Throughout the years, I have often asked myself: As a debater, what is my agenda? My agenda is to inform the promoter, supporter and financier of the Biblical God so he or she can know what the Bible says, Chapter & Verse, about Its God.

 

Now, if I debate you, I may ask you: What's your agenda?

 

 

 

Perspectives

 

 

Do I consider myself to be a "thinker" or to be a "believer"?  

 

Can I perceive that "Intelligence Is Categorical"?

 

Can I perceive that the question is the highest form of thought?

 

Do I have any specific and rational questions about the Bible?

 

If not - why don't, or wouldn't I, have questions about the Bible?

 

Do I know - or do I want to know each and every controversial and contradictory C&V in the Bible? If not, why not? Those controversial and contradictory C&Vs are included in the Bible - aren't they?

 

Do I want to know about the Bible enough to intelligently question others or to rationally debate it?

 

Do I think "faith" should be pawned off as fact?

 

Do I attempt to compete with Bible C&V facts or to replace rationale with obedience-based faith?

 

Do I view that non-topical and non-related issues should be included in C&V debate? Why?

 

In debate, do I try to avoid - or do I insist on avoiding - presented C&V facts?

 

Do I feel that I can successfully debate Biblical C&V facts?

 

Do I try to "spin" Biblical C&V facts to mean things other than stated?

 

Do I feel a need to preach, blackmail or condemn others who take issue with the Bible?

 

What objectives do I wish to accomplish in a Biblical debate?

 

Do I want to "convert" my opponent?

 

Declaration: I, Gary DeVaney, do not want to convert anyone. Once they know the controversial C&V facts concerning the Bible and its God - what they do with them is their business. Once they know most of the Bible's controversial and contradictory C&Vs - my job is done.

 

Do I want to stop my opponent from doing what he or she is doing?

 

If my true agenda were found out by my opponent - would I lose interest?

 

Do I find myself promoting irrational faith and belief or rational logic, reason and knowledge?

 

Do I realize that learning requires a change of behavior - mine and theirs?

 

Do I know and am I considerate that different people learn at different paces?

 

Do I wish to debate the specific contents of the Bible or use the time to challenge the motives, agendas and credentials of my opponents?

 

Do I debate to learn - or to feel superior to - my opponent?

 

Can I put my ego in my pocket when I debate?

 

Do I tend to resist, adjust, avoid or change an uncomfortable, controversial topic when it is presented to me? 

 

Am I argumentative for control or do I truly focus on and debate the topic?

 

Do other debaters have to agree with me for the debate to be of value to me?

 

Do I feel it would it be a sin if I learned something unpleasant and controversial about the Bible and its God?  

 

Under what circumstances would I tend to get angry?

 

Do I wish to learn about the topic or do I tend to assume authority over the topic and over others whom I debate?

 

In a debate, must I be right and you be wrong for it to be of value?

 

Ad Hominin: Am I guilty of attacking my debate opponent's character or motive rather that addressing his or her issue? If I am losing the debate, do I tend to make my opponent the topic?

 

Do I tend to condemn my opponent to Hell for daring to debate the controversial Bible C&Vs?

 

Do I ever condemn, insult, demonize and run when I quit a debate?

 

Can I really learn anything if I only fight and argue for control?

 

What is the difference between a debate and an argument? Could it be that one who debates focuses on the topic while one who argues focuses on control? Which do I tend to be?

 

Would I sacrifice knowledge, or facts in evidence, just to win?

 

Can I remember that in a Biblical debate - I am not the authority - my opponent is not the authority - the documented Bible C&V facts are the authority?

 

Do I have any lasting-power concerning a Biblical debate?

 

Do I tend to stay on the subject or do I give constant personal testimonies and refer to irrelevant and unavailable material?

 

Do I try to get my opponent off the topic he or she initiated or that is being discussed?

 

Do I insist that the topic be all about me?

 

Do I understand that without questions, answers tend to be irrelevant and if I don’t question the topic, it’s improbable that any learning takes place for me?

 

Is evidence and proof or faith and belief more important to me concerning a Bible debate?

 

Am I really intellectually and emotionally capable of debating the Bible and its God?

 

Do I realize that as long as or during the time I won't - I can't?

 

What is my agenda concerning others who participate in a Bible debate?

 

Would I bother to read through this material prior to challenging or debating the Bible C&Vs taken issue with?

 

If not, what exactly is it I would be questioning, challenging or debating?

 

Is it true that a high percent of stupid is stubborn?

 

Do I ever come across stupid and / or stubborn?

 

If so, do I handle it with kindness?

 

How do I feel about these, or any other, guidelines concerning Biblical debate?

 

Have I formulated debate guidelines for myself that would prove successful for me to follow?

 

Honestly, in a Biblical debate, am I seeking sound facts and knowledge; or, am I seeking faithful conformity - a herd mentality - a flock commitment - blind obedience?

 

Do I have the courage to question the "sacred" religious, social values and traditions of man?