popular blogs in the blogosphere are those that engage in controversial debate on a regular basis. There are certain topics within Christendom which have a polarizing effect. We tend to be very passionate about truths which we hold to be self-evident (as well we should I suppose).

The Apostle Paul warned/exhorted his ministerial proteges Timothy and Titus to avoid controversies. Let's look at a few of the passages that shape this thought: I'll add my personal comments in italics

I Timothy 1:4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions (personal note here:Many translations substitute the word "questions" with the words controversies or disputes), rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

I Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words,(Again, some translations use the phrases "controversies, disputes, and arguments) whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions (disputes, controversies), and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

There is a temptation which we all (and especially ministers) face and that is to go off on the proverbial "rabbit trail". Most heated debates and arguments, while sometimes can prove intellectually stimulating and envigorating, do nothing to further the cause of Christ. If you have spent any amount of time reading Christian blogs or internet forums, you will quickly notice that we are a divided group of people. Quite frankly, there are some very controversial topics that relate to Christian issues.

My point today is not that we should all hold hands and practice "groupthink" as it pertains to our faith. There is no doubt in my mind that the Apostle Paul was very opinionated and passionate about what he believed. His instructions to Timothy and Titus were not to abandon their theological convictions nor to tolerate false doctrine (in fact, Paul gives Timothy a charge to rebuke those preaching false doctrine I Timothy 1:3), but rather not to waste their time, efforts, and energies on debates with those who merely like to argue to hear themselves speak (and trust me, there are a boatload of them out there with a penchant for this very thing!).

The funny thing about most debates is that people already have their minds made up anyway. Have I convinced you to avoid controversies and foolish questions? :)

Until next time....

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