Arena of Ideas

How should Christians handle those with whom they disagree? In the past, Christians have killed those they considered to be heretics (e.g. the Inquisition). While we no longer resort to such barbaric practices, we still resort to character assassination by calling into question the motivation and intelligence of those with whom we disagree.

Martin Luther had higher aspirations for Christianity. He argued:

. . . the path to progress is through change in ideas and beliefs, rather than through forced social revolution or reaction. In Luther’s thought, the most significant warfare was ideological, not material, so he emphasized dissemination of ideas through publication and opposed attempts to destroy opposing ideas through burning either books or authors. “Heretics,” he said, “should be vanquished with books, not with burnings.” Luther wanted an exchange of views, not sword thrusts. He described printing as “God’s highest and extremest act of grace, whereby the business of the Gospel is driven forward.” [1]

However, if Christianity is to compete is this arena of ideas as Martin Luther suggests, then we must deal with any contradictions within our beliefs. If we do not, then we should not be surprised if our ideas are rejected. In this blog, we have identified three contradictions within our beliefs, specifically within the doctrine of salvation. Will we deal with these contradictions or ignore them?

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[1]   http://www.worldmag.com/2015/10/a_theological_and_journalistic_reformation

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