D&C 10:63

[TruthSeeker24]

"And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much ^acontention; yea, ^bSatan doth ^cstir up the hearts of the people to ^dcontention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do ^ewrest the scriptures and do not understand them."

Should we be contending points of doctrine? This is something I've been thinking a lot about of late. I've always been an apologist, but I have to admit that the times I was closest to the Lord was when I was NOT arguing or even so much as debating. Does this scripture apply to this type of site? I'm not trying to cause a rift or anything...I'm just curious what you think. Thanx

~Josh

[CV75]

Does this scripture apply to this type of site? I'm not trying to cause a rift or anything...I'm just curious what you think.

I see this site as a dialogue (conversation) and discussion (debate) board (body that comes together to exchange ideas) where contention has no place. This is reflected in the board guidelines.

[TruthSeeker24]

But is that what the site has become? I can appreciate what it was meant for. I just question what it's turned into.

[CV75]

I suppose that only you can answer that question for yourself, as can each other participant. I can't say the board is any different, for me, than what I said it is.

[frankenstein]

President Hinckley stated we do not apologize for our religion, I contend that also cover persons who call themsleves apologists. This site has contention - though the contention is somewhat moderate.

[Duncan]

I come here to learn new stuff, ask questions and make a comment here or there

[BCSpace]

"And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much ^acontention; yea, ^bSatan doth ^cstir up the hearts of the people to ^dcontention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do ^ewrest the scriptures and do not understand them."

Should we be contending points of doctrine?

No, we should not. The gospel is established by the Lord through his prophets so no one (who is a believer) can argue with it as the scripture says. If someone strays from the doctrine, yes, we should contend for the faith (Jude 1).

A total absence of contention means the ultimate goal of everyone accepting the gospel has been reached or we are not doing our part to warn our neighbor.

Edited January 4, 2012 by BCSpace

[The Nehor]

No, we should not. The gospel is established by the Lord through his prophets so no one (who is a believer) can argue with it as the scripture says. If someone strays from the doctrine, yes, we should contend for the faith (Jude 1).

A total absence of contention means the ultimate goal of everyone accepting the gospel has been reached or we are not doing our part to warn our neighbor.

I don't think the passage in Jude should be interpreted in that way. The word translated as "contend" is a greek word used in athletics. It means "struggle for" or "agonize over/for". It speaks of diligence in the faith itself. It is not a call to debate nonbelievers contentiously or to beat them down with the truth.

[ebeddoulos]

It has been my experience that oft times, both critics and defenders of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ are not truly interested in any meaningful dialogue. They refuse to trouble themselves to accurately understand the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ (critics) or to look at the church from a different point of view (defender). In all too many instances, in order to “win” it appears as though they deliberately misrepresent the "other side's" position. This misrepresentation is so dreadful that it is not even recognizable. When I encounter someone who truly wants an honest dialogue, I follow the admonition of Peter by being ready to answer any sincere questions they may have.

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: 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: Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” (1 Peter 3:15-16)

When I encounter the critic who is only making a pretense at dialogue but is actually engaged in anti-Mormon propaganda, I will not be contentious and I refuse to “bash.” In fact, for the likes Rob Bowman, who makes nice-nice only to sharpen his shiv, I do my best to ignore their ilk.

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” (Titus 3:9)

Whenever I see the spirit of contention entering into the conversation, like Nehemiah, I basically say, “… I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?" (Nehemiah 6:3)

“And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

I have found that if I “come down” to their level, I will “win” the encounter because the scriptures will invariably support the Latter-day Saint position. That is the insidious part of this Satanic strategy. (3 Nephi 11:29).

“For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.” (3 Nephi 11:29)

I will win and in winning lose. The price of winning a “bash” is that the souls, with whom I am bashing, become entrenched in their errors and potentially may be lost.

“He that complies against his will is of his own opinion still.” (Samuel Butler, “Hudibras”, pt. III, canto III, l. 547)

While I will contend for the faith (Jude 1:3), I will try to avoid the contentious individual (1 Corinthians 11:16).

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3)

“But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.” (1 Corinthians 11:16)

There is no advantage gained to do otherwise.