The Kingdom Come

I've been a Christian for 27 years and of that time I've seen and been in many theological "fights". Some were merely minor disagreements but some were on par with the most brutal UFC match. There are many reactions to such fierce theological rumbles. Here is a short list of reactions.

1. Ignore the cause of a dispute and simply call for everyone to "agree to disagree" -- this solves nothing.
2. Pick a side and set out to destroy all opposing arguments -- this usually ends in burn out or isolation.
3. Attempt to reconcile the disagreements in a syncretic/relativistic manner -- this insults both positions and solves nothing.
4. Drop out of all discussion on the topic -- this solves nothing.

Although these are the typical reactions, I wonder if they are the only options? I'm sure people could offer more reactions and I'd welcome the civil suggestions. (Please don't offer mere variations on the 4 listed)

I have to admit I typically have employed reaction #2. The reason it usually results in burn out or isolation is because other people are often not able to continue in the "battle" as long and will ultimately compromise or worse yet, turn on you. This is especially true in this fickle generation where apathy and emasculation tends to rule the day. Gone are the days when men of principle would spend their lives defending those principles.

I think I'm getting to the point where I simply want to interact with those who aren't drive-by thinkers. I'm not trying to say, Roderick Edwards is sooo smart, nor do I want to appear to have a martyr complex, but I've just seen so much hypocrisy from foes and "friends", I'm just tired. I've been doing a lot of praying lately -- "God, please show me what course You want me to take". Please be in prayer for me. If it weren't for the stalwart theologians of history, I think I would have functionally lost my faith by now. I have been the target of ivory-tower seminary presidents, wanna-be "elders", radical individualistic rebels who hate historic Christianity, and even people who have actually threatened to harm me and my family physically unless I shut up.

Constantly, I ask these folks to SPECIFICALLY show me why they are so hostile. Typically they just say something like, "Roderick, you're a meanie" or they complain about the "tone" of what I say but hardly EVER tell me specifically what is wrong with the argument. What is even worse is when these same people spend so much time attacking me and then turn around and use my EXACT arguments. HYPOCRISY!! But then again, what matter is it as long as the truth is being put forward. If the truth slips past the lips of those hypocrites, so be it.