agree to disagree . . ?

people say this, some often, some not at all.
people who say it often, say it as tho it is a virtue
people who say it sparingly, seem to say it as a last resort when they are run out of retorts:
it is often put forth, when someone has been presented an argument that they cannot rebut,
and had their own positions so soundly refuted they have no reply, but, notwithstanding,
refuse to give up some cherished, yet debunked, position.
when it is said, it is meant to 'end argument' - usually, an argument that has been lost, but not conceded to:
a call for detente from a position of no bargaining power.

_______________________

is this an evil thing to say, or is it good?

I believe it depends on the situation. If we are moving from a debate done in civil manner to shouting over each other and are moving towards sin, it is best to end it and agree to disagree.

To me this verse has the idea that two people cannot make it to the same location in less the both agree to go to the same location.

This can be about idealogies also. If two people dont agree then obviously they will not reach the same conclusion. And if it gets to that point the destination that each individual was hoping to lead the other individual has become a standstill. And it is probably good to walk away. It takes discernment and as Jesus once said

Matthew 7:6
6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
~ Romans 12:18 ~

It's also good to keep in mind when dating or looking @ a potential spouse..........
goes along with the whole equally/ unequally yoked thing........

I think that "agree to disagree" is appropriate when two people hold positions that each can defend and the other cannot refute. I also think it's appropriate as a tool of detente, to step away from a potentially sinful argument.

Using it when you can't defend your position or don't like being challenged is intellectual dishonesty. It's better to say that you don't want to discuss the matter (and then consider it privately).

This is something like the third thread, possibly more, that has appeared of late so as to discuss peoples personal opinions when they're not in full agreement with others personal opinions.

Perhaps so as to settle the matter once and for all we might consider that others personal opinions of our relationship with God, as that appears to be what is the crux of the issue of how people comport themselves in discussions here, are welcome and yet are of no importance as pertains to the steadfastness of our seal.

Too often I think we are afraid we're not "doing it right", when we enter into discussions that surround the object under discussion; our personal faith and understanding.
And sadly, I believe a reason for that insecurity is due to our encountering personalities that intend to impart that very notion. Of course, in the process those one's are certain they are doing it right. Which appears to be what leads them to believe they are able to judge others they feel are in deficit in that regard.

There's an old saying that may be of value here. You are not responsible for what other people think of you. You cannot control what other people say about you.

Ours is a relationship with the greatest power in all existence.

Think about that for a moment. YOU, that individual that may be reading this right now, are greatly loved by the all powerful everywhere present at the same time eternally loving source for all that exists. And that great eternal power knows you personally!

Lean on that, is my advice. Trust that and the opinion God holds of you, is my advice.

Sometimes we just have to grow up and realize not everyone agrees with how we see things. And that's awesome! Because otherwise there would be no diversity that would keep this life interesting. We'd live instead in a world of boredom because we all agree together and see all that God created in this world through the same eyes.

Dull! No stimuli to keep life interesting.
Blech!



Didn't see that coming did ya?

IMO, it is a simply way of avoiding hurt feelings, or unnecessary arguments. There are beliefs held by some people/Denominations that are not held by others. As someone else said, when two parties have differing beliefs, and both can find some Scripture to justify their position/belief, to argue incessantly is of no avail, and can cause serious divisions among believers where resentment and such creep in, and that is not what Christ wants among His Church.

A few such are:

Women's role in the Church
Water Baptism unto salvation
Free Will vs. Predestination
Grace vs. Works
OSAS
Calvanism

There are times when it is simply best to "agree to disagree," and let it be. Either that, or everyone take it outside and let the cutting and shooting begin, and let God sort out those who don't survive!

Im afraid I will have to disagree to agree.
Dont get me wrong, I respect you as a fool.
At the risk of sounding humble, I sometimes say dumb things.
Look people have tried to prove me wrong before, so I decided to change the subject.
I dont mind facts. As long as they support my view.

I am sorry......I do not buy the agree to disagree farce.....the bible has one central, eternal truth concerning everything and it will lead us ALL to the same conclusions if we are all HONEST with what it has to say.....MY VIEW....it is so simple and that is why most miss the truth that it's pages lay bare.....religious persuasion, strong held family beliefs, cultish views, inability to admit error etc.....all lead to division, false gospels, erroneous views and peddled false religions.........

I believe it depends on the AMOUNT of error we're dealing with. If it aint salvation related and each side is STUBBORN what can ya do but move on?