As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
“our talking heads have managed to take the exact same puerile statements about The Man and turn them into serious commentary by substituting ‘capitalism’ for The Man.” - American Purpose
Tired of losing debates? Would you like a sure-fire way to win arguments? Consider learning from one of the best. The Pharisees had plenty of experience in theological controversy. Most notable was their interaction with the theological heresy of Christianity. Through the employment of several forms of fallacious arguments they managed to discredit Jesus and his follows and effectively “win” the debate. One prime example of their methodology is found in chapter seven of John’s Gospel.
“Jesus’s enemies mocked him, slandered him, insulted him, maligned him, reviled him — as verbal thrusts of contempt conspired with nails and spear. How Jesus handled it left an indelible stamp on Peter.” - Desiring God
“The erosion of civility not only undermines the fabric of society but also weakens the nation’s ability to stand united in the face of external threats. It is a wake-up call to recognize that a house divided against itself cannot withstand threats from without.” - Providence
The book “offers hope in our contentious times, a better way to confront differences. Now it’s up to us to take the advice seriously.” - Acton
“Sides are intellectually easy and emotionally satisfying. Positions are intellectually challenging and emotionally complex. Once you know which side you’re on—in the culture war, or the political war—you can let your friends, or your podcasts, do your thinking for you.” - Persuasion
“Offending woke sensibilities can be exciting, and it can gain you plaudits from your own tribe. Of course, the question is how far you will go in this endeavor, and how honestly you engage the issues.” - World
“A New Right has arisen in America. Its adherents are anti-liberal, at war with the woke Left, opposed to pluralism, enamored of state power and nationalism, and ready to abandon such niceties as civility and toleration.” - Public Discourse
“1. Do you present opposing viewpoints in ways that your opponent would agree with?… 2. Do you resort to personal attacks…3. Are you able to assume the best about someone else’s approach even if you disagree with their conclusions?” - 9 Marks
“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
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