Ep 8: Why Good Arguments are About Ideas, Not Personality

June 28, 2022
Protestant Libertarian Podcast

Summary – Why Good Arguments are About Ideas, Not Personality

This week I will be encouraging us to think about why good arguments should be based on our ideas and not on the personalities of those with whom we debate. We look at the negative effect that polemics has on our society, how James and Paul encourage us to think about what we say, and ways in which we can have more productive conversations.

Next week, we will be looking at the book Who is an Evangelical by Thomas Kidd. It details the history of the evangelical movement in the US, how it became increasingly political and identified with the Republican party, and if this branch of Protestantism has a future.

Episode Outline:

I.	The media cares more about personality than it does about ideas.
II.	Biblical scholars also often resort to personality attacks
III.	How should Christians go about arguing with others with which they disagree?
IV.	How Protestants can learn to argue better.

Media Referenced:

D.A. Carson’s podcast series on the New Perspective: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-new-perspective-on-paul/id378879786
The Irrepressible Rothbard, Rothbard
The Foucoult Reader, Rabinow

Browse more Christians for Liberty Network Shows

The Christians for Liberty Network is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute consisting of shows and hosts offering various perspectives on the intersection of Christianity and libertarianism. Views expressed by hosts and guests do not necessarily reflect the view of the organization, its staff, board members, donors, or any other affiliates (including other hosts or guests on the network). Guest appearances or interviews of any incumbents, officials, or candidates for any political, party, or government office should not be construed as endorsements. The Libertarian Christian Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and does not endorse any political party or candidate for any political, government, or party office. For information about the Libertarian Christian Institute’s core values, please visit this page.