Should a Christian play "Devil's Advocate"?

[Desperaux]

Many Christians are lazy, spiritually and intellectually. Many Christians are theologically disingenuous and spout out words that they have no concept of the meaning of.

A wise teacher will often play "the Devil's Advocate" to challenge and force the student into admitting the fallacy of the erroneous position. Sometimes, the hardest part of learning the truth is first understanding that what you have been "taught" is not the truth.

Sometimes, "the Devil's Advocate" is the best manner in which to accomplish that goal.

Teaching happens in many more environments than just the "controlled class room."

We can all learn truth without it.

[HisLeast]

We can all learn truth without it.

But what makes it wrong on its own. Your ability to learn without it, does not make "it" wrong.

[Desperaux]

But how do you know that "assuming the role of the opposition" in a discussion is categorically unwise or untrue?

Have you read the thread? We are judged for our words. They have power.

[HisLeast]

Have you read the thread?

Yes. I'm glad you brought this up though... because speaking of how we'll be judged on the things we say.....

We are judged for our words. They have power.

I haven't disputed that. I've asked multiple times why it is assumed that playing the role of the opposition is unwise, untrue, and wicked.

[Desperaux]

Did Jesus do it?

[HisLeast]

Did Jesus do it?

Did Jesus wear clothes with mixed fibres? Did he interact with disciples over internet forums?

He used parables to teach. Are those literally true?

[Desperaux]

Did Jesus wear clothes with mixed fibres? Did he interact with disciples over internet forums?

He used parables to teach. Are those literally true?

Did He play Devil's Advocate, taking on a lie to promote truth?

[RabbiKnife]

You just don't get it.

The person playing "the Devil's Advocate" is not "taking on a lie." What does that even mean?

All someone does in "the Devil's Advocate" is to take a forsenic approach to an argument by forcing the proponent to test and try and confirm the truth that the proponent is arguing. "The Devil's Advocate" is not promoting a lie.

Please.

[Desperaux]

You just don't get it.

The person playing "the Devil's Advocate" is not "taking on a lie." What does that even mean?

All someone does in "the Devil's Advocate" is to take a forsenic approach to an argument by forcing the proponent to test and try and confirm the truth that the proponent is arguing. "The Devil's Advocate" is not promoting a lie.

Please.

We are talking about people doing it outside of a controlled setting. I hardly think that people socially are taking forensic approaches!

[RabbiKnife]

We are talking about people doing it outside of a controlled setting. I hardly think that people socially are taking forensic approaches!

Not "CSI forensics." Classical forensics, dealing with speach and debate:

fo⋅ren⋅sic

  /fəˈrɛnsɪk/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [fuh-ren-sik] Show IPA Use forensic in a Sentence

See web results for forensic

See images of forensic

–adjective 1. pertaining to, connected with, or used in courts of law or public discussion and debate. 2. adapted or suited to argumentation; rhetorical.
–noun 3. forensics, (used with a singular or plural verb) the art or study of argumentation and formal debate.

Origin:

[Desperaux]

Not "CSI forensics." Classical forensics, dealing with speach and debate:

fo⋅ren⋅sic

  /fəˈrɛnsɪk/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [fuh-ren-sik] Show IPA Use forensic in a Sentence

See web results for forensic

See images of forensic

–adjective 1. pertaining to, connected with, or used in courts of law or public discussion and debate. 2. adapted or suited to argumentation; rhetorical.
–noun 3. forensics, (used with a singular or plural verb) the art or study of argumentation and formal debate.

Origin:

I am aware of what forensic means. We aren't discussing that aspect, but if you insist...!

[RabbiKnife]

Then you should understand that taking the contrarian or "devil's advocate" position doesn't mean that you believe the argument you are making, but that you are forcing the proponent to consider and prove his/her assumptions.

[Firefighter]

Then you should understand that taking the contrarian or "devil's advocate" position doesn't mean that you believe the argument you are making, but that you are forcing the proponent to consider and prove his/her assumptions.

Thus helping the proponent to fulfill "and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

[RabbiKnife]

Thus helping the proponent to fulfill "and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

Very good, Grasshopper. You have grapsed the pebble. Now, go climb the mountain.

[HisLeast]

Did He play Devil's Advocate, taking on a lie to promote truth?

Were Jesus' parables literally true?