Why Do Christians Argue and Fight With Other Christians?

I see 2Tim 2:23-24 as not telling we should never engage in doctrinal discussion, but it tells me to be gentle when engaged in doctrinal discussions.

If I were to read someone's post that said there are multiple ways to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, I would engage that person and show scripturally the true and only way to enter Heaven. I would not start my conversation with them by saying they are fools and heading straight to the gates of hell (yes it is true they are fools heading straight to hell), but being that they are unlearned I would gently teach them the truth and allow the Holy Spirit to convict them. What I see on most of the threads here on CC is a direct assault on any one who disagrees with their theology. They are unable to teach because of strife.

If I were to read a post about full emersion water baptism vs. sprinkle baptism, I would not engage in debate as I know this would gender strife. I would have to be shown that one is not the path to salvation. The thief on the cross was not water baptized but entered paradise as Jesus said, Today you will be with Me in paradise.

I agree we should debate theology. I'm just looking for a civil discussion not an all out war of words.

Haha even when some do teach they will never listen, as they think they know it all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eljHQuxVvKE

Agreed 100%!

My problem is it took me a mere 40 years to realize it.

And now I'm hustling to catch up to where I'm supposed to be, except me hustling is about where I was for those 40 years, and it's still not working.

It feels very much like I went from first grade to senior year, and now I'm stuck knowing I really should have paid attention all those years, but God is going to keep me in this grade -- not because I deserve it, but because he has to enable me. The very lesson I wasn't paying attention to for 40 years!

This is a good thread . Fighting shouldn't be a way to interact amongst brothers and sisters. They will know we are Christian by our LOVE.

Paul warned Timothy about such things in the church by writing “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels” (2nd Tim 2:23) because “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2nd Tim 2:24). If someone else may have differences of belief on Scriptures and they are not the main, essential beliefs, its best to leave it alone. We are to “Do everything in love” (1st Cor 16:14).
Wrong use of words
Paul in warning the church about Spiritual attacks from the enemy says we are to take up the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph 6:17b)
The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is intended for our own good and is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God (Eph 6:11-17) but nowhere in Scripture is the Word of God to be used as an offensive weapon against other Christians but all too often, Christians use the sword of the Word against each other.
2 Timothy 2:14-19 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Can you love your brother and still end up arguing?

Can you love your brother and still end up arguing?

You may think that's what you're after (civil discussion), but your example of how you'd go about it proves that's not what you're after. You already think the person is a fool, but you'll be kind about it and not actually call the person a fool? That's not "civil discussion." That's passive-aggressive.

You'll enjoy BDF. Many are your kind of people. Most of the rest, (including me), are simply aggressive.

Most of us fought with BOTH our brothers AND sisters.

"And your point being?......"

Well, let's ask that in another way: "Can we hold on to our prejudices while serving the Lord? No!...Our Lord never tolerates our prejudices without guiding us, instead, in His direction, if we remain in Christ.


2 Timothy 2:14New International Version (NIV)

Dealing With False Teachers

14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

Most of us fought with BOTH our brothers AND sisters.

You may think that's what you're after (civil discussion), but your example of how you'd go about it proves that's not what you're after. You already think the person is a fool, but you'll be kind about it and not actually call the person a fool? That's not "civil discussion." That's passive-aggressive.

You'll enjoy BDF. Many are your kind of people. Most of the rest, (including me), are simply aggressive.

Thank you for bringing to my attention my unclear scenario. This has been brought to my attention before on other cc post.

My foundational bible verse is John 14:6 kjv Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

The following definition comes from Webster 1828. I only included that part of the definition that pertains to this scenario.
Webster 1828. Fool - 2. ; one who pursues a course contrary to the dictates of wisdom. 3. ; one who follows his own inclinations, .

The Bible says in Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that harkeneth unto counsel is wise.

For a person to say there is another way to heaven is to deny the Words of Jesus. This person is saying his way to heaven is right in his own eye.

It is not I calling this person a fool but the Word of God. Proverbs 12:15.

I know that if I were to call this person a fool to start a discussion with them, I would loose them immediately.

I am trying to follow 2Tim 2:23-24 by not calling them a fool even though the Word of God declares them to be one.

Once again thank you for pointing out my fault. You have sharpened my Sword and for that I am grateful.

Paul warned Timothy about such things in the church by writing “Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels” (2nd Tim 2:23) because “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2nd Tim 2:24). If someone else may have differences of belief on Scriptures and they are not the main, essential beliefs, its best to leave it alone. We are to “Do everything in love” (1st Cor 16:14).
Wrong use of words
Paul in warning the church about Spiritual attacks from the enemy says we are to take up the "sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Eph 6:17b)
The sword of the Spirit, the Word of God, is intended for our own good and is the only offensive weapon in the armor of God (Eph 6:11-17) but nowhere in Scripture is the Word of God to be used as an offensive weapon against other Christians but all too often, Christians use the sword of the Word against each other.
2 Timothy 2:14-19 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

You may think that's what you're after (civil discussion), but your example of how you'd go about it proves that's not what you're after. You already think the person is a fool, but you'll be kind about it and not actually call the person a fool? That's not "civil discussion." That's passive-aggressive.

You'll enjoy BDF. Many are your kind of people. Most of the rest, (including me), are simply aggressive.

Can you love your brother and still end up arguing?

Christians argue and fight because we are fallen people. We will stop 100% only when we get to heaven and have broken the grip sin has on us.