Do you argue this much in person?

My name is Joseph Botwinick and I live in Jacksonville, Arkansas. I am not a coward and have no problem starting a theological argument in person. Wanna fight? Put 'em up!!!!! Put 'em up!!!!!!!!!!! (J/K)

Joseph Botwinick

 

I would attempt to start a discussion, not an argument, unless you disagreed with me. In that case we could start arguing.
I don't consider starting a theological argument as "not trying to get along". I've had intense theological "arguments" with friends and we play volleyball after or go out for coffee. If people are of the type that they can't discuss differences in an honest manner without taking it as a personal offense than they're just no fun to be around.
Gina

 

Well, I don't discuss (or argue) these things as much in real life as I do here. I thought that was one of what the purposes of these boards....

But my dad was a professor at a Christian college, and students were in and out of my home for dinner or coffee or whatever, and these sorts of discussions were standard fare. From a very young age I often went to sleep listening to the theological discussions that were taking place in the living room. So I think this sort of thing is in my bones, and I miss it in my real life now. When the hankering for a good discussion comes over me, I come here to have one.

People in the church who haven't been exposed to the same environment I was often see these discussions as fights. They don't seem to understand that you can verbally wrangle over some issue with someone and yet be good friends and still have a lot of respect for each other. And most of them aren't much interested in these things either.

But I've taught my kids to be good debaters, and sometimes they can give me a run for my money.

 

You talkin' to me? You wanna piece of me?

I think some may be bolder here than they would be out and about.

Some of the debates here have turned into bicker sessions. Often they get so far off the subject, they've veered into something else. There's no use trying to post there, because their bantering has taken over the thread.

I had a man call my office and gave me the riot act. I asked for his name so I could look into his matter. He was a deacon in my church. That was totally out of character for Him (or what I see of him at church). He has called several times. One Wednesday night I told him that I had spoke to him earlier in the day. He asked me what was I talking about. He looked bewildered. Then it hit him. Now when he calls he acts like the man I see at church.

 

Ask anybody who knows me. I argue about anything and everything with everyone. If you tell me the sky is blue, I will argue until I pass out that it is green. That's just my nature.

My mom always told me I should be an attorney because I like to argue. I told her it wouldn't work because I would be found in contempt after arguing with the judge.

I would argue with myself if I could.

 

Yeh, I argue a lot in "real life," too. The board is anonymous for those who desire it, but if you're really involved in it, it becomes less so, even though it's true that most of us don't really know each other. By that I just mean that there's a definite community here.

And I think if this were solely a debate board, that might not be the case. But many of us have gotten to know each other, at least partially, and some of us more fully.

For me, I don't think anything would change if we were all face to face.

 

I usually get a long with everyone. I can talk alot, or get shy real fast. I am flexable. I love to be happy. Life is toooooo short to fight.

Sherrie

 

It doesn't bring out the worst in me. I save that for when I am in my car on the way home from work and all by myself. I embarrass myself sometimes.
It doesn't bring out the best in me. I save that for when I am at church. (Now THAT'S embarrassing to admit)
At first, I tried to be very friendly, nice, tactful, and made every effort to not say anything in a way that even MIGHT offend someone and I was ignored. Then I tried to be very blunt and straightforward and ended up making some people upset or offended (sometimes they were right, sometimes they weren't). Now I try to be just neutral in tone but still state my position and that seems to be working prety well. In real life I am WAY too nice, people tell me all too frequently that I need to be more forceful.

 

I agree with Gina and Kelly.

The three of us don't always agree on all the issues, but I think we have all become friends. We agree on about the same number of topics that we disagree on, so it's OK!

Face to face, if someone tries to tell me something that is unscriptural; you bet I disagree with them!

On here, it is easier to be extroverted because we have 'links' at our disposal to 'prove' our point of view. We have our Bibles, Concordances, Dictionaries etc. right next to us.

All in all, (possibly) with the exception of a few, we ALL agree that Jesus Christ is Lord and that is more important than all the bickering.

Blessings,
Sue

 

I will usually walk away from arguments.
I don't mind lively discussions...but arguments I can't cope with.

 

I'll always disagree with what I beleive isn't biblical. What are we to do agree with unbiblical things just so some don't say we argue. Disagreeing and discussion can take place without argument. They are not the samething.

 

BB REUNION
Gina

 

WYSIWYG

Pete

 

I do not argue. Period. I am totally non-confrontational.

In real life... I will give my thoughts if I can back it up with scripture but my friends will tell you that 'Diane doesn't get angry'.

Online... I think I sound more terse because I believe that people give you one post to state your issues and then tend to ignore the rest of your replies. I feel obligated to either not say anything or try to give scriptural replies.

Diane

 

Probably not, because my voice isn't loud enough

But I can be ignored here and not strain my voice.

 

I wouldn't necessarily have a full on theological discussion with the paper boy or a grocery clerk, because of time and appropriateness of place. But yes, if someone wanted to talk about something serious, and we both had the time and the place, I would speak to any of them the same way I would speak to any of you.

I think the difference would be that they would be able to see the expression on my face, the intonation in my voice, or the quiet, gentle mannerisms in which I speak in person, and they have the ability to respond to me accordingly. Where here, I am confined to being responded to based on my eloquence (or lack there of) in being able to type what I say while envoking a sense of who I am when I say it.

Not everyone is gifted in their ability to type exactly what they mean, how they mean it. And sometimes this makes all the difference in the world in what people think about them or who they are.

God Bless You,
Charlotte

 

Good point, Charlotte!

Mannerisms and a softly spoken word cannot be 'seen' over the internet.

Shhhhhh....... A lady speaks softly....