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Fight Nice


          Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. (Philippians 2:14-16)
          We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (II Corinthians 10:5)
          But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (I Peter 3:15)

          Some people don’t like to argue. I can respect that, but some people go beyond “I don’t like to argue” and use verses like Philippians 2:14-16 to say that all arguing is wrong. So, let me ask you this, should a woman submit to a rapist without grumbling or arguing? Should we go along with what Mr. Trump says without grumbling or arguing? Should we have gone along with what Mr. Obama said without grumbling or arguing? Should we allow female genital mutilation without grumbling or arguing?  How about child pornography or abuse, or sex trafficking? What do we make of the fact that Jesus argued with the Pharisees regularly, and Paul and Peter both talk about being ready to answer and argue? 
          Clearly, there is more than one way to use the term “argue,” though most people seem to automatically think of arguing in the sense getting in someone’s face and screaming obscenities at him/her.  
          If you search the subject of fair fighting or of argumentation and debate, you’ll find that there are rules. Among those are no yelling, no name-calling, no threats (either of walking out or physical violence,) no foul language, stick to one subject, and discuss the subject - not the person. Another critical rule in arguing is to define your terms and stick to the definitions. No one is perfect at these, but I’ve met people who think that those things are the definition of arguing.

         

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