Before I continue reading the rest of the posts I just wanted to touch on this statement really quick. satan isn't concnerned about debates he just wants division, debates can actually be very edifying I know that for me personally I have learned and grown quite a lot from debates even the most heated debates can be edifying if one has the right kind of learningg spirit.The problem is everyone is so fixated on how they are right and others are wrong that few are able to glean gems from said debates.
God is in our debates as is the devil every debate is a spiritual battle God and satan are the players we are the chess pieces. Never forget that we battle not against flesh and bone so every time we go into debates we are saying to God use me but we also cannot forget how chess works if a pieces is taken over the enemy can then advance so it is always important to remember when going into any debate to have your prepared for anything that is thrown and to respond in how Jesus taught us as tempting as it may be to respond otherwise
Really. What does God say about debates then.
2Co_12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
All of these in this verse, debates, envying, wraths, strifes, backbiting, whisperings, swellings, tumults, Is sinning, and not pleasing God.
2Co 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
2Co 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.