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A Guide To “Successful” Debating On Christian Forums
Debates on Christian forums can be fun and rewarding, but they can also be frustrating and heated at times. Through years of research, I have found some simple techniques you can use to make your debating points stronger and thus, help you become more successful while debating.
1. If someone makes a point that goes totally against what you believe, use strong adjectives to smear that point.
For example saying, “that ungodly doctrine” or “the heretical doctrine” is much stronger than simply saying “that doctrine”. Of course, throw a “very” in there too. “That very ungodly doctrine” is much stronger than anything containing just the facts.
2. While not always advisable, the same technique can be used with people.
You may do well to use this technique on dead people or those who are extremely unlikely to enter the debate. Calvin, Luther, Billy Graham and the Pope, for example. Calling them “heretics” (or even better, “ungodly heretics” or even “very ungodly heretics“) will allow your point to be stronger. If you feel you must use this against the person you are debating, be prepared for that person to do the same, or cry foul! In that case, you should use them more often.
3. Circular reasoning is a strong ally.
Make your point, provide evidence, then more evidence, then claim all your evidence is true because of the first point you made.
4. Long posts are useful.
Constantly give long history, philosophy and numerous quotations of scripture to make your point. You have plenty of all of these at your disposal. The longer your post, the greater the chances are that your opponent will become bored with you or miss something you said. If he becomes bored, you win. If he misses something you said, key in on that.
5. Study and use early Christian writers and philosophers (who didn’t write scripture) if you can’t find scriptural support.
Augustine is usually a good place to start. If you are not schooled in their writings, Google and Wikipedia and be extremely useful to bring you up to speed.
6. Search the internet for essays that support your point of view; copy and paste.
This works for the same reasons points number 4 and 5 work.
7. When possible, attach your adversary and his point of view to Gnosticism, occults and any other line of thinking you feel is wrong.
As with many of these techniques, this will make your point stronger. For example, claim someone is a Calvinist if they believe something he believed or shows even the slightest likeness of his teachings. I am unable to give an example on how to attach a belief to Gnosticism, but some research (Google or Wikipedia) will be useful. If you can successfully label your opponent to a label that is unorthodox, you have won probably 2/3 the battle.
8. If things get too difficult for you, start an immediate discourse on “love”.
You can also accuse your adversary of not having “love”, which will weaken his credibility. This is also a trump card. When things get too hot for you, you can always question whether he has the love of God. If you can convince enough people he doesn’t, then you have won.
9. Use the “Holy Spirit”.
Remember, God talks directly to you without the Bible, and he gives you messages he hasn’t given anyone else. Rely on this and state “The Holy Spirit directly told me this is what this verse means!” for example. Or simply say an angel told me so. Remember: no one else can hear those voices inside your head. Only you.
10. If confronted with a particular scripture that counters your argument, claim the scripture is out of context.
This technique can be used at almost anytime, but you may be asked to “put it in context”. It is beneficial if you can, but it is not necessary. If you can’t put it into context, ignore it. The fact that you deemed it out of context is enough.
11. Claim a scripture or set of scriptures was twisted to make your opponent say what he wants it to.
There is no need to defend the use of this technique. Simply claim your argument and interpretation is correct and your opponent’s interpretation is in error.
12. If your opponent brings forth an argument you are having problems with, simply excuse it as irrelevant to the conversation.
There is no need to explain why. The reasons why are pretty irrelevant to the conversation.
13. When confronted with a verse contrary to your beliefs, check other versions of the Bible.
Many times you can find a Bible that says something slightly different that will more fit your point of view.
14. Rely on the original Greek/Hebrew when needed.
Many times you can find your way out of a difficult situation by focusing on a word and questioning its real meaning. Furthermore, original Greek and Hebrew words had multiple meanings; much like we have multiple meanings for English words. There are a plethora of paths you can take by simply switching languages.
15. Find outside arguments and beliefs your opponent holds to.
Though they may have nothing to do with your current debate, they can be used to question his or her credibility.
