We’ve all seen them – social media sites (especially on Facebook) that are about specific teachings and doctrines, with members intent on ‘proving’ the absolute correctness of those teachings and doctrines.

The site represented by the above graphic is one such site. Here is the stated purpose of the FB Group:

“King James Bible – Rightly Divided is a group that is solely about Rightly Dividing the Word of God from a King James Bible. This Groups is to be a help. We are to edify one another, not to destroy one another! This Group is for the purpose of learning through the scriptures, and that Rightly Divided in a King James Bible.”

That purpose seems innocent enough, and it would be, if there was a genuine ‘learning’ rather than ‘proving’ environment. Sadly, the latter seems to be the case. Rather than intelligent discussion and polite discourse about the KJV being the best Bible to use, the meaning of “rightly dividing” the Word of truth (in context), and a certain form of Dispensationalism, there seem to be a lot of digital food fights, with opposite sides both saying they are speaking God’s truth because they are ‘obviously’ reading Scripture and the other guys ‘obviously’ aren’t!

It can get really nasty at times, complete with plenty of insults, ad hominem attacks and outright name-calling. Attempts to simply, politely, and objectively discuss the issues seem to fail on a regular basis. When plain text of scripture that refutes the site’s position is calmly and objectively presented you are met with resounding silence.

As one visitor to a site like the one above expressed it:

“I have no problem debating theology. The problem is when a person like (insert name) tries to make a point and I show the error in his belief he doesn’t respond to the correction he just rephrases his previous statement. What’s the point of people sharing their beliefs if they can’t have a civil conversation and respond accordingly.”

What’s the point? Well, I can tell you what I think might be reasons for visiting such sites.

First of all, it’s NOT to win an argument or a debate about the issues at stake. It’s not to convince those who seem to use passages from the Bible, taken out of context, for their own agendas or to ‘prove’ their interpretations are correct ones. What visiting ‘contentious’ sites can do however is:

1. Encourage you to study the issues at stake.

–  Is the teaching or doctrine being promoted Biblically sound?

– Where did the teaching or doctrine come from if it’s not taught in scripture?

– If it was developed over time,  when and where did that happen, and by whom was it developed?

2. Record and file (digitally or otherwise) the results of your research in order to:

–  Have an initial body of information you can add to later on.

– Have a carefully prepared answer you can use for honest and fair doctrinal discussion(s).

3. Help you develop a more Christlike and Godly character when your “flesh” is triggered. You know what I mean.

4. Help you become a more effective mentor in discipling other believers.

Those are probably just of a few positive results of visiting “contentious” (I didn’t have a better word) “Christian” social media sites. And looking at those reasons again, I guess you can call them “personal “training aids”. At least for this old soldier they certainly can be. The moment they are no longer profitable for your own spiritual growth, just do a little “dust shaking” and move on down the road.

Be Blessed!