Debate

“Persons who believe that the truth is so easily discovered often react with moral revulsion against conservatives and reactionaries who disagree with them. Since truth is so intellectually clear, [they reason,] those who do not see it must be persons of bad will. Daily experience teaches that this is not so.” - Acton

“my colleague Shane Morris had a fascinating discussion on the Colson Center’s Upstream podcast … about Christian mockery, using the writings of 17th-century mathematician and Christian apologist, Blaise Pascal.” - Breakpoint

“Overall, Voth’s book is a helpful contribution to both the field of communications and the debate community. He explores a theoretical concept and applies it to the world practically and clearly.” - Acton

“we stumble into snares when we think confidence in the truth means one lacks kindness or when we allow confidence in the truth to make our speech reckless and acerbic. But the Bible tells us to speak ‘the truth lovingly’ (Eph 4:15).” - Wyatt Graham

“Pascal was a pioneer in the psychology of persuasion. …Lead people to the answer, but let them discover it on their own. ‘People are generally better persuaded by reasons they have themselves discovered than by those from the minds of others.’” - Breakpoint

“Most debates that we observe on television consist of two people trying to outshout and demonize each other. This is because it is much easier to dismiss opposing arguments than it is to understand them.” - Eternal Perspective

“Overall, 61% of U.S. adults say they have heard at least a fair amount about the phrase ‘cancel culture,’ up from 44% in September 2020” - Pew

“Our social media age seems to promote only those voices who best express outrage, promote fear, and discharge bile. What if there were another way to engage even in highly contentious debate?” - Acton

“Time and again I read about how bad things are now, how vile the left has become, and how a commitment to ‘winsomeness’ or kindness is simply inadequate to the moment…. sometimes seen as evidence of weakness or fear—an effort curry favor with people who hate you. But the conversation consistently misconstrues what commitments to civility and decency do and don’t mean” - David French

“Starting May 4, we’re releasing a five-part video debate series featuring prominent Christian thinkers discussing some of the most divisive issues facing the church today… . we hope to model this—showing that it’s possible for two Christians, united around the gospel, to engage in charitable conversation even amid substantive disagreement.” - TGC