[Colofornian]

Yes, the key word is "reasoned". St. Paul reasoned with those in the synagogue. Quite so. That's exactly my point. So much of what goes on in the religion forum is not reasoned debate because one or both parties have stopped listening.

Perhaps. But your post didn't come in as one addressed to "ALL." If you had done this, your above comment would make more sense. But the fact is you singled out two posters who do tend to dialogue. Therefore, your characterization of their posts was not reflective of how they operate.

Secondly, Apollos did more than simply "reason":

...spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. 27When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. (Acts 18:25-28)

Apollos "spoke boldly" and "vigorously refuted" the Jews. (Why is it you seem to hone in on words that only match your previous parameters?) Are you going to claim that Apollos went beyond your comfortability "keyword" level? Or is it simply easier for you to tangle with posters in here than for you to concede that you're uncomfortable with the approach Apollos took in Acts 18?

Likewise he advised them not to cast their pearls before swine in a similar vein.

I'm sorry, but I don't deem LDS to be "swine." They are people of tremendous worth whom God loves.

[marshmallow]

Perhaps. But your post didn't come in as one addressed to "ALL." If you had done this, your above comment would make more sense. But the fact is you singled out two posters who do tend to dialogue. Therefore, your characterization of their posts was not reflective of how they operate.

I didn't single out anyone. They singled me out. My original post on this thread (# 975) was a general comment directed to the originator of the thread. Two posters (the ones whom you mention) took issue with it and I responded.

Apollos "spoke boldly" and "vigorously refuted" the Jews. (Why is it you seem to hone in on words that only match your previous parameters?) Are you going to claim that Apollos went beyond your comfortability "keyword" level? Or is it simply easier for you to tangle with posters in here than for you to concede that you're uncomfortable with the approach Apollos took in Acts 18?

As did Jesus and the rest of the apostles. He (and they) also moved on when it was apparent that hearts were hardened to the message.

Let's not try to spin "vigorously refuted" and "spoke boldly" into a daily, repetitive slanging match though, OK? Both of those terms can be happily encompassed in the scope of a respectful, thoughtful debate.