Magandang tanong ‘yan, at madalas ding itanong ng maraming believers. Ang maikling sagot ay: Oo, maaari po. Pero gaya ng maraming bagay sa buhay-Kristiyano, ang puso at paraan ang tunay na sinusukat ng Panginoon.
A. May lugar ang debate sa buhay ng isang Christian
Sa Bible, may mga pagkakataon na nagkaroon ng healthy discussions at theological debates ang mga leaders ng early church.
Halimbawa:
1. Paul and Barnabas — Acts 15
Nagkaroon sila ng “sharp discussion” tungkol sa circumcision. Pero ang goal nila ay mahanap ang katotohanan at maprotektahan ang church sa maling turo.
Lesson: May a healthy kind of debate na nagbubunga ng clarity, unity, at truth.
2. Jesus Himself engaged in discussions — Luke 2:46
Si Jesus bilang batang 12 years old ay “nakaupo sa gitna ng mga guro, nakikinig at nagtatanong.”
Hindi ito away, kundi honest and respectful exchange.
3. Paul debated in the synagogues — Acts 17:2-3
Regular niyang ginagawa ang pagpaliwanag, pagrebuke, at reasoning with Jews and Greeks.
Meaning: Hindi masama ang debate kung layunin ay ipaliwanag ang ebanghelyo.
B. Kailan nagiging OK ang debate sa Christians?
1. Kapag Christ-like ang attitude
Sabi ng Biblia: “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” – Philippians 4:5
“Speak the truth in love.” – Ephesians 4:15
Ang Christian debate ay hindi dapat sarcasm, insultuhan, o pride, kundi pagpapakita ng kababaang-loob at respeto.
2. Kapag ang layunin ay paglilinaw, hindi panalo
Sa Christian life, hindi “winning the argument” ang goal, kundi “winning the person.”
Proverbs 15:1 – “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Kapag ang debate ay nagiging paraan para mag-encourage, mag-correct with love, at mag-protect sa truth, ito ay nakakatulong.
3. Kapag iniiwasan ang foolish arguments
Sabi ng Bible: 2 Timothy 2:23–24
“Avoid foolish and stupid arguments… the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone.”
Hindi lahat ng debate ay worthwhile. May mga argumentong walang saysay, paulit-ulit, o pang-asar lang, at hindi na productive para sa faith.
C. Kailan hindi okay ang debate?
- Kapag nagiging source ng division
Romans 16:17 warns against those who cause divisions.
Proverbs 13:10 – “Pride leads to conflict.”
- Kapag nagiging harsh o insulting
Colossians 4:6 – “Let your conversation always be full of grace.”
Sa madaling salita:
- Debate that destroys is not from the Spirit.
- The debate that builds up is pleasing to the Lord.
D. Practical examples
1. Healthy debate
Two Christians discussing predestination or baptism respectfully, using Scripture, listening well, and ending with appreciation kahit hindi 100% magkapareho ng view. → This builds maturity.
2. Unhealthy debate
Away sa comment section, name-calling, proving “mas tama ako,” or attacking a person’s character. → This destroys testimony.
3. A good Christian example
Someone asks you about your faith, and you kindly explain your belief, even if they disagree. You stay calm, respectful, and patient. → This reflects Jesus.
E. Summary
Ang debate ay hindi inherently masama. Ito ay isang tool lamang at tulad ng anumang tool, maaaring gamitin sa mabuti o masama.
Kung ang debate ay ginagawa nang may pag-ibig, may kababaang-loob, at may layuning ipahayag ang katotohanan, ito ay isang blessing.
Pero kung ito ay nagiging paraan para saktan, magyabang, o mag-divide, hindi na ito ayon sa Espiritu.
Ang tunay na sukatan ay hindi kung gaano kagaling tayong magsalita, kundi kung gaano natin naipapakita ang character ni Cristo habang tayo ay nakikipag-usap.
Former Adventists Philippines
“Freed by the Gospel. Firm in the Word.”
For more inquiries, contact us:
Email: formeradventist.ph@gmail.com
Website: formeradventistph.blogspot.com
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