16. When possible, use your age or experience as an ally.
This probably can’t be done if you are under the age of 40 or haven’t been going to Church more than 10 years. It can however be effective against those who aren’t 40 years old or haven’t been going to Church for more than 10 years. It can with marginal success be used with someone as experienced as you.
17. Be quick to point out if a point isn’t in the Bible.
This allows you to use the phrase “Doctrines of men”.
18. Be quick to point out if something is in the Bible.
After all, if its not in the Bible, it must be wrong. This may seem contrary to point number 17, but that is irrelevant to the conversation.
19. Be vague as possible at times when addressing who you are talking to.
Paul may have called out Peter in Galatians, but that doesn’t mean you have to. You can literally tear into someone and their doctrine, as well as claim they are “of the devil” and still look good by not addressing them directly. If you get called out by an individual, simply say you weren’t addressing anyone in particular.
20. If you are having trouble finding a verse that supports your point of view, use standard verses that can apply to any situation.
A good example is Isaiah 55:9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Use of this verse can apply to a variety of arguments while not requiring you to explain it. Another good verse is John 21:25. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” You can use these verses to support almost any notion that you don’t have scripture on.
21. Attack one weakness and ignore strengths.
Look for “chinks in the armor”. You won’t be held responsible for not addressing solid points your opponent makes. But you can champion over weaknesses.
22. The “All Out War” approach.
Just go at it. Proclaim your opponent just simply of the devil. Shower everyone else with kind words to get them on your side, but use venom against your opponent. Use all the techniques given, and create situations to use them if they don’t apply. Just smear the hell out of your opponent. Make him look bad, try to shame him, and get as many on your side as you can.
In addition, some techniques can be used to build your credibility and “holiness”. They may not directly strengthen your argument, but they will make you look better:
End each post with “I’ll keep you in prayer that God may show you the error of your ways.” An alternative is to suggest your opponent pray about it more.
Use obscure words during your conversation. Bill O’Reilly was very good at this.
Never use the word “ass”. Use “mule” or “donkey” instead
Brethren, if you use these techniques, you will come out looking holier that anyone in a debate. Even if you lose the debate. Above all, use time and inertia as your ally. Keep telling your point, and eventually it will stick.
Debates on Christian forums can be fun and rewarding, but they can also be frustrating and heated at times. Through years of research, I have found some simple techniques you can use to make your debating points stronger and thus, help you become more successful while debating.
1. If someone makes a point that goes totally against what you believe, use strong adjectives to smear that point.
For example saying, “that ungodly doctrine” or “the heretical doctrine” is much stronger than simply saying “that doctrine”. Of course, throw a “very” in there too. “That very ungodly doctrine” is much stronger than anything containing just the facts.
2. While not always advisable, the same technique can be used with people.
You may do well to use this technique on dead people or those who are extremely unlikely to enter the debate. Calvin, Luther, Billy Graham and the Pope, for example. Calling them “heretics” (or even better, “ungodly heretics” or even “very ungodly heretics“) will allow your point to be stronger. If you feel you must use this against the person you are debating, be prepared for that person to do the same, or cry foul! In that case, you should use them more often.
3. Circular reasoning is a strong ally.
Make your point, provide evidence, then more evidence, then claim all your evidence is true because of the first point you made.
4. Long posts are useful.
Constantly give long history, philosophy and numerous quotations of scripture to make your point. You have plenty of all of these at your disposal. The longer your post, the greater the chances are that your opponent will become bored with you or miss something you said. If he becomes bored, you win. If he misses something you said, key in on that.
5. Study and use early Christian writers and philosophers (who didn’t write scripture) if you can’t find scriptural support.
Augustine is usually a good place to start. If you are not schooled in their writings, Google and Wikipedia and be extremely useful to bring you up to speed.
6. Search the internet for essays that support your point of view; copy and paste.
This works for the same reasons points number 4 and 5 work.
7. When possible, attach your adversary and his point of view to Gnosticism, occults and any other line of thinking you feel is wrong.
As with many of these techniques, this will make your point stronger. For example, claim someone is a Calvinist if they believe something he believed or shows even the slightest likeness of his teachings. I am unable to give an example on how to attach a belief to Gnosticism, but some research (Google or Wikipedia) will be useful. If you can successfully label your opponent to a label that is unorthodox, you have won probably 2/3 the battle.
