How To Win a Theological Debate

We’ve all been there. That awkward moment at Bible study or church gathering when someone steers a friendly conversation into the abyss of argumentation. Their pet theological topic comes up and they feel compelled to share their wealth of knowledge on the subject while chastising everyone in their path that has a different view. Even worse though, is when we’re that person.

There should always be room for vigorous discussion about theology. Iron sharpens iron, you know. Christians should talk often about weighty matters. It is a serious problem however whenever spiritual know-it-alls use bully tactics to verbally beat someone else into theological submission and conformity.

When you find yourself in the middle of one of these situations, you will win the debate every time if you remember these things:

Be Prepared

Study the Bible and gain as much knowledge about God’s Word as you can. You will have no credibility in a discussion if you speak dogmatically on a subject matter of which you know little or nothing about. Nobody really cares about your opinions. Having a command of the facts and being knowledgeable about the topic gives you confidence to speak the truth with authority. Use the Bible to defend your position, but make sure it’s within proper context, being rightly interpreted. When you invest yourself in a thorough study of Scripture, you win because you’ve invested in your relationship with the Lord.

Be diligent to present yourself approved
to God as a workman who does not
need to be ashamed, accurately
handling the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15

Be Calm

A wise man once instructed us in the book of Proverbs that our spirit of gentleness can set the tone of a discussion. Sometimes a potential explosive situation is averted simply by maintaining a calm demeanor and giving a fit answer. When someone is getting overly fired up, just make a decision not to go down into the ditch with them. Remain calm and keep your composure.

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable,
But the mouth of fools spouts folly.
Proverbs 15:1-2

Be Respectful

The Golden Rule never goes out of style. Speak to people you’re conversing with the same way you would want to be spoken to. The best way to win any argument is to treat people who have differing viewpoints with kindness. We are indeed called to treat people with kindness.

In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want
them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:12

Be Teachable

There are people who think they know everything about everything. But the reality is that if we’re really growing in the Lord and becoming more aware of His inexhaustible riches, we discover how much we really don’t know. In other words, we have a lot to learn! Don’t compromise your belief system if it is based on your knowledge of Scripture, but don’t be afraid to change your position on something if new information has been brought to light. Continually examine yourself to make sure what you’re defending really is the truth.

Take hold of instruction; do not let go.
Guard her, for she is your life.
Proverbs 4:13

Be Humble

Humility goes before honor. There is no honor in ‘winning’ an argument if you’ve demolished your brother with your theological sledgehammer. An arrogant attitude is an ugly deformity on the face of a Christian. The humble person has favor from God and this is a victory in spite of what the others in the debate think.

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,
But humility goes before honor.
He who gives an answer before he hears,
It is folly and shame to him.
Proverbs 18:12-13

We must let scripture frame the way we converse with other Christians when we enter into passionate theological discussions. Our emotions can easily get the best of us because of our pride and lack of self-control. These debates should never end with the offense of a brother or sister in Christ. Seek forgiveness where you’ve damaged a relationship because of your selfish desire to ‘win’. Repent of the puffed up grandstanding and commit to mastering the art of God-honoring discourse.