It is understandable to be upset with others who, in your opinion are wrong in some way shape or form, but treating them as anything less then a brother or sister in Christ is not. Granted, there are people who are simply wrong—who teach a false gospel, but these are not the people whom I am discussing here. I am talking about those who clearly love the Lord and want to serve him. So many of these critiques are written with such a hurtful slant that they lack integrity. In my opinion, any one who writes in this way does not really deserve to be heard. What is going to be accomplished by these sorts of rants? Instead, let us first, point out points of agreement and give others the benefit of the doubt. Before, bashing the author of a book or a preacher or a friend for that matter, try to understand what they mean not just what they say. Are they trying to point us to Christ? Then say so. Then gently disagree with the way they are saying to do it.
Secondly, if you are going to critique someone’s stance on a biblical issue, you ought to have studied the topic in your bible. Do not just cherry pick bible verses, but do an in depth study. Give biblical evidence to support your view, not a subjective emotive appeal. D. A. Carson, in his book Exegetical Fallacies states, “An emotional appeal based on truth reflects sincerity and conviction; an emotional appeal used as a substitute for truth is worthless. The fallacy lies in thinking that emotion can substitute for reason, or that it has logical force.” Too much of what I have been reading has done exactly this. If you want people to respect you and hear what you have to say, then you must base your argument on biblical evidence and reason. You must demonstrate knowledge of the opposing view and explain with care, why you disagree. Simply appealing to emotions based on your one time encounter with a Pentecostal, Calvinist, complementarian, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, etc. does not demonstrate integrity and makes your argument quite unconvincing. If you truly believe it to be the truth, then you should be concerned with explaining it to those who have the opposite view in a convincing manner, and not just concerned with rallying up those who already agree with you. For, what will you accomplish by that?
So, my friends, I urge you, I beg of you, I beseech you, I entreat you to be loving, thoughtful, and biblical in your responses. Consider whether the post you are sharing has done the same. If that author has not done the same, do not share it. Find someone else who has written on the topic with integrity and share his or her article. Finally, let us (myself included) be reminded to not be like those, who spoke without understanding, that Paul warned Timothy about.
As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. 1 Timothy 1:1-7