Agreed. I came to view it as a fruitless exercise with overly intellectual Christians just as much or more.
I actually started playing dumb with such, letting them think I was stupid or ignorant. I found the oneupmanship with God’s Word repulsive.
In my opinion, no theology fosters this kind of overweening pride more than Calvinism (Reformed). I am not here denouncing the actual theology, but the intellectual pride behind it.
In my opinion, no theology fosters this kind of overweening pride more than Calvinism (Reformed). I am not here denouncing the actual theology, but the intellectual pride behind it.
Well as a Pentecostal, I'm Arminian...and I agree with you that many Calivinists I've met have that terrible spirit of pride. That said, I've also had to pray for God to help me forgive many baptist believers from the past, especially family members and schoolmates. I don't want to fall into the same trap myself.
I think in the arena of "debates" many Christians lose their way. It becomes less about winning souls and preaching the gospel and more about "winning an argument." Like you said, theological tennis. Whoever can one-up each other with the right amount of scriptures, as if more scriptures supporting one doctrine makes it true. It's all about flesh and pride and the thrill of victory. Whether it's with atheists or other Christians, I'm just not interested in taking part. I write my blogs so people can see for themselves what I have to say and can decide whether or not I make a persuasive point.