8. If things get too difficult for you, start an immediate discourse on “love”.
You can also accuse your adversary of not having “love”, which will weaken his credibility. This is also a trump card. When things get too hot for you, you can always question whether he has the love of God. If you can convince enough people he doesn’t, then you have won.
9. Use the “Holy Spirit”.
Remember, God talks directly to you without the Bible, and he gives you messages he hasn’t given anyone else. Rely on this and state “The Holy Spirit directly told me this is what this verse means!” for example. Or simply say an angel told me so. Remember: no one else can hear those voices inside your head. Only you.
10. If confronted with a particular scripture that counters your argument, claim the scripture is out of context.
This technique can be used at almost anytime, but you may be asked to “put it in context”. It is beneficial if you can, but it is not necessary. If you can’t put it into context, ignore it. The fact that you deemed it out of context is enough.
11. Claim a scripture or set of scriptures was twisted to make your opponent say what he wants it to.
There is no need to defend the use of this technique. Simply claim your argument and interpretation is correct and your opponent’s interpretation is in error.
12. If your opponent brings forth an argument you are having problems with, simply excuse it as irrelevant to the conversation.
There is no need to explain why. The reasons why are pretty irrelevant to the conversation.
13. When confronted with a verse contrary to your beliefs, check other versions of the Bible.
Many times you can find a Bible that says something slightly different that will more fit your point of view.
14. Rely on the original Greek/Hebrew when needed.
Many times you can find your way out of a difficult situation by focusing on a word and questioning its real meaning. Furthermore, original Greek and Hebrew words had multiple meanings; much like we have multiple meanings for English words. There are a plethora of paths you can take by simply switching languages.
15. Find outside arguments and beliefs your opponent holds to.
Though they may have nothing to do with your current debate, they can be used to question his or her credibility.
16. When possible, use your age or experience as an ally.
This probably can’t be done if you are under the age of 40 or haven’t been going to Church more than 10 years. It can however be effective against those who aren’t 40 years old or haven’t been going to Church for more than 10 years. It can with marginal success be used with someone as experienced as you.
17. Be quick to point out if a point isn’t in the Bible.
This allows you to use the phrase “Doctrines of men”.
18. Be quick to point out if something is in the Bible.
After all, if its not in the Bible, it must be wrong. This may seem contrary to point number 17, but that is irrelevant to the conversation.
19. Be vague as possible at times when addressing who you are talking to.
Paul may have called out Peter in Galatians, but that doesn’t mean you have to. You can literally tear into someone and their doctrine, as well as claim they are “of the devil” and still look good by not addressing them directly. If you get called out by an individual, simply say you weren’t addressing anyone in particular.
20. If you are having trouble finding a verse that supports your point of view, use standard verses that can apply to any situation.
A good example is Isaiah 55:9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Use of this verse can apply to a variety of arguments while not requiring you to explain it. Another good verse is John 21:25. “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” You can use these verses to support almost any notion that you don’t have scripture on.
21. Attack one weakness and ignore strengths.
Look for “chinks in the armor”. You won’t be held responsible for not addressing solid points your opponent makes. But you can champion over weaknesses.
22. The “All Out War” approach.
Just go at it. Proclaim your opponent just simply of the devil. Shower everyone else with kind words to get them on your side, but use venom against your opponent. Use all the techniques given, and create situations to use them if they don’t apply. Just smear the hell out of your opponent. Make him look bad, try to shame him, and get as many on your side as you can.
In addition, some techniques can be used to build your credibility and “holiness”. They may not directly strengthen your argument, but they will make you look better:
End each post with “I’ll keep you in prayer that God may show you the error of your ways.” An alternative is to suggest your opponent pray about it more.
Use obscure words during your conversation. Bill O’Reilly was very good at this.
Never use the word “ass”. Use “mule” or “donkey” instead
Brethren, if you use these techniques, you will come out looking holier that anyone in a debate. Even if you lose the debate. Above all, use time and inertia as your ally. Keep telling your point, and eventually it will stick.
