Miguel Labrador's Blog

Advent Apologetics Day#12 – It’s abou... To Hell With Integrity?

Advent Apologetics Day #13 – Noble Argumentation?

An Advent Apologetic is one that is not quarrelsome but kind, able to teach, and patiently endures evil. (2 Timothy 2:24) It has nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; or purposefully creating environments for contention. (2 Timothy 2:23) It’s one that does not lean towards grumbling or disruption. (Philippians 2:14) It’s soft in response and does not feed anger. (Proverbs 15:1) It is not vengeful. (Romans 12:19) It submits to those in authority, is obedient, disposed to do good, speaks evil of no one, maintains gentleness, and practices common courtesies. (Titus 3:1-2) It pursues peace and the building up of others. (Romans 14:19) It is patient and kind, does not envy or boast, is not arrogant or rude, doesn’t insist on its own way, and is not irritable or resentful. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3) It doesn’t contend without fruitful purpose. (Proverbs 3:30) It lives, breathes, and moves according to its calling. (1 Peter 2:21) It is pure, peaceable, open to reason, full of mercy, and impartial and sincere. (James 3:17) It acts according to its nature. (James 3:9-12) It’s timely. (Proverbs 23:9) It is enfleshed in continued faithfulness.

I know the above paragraph is filled with subjective terms. At the accusation of being “arrogant,” or “unkind,” or “discourteous,” or even “argumentative,” I’ve often responded with the questions like, “How am I being arrogant?” or even “Show me where the sin is in what I’m saying.” While intellectually defensible, this attitude tends towards esteeming oneself higher than others. The exact opposite of what an Advent Apologetic is.

Many, including myself have justified argumentation as noble when used to “defend the faith.” One question:

Are there any texts in scripture which justify being argumentative?

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