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Should We Argue About the Bible?

by Greg Gwin

Often we hear folks say: "I don't mind talking about the Bible, but I won't argue with you", or, "I don't believe in arguing about the Scriptures", or, "It's not right for people to argue about God's word".

Wait a minute! Who told you that it's not right to argue about the Bible? Did you ever read that in the inspired word? Is there a command from God that forbids it? Where did this idea originate anyway?

We can be sure that this notion did not come from God. Notice the inspired example of the apostle Paul:

- Acts 9:29 - "He spake boldly ... and disputed against the Greeks"

- Acts 15:2 - "Paul ... had no small dissension and disputation with them"

- Acts 17:17 - "Therefore disputed he in the synagogue ... and in the market daily"

- Acts 19:9 - (Paul was) "disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus"

Vine says that the word translated "dispute" in these verses means "to converse, argue, dispute." Thayer says that it means "to converse, discourse with one, argue, discuss, drawing arguments from Scripture, with the idea of disputing prominent".

So then, the popular idea that folks ought not to argue about the Bible is simply not a Biblical idea! It would be nice if we never had to argue, and such would be the case if everyone would honestly accept the word of God. But it's not that way in the real world, and so we must "earnestly contend for the faith" (Jude 3), which suggests being "as a combatant" (Vine). Men's souls are important enough to cause us to argue when necessary. 

Other Articles by Greg Gwin
How Can I Know Who is Right?
Concerning Ritualism
Did Jesus Use Carnal Means to Attract Crowds?