Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? – 1 Corinthians 1:20
We each get to decide what to do with our time. This week, you got to decide if you wanted to watch the debaters of this age. On the one hand, presidential debates attract a lot of attention. On the other hand, Pew Research indicates that relatively few people make voting decisions based primarily on the debates: “In 2016, for example, only 10% of voters said they had definitively made up their minds ‘during or just after’ the presidential debates.” Seems like many viewers bring their political biases along with them, filtering the sound bites to hear what just what they want to hear. This year, in particular, the polls indicate that people back a candidate because of identity and reputation – as if qualifications for leading the country ought to be determined simply by sex, ethnicity, and [trumped up?] legal findings. Still, debates offer deeper understanding of candidates’ views on hot topics and display their operating demeanor.
What if society were to host more debates? For example, what would it look like if job seekers had to debate with each other as part of the employment process? They could stand on stage to defend their experience and critique the other guy. Maybe we would enjoy watching debates among candidates for marriage – or just to go on a date? Maybe this already happens? At the start of a school year, teachers could debate who is more qualified to teach your children. Sure, we have seen some of this... athletes pitch their wares in pre-game interviews. I am thinking here of Muhammad Ali’s spirited arguments about why he was going to beat Joe Fraser. It was entertaining, but eventually (mixing metaphors) the proof of the pudding was in the boxing.
A view commonly expressed today is that people no longer want to listen to alternative viewpoints. Social media intentionally feeds you with ideas from your own camp. Rather than debating and weighing salient issues, people un-friend and block those who differ. Maybe we live in too much of an echo chamber – only listening to arguments in favor of what we already believe. Debate seems to be a bit of a lost art because so few people want to hear each other out. Recent news articles have suggested that local public servants occasionally talk past one another. I vote for more organized and civil debate to get to the bottom of the issues.
Given the excitement, entertainment, and edification that comes from debates, we might find ourselves tempted to use debate as a key tool for evangelism. After all, there are many people who are unaware of who Jesus is and/or have incorrect ideas about Him, right? We can think of choice examples of Jesus making counter-arguments to His foes, such as the Pharisees. But, as entertaining as it may be, let us not forget that the proof of salvation is not in the debating. We cannot argue people into heaven.
What is the proof in? God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). The proof is in the giving. God gave. The proof is in the sacrifice. Jesus gave His life. The proof is in the blood of Christ. The proof is in the love of God. The proof is in the loving. If you like, watch the upcoming presidential and vice presidential debates. Enjoy the political theater and be edified by it. But, please remember that when it comes to sharing the love of Christ, the proof is in the loving.
Invite someone to church to hear the truth. Show others that you care enough to share life-saving information. God’s Word was not given and preserved for a debate. Instead, it presents who God is and what He requires of us. What He requires is love. His Word makes foolish the wisdom of the world. Decide this week to spend time listening to Him. Get out of your echo chamber.
