It would help me (and might help others) if were to crystallise my position on the matter of Christian polemics. Partly, the debate has revealed that there is a consensus at a theoretical level, and that what we are discussing is a matter of discernment or wisdom. What's my big problem? (...) an apologetic issue - I really think we forget how aggressive rhetoric and polemics from the pulpit is a big turn off for a large numbers of people. Politicians now know this, and even Tony Abbott (an Australian politician) is trying to be more winsome. a foothold for the devil - so many of the NT lists of sins include things like quarreling, dissension, strife and discord and what have you. As a hotheaded young man, hearing preachers regularly denounce other versions of Christianity fed the self-righteousness and pride of my heart. I think it has taken me some years to repent of this. I don't think I was a very unusual young man - and so it is pastorally unwise to encourage thi...
"Examinai tudo. Retende o bem", I Tessalonicenses 5:21