The practice of elenctics (2): Learning before reproving
Holstege argues that Christian witness and refutation of false religions must be preceded by careful study and understanding of those religions' core principles, motivations, and aims. Drawing on Reformed missiologists like J. H. Bavinck, the article emphasizes that elenctics (confutation of false doctrine) is an essential but not primary aspect of Christian witness, requiring believers to genuinely know their neighbor's beliefs before offering biblical reproof.
Previous article in this series: May 15, 2019, p. 382. The zealous Christian witness who would reprove the man of this world, with the desire that he might be gained to Christ, must learn about that man and his religion before reproving him. "It is clear," writes the Reformed missiologist J. H. Bavinck, "that elenctics must first of all begin with the precise and calm knowledge of the nature of the religion with which it is concerned."1 The Presbyterian missionary John Young writes, "Such a...
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