Q: Hi Perimeno,  do you accept challenges to debate?
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A: I no longer post on any forums because I don’t want to get involved in debates over "trifles," as was too often the case. Many believe whatever they want to believe, and they will tailor the truth to make it fit their own personal preferences or circumstances. It is as Paul foretold, “there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, whereas they will be turned aside to false stories.” (2 Tim. 4:3,4) No, Paul is not here talking about the attitude of people of the world in general, or the churches of Christendom, as we might want to think; but he is counseling fellow believers and referring to the development among God's people "in the last days." That is why he goes on to say: "Keep reminding them of these things, charging them before God as witnesses, not to fight about words, a thing of no usefulness at all because it overturns those listening. . . But shun empty speeches that violate what is holy; for they will advance to more and more ungodliness. . . Further, turn down foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing they produce fights." (2 Tim. 2:14-16, 23; 3:1-7) If you are participating on a forum, have you not found Paul's words to be relevant?

In Paul’s day engaging in debates was like participating in a sport, pitting one person’s wit and wisdom against that of another. It was an opportunity to flaunt one's education. (Acts 17:18, 21; compare 1 Cor. 1:19-21) The Greeks were especially fond of this (as they are still today), and this unfortunately affected also the brothers in the many congregations. It caused divisions! (1 Cor. 1:11) Therefore, Paul had to counsel them: “If any man teaches other doctrine and does not assent to healthful words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor to the teaching that accords with godly devotion, he is puffed up [with pride], not understanding anything, but being mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words. From these things spring envy, strife, abusive speeches, wicked suspicions, violent disputes about trifles on the part of men corrupted in mind and despoiled of the truth, thinking that godly devotion is a means of gain.” (1 Tim. 6:3-5)

Paul further instructed Timothy, “When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions.” (1 Timothy 1:3-7; New Living Translation)

The many back-and-forth squabbles, arguments and contrary views expressed on the many forums on the internet give evidence that Paul's words are indeed germane today. Those among the Witnesses who profess strong loyalty to the Society's teachings seem to be especially prone to “violent disputes about trifles,” often resorting to "abusive speech" and expressing "wicked suspicions." Yet Paul explained that "a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil, instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed; as perhaps God may give them repentance leading to accurate knowledge of truth and they may come back to their proper senses out from the snare of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive by him for the will of that one." (2 Tim. 2:24-26)

What is it that Jehovah requires of his people? Is it not our need to obey him, to be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, to have a clear conscience, and genuine faith? Do we need to debate these necessary things? Turning away from this ends up in meaningless discussions that I am no longer willing to participate in. (Micah 6:8)



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