I do not debate doctrine

Intro

I do not debate doctrine.

(Romans 1:18-32 [KJV])
 [18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
 [19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
 [20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
 [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
 [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
 [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
 [24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
 [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
 [26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
 [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
 [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
 [29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
 [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
 [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
 [32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

You can see that debate is mentioned in Romans 1:29 above next to murder. Debate is a sin.

Public debate is also not recommended in Proverbs 25:9.

(Proverbs 25:9 [KJV]) Debate thy cause with thy neighbour himself; and discover not a secret to another:

Paul rebuked or admonished the brethren regarding debates in II Corinthians 12:20.

(II Corinthians 12:19-21 [KJV])
 [19] Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
 [20] For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:
 [21] And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

The holy ghost will lead the believer into all things so doctrinal debates are unnecessary.

(John 16:13 [KJV]) Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

Some people will wrest scripture to their own destruction.

(II Peter 3:16 [KJV]) As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

When doctrinal disputes occur, separation is good to avoid strife and damages.

(Galatians 5:15 [KJV]) But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

From church history you can learn that debates can be deadly and lead to mass murder of those that win the debate. Listen 16:17 to 21:22 into this video to learn about Dominic de Guzmán debate with Albigensis and how it resulted in a crusade against true christian believers. Then the inquisition was set up killing 50 million Christians or so.

See also

• Church History
• Broadcast:I do not debate doctrine
• Public rebuke