Polemics: Fighting Words (5)
Barry Gritters examines the proper and improper conduct of theological polemics, arguing that while biblical polemics wielded through God's Word produces good results, unspiritual controversy damages the church's witness and corrupts both those engaged in it and those observing it. Drawing on John Newton's counsel to young pastors, Gritters warns against the pride, carelessness, and worldly combativeness that can characterize theological disputes, showing how such failures dishonor God's name and harm the very causes defenders seek to protect.
Previous article in this series: September 1, 2012, p. 461. Polemics will bring results. Both proper and improper, biblical and unspiritual, polemics, by the power of God, will have effects. Those who have lived in the church very long have witnessed this. Godly polemics will have good (that's not to say "pleasant") effect, because polemics is the use of God's Word to battle error, and God's Word never returns to Him "void" (Is. 55:11). Unbiblical polemics will also have consequences. The...
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