Overcoming the Don Quixote Spirit: Avoiding Foolish and Ignorant Disputes

Overcoming the Don Quixote Spirit:  Avoiding Foolish and Ignorant Disputes

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

2 Timothy 2:23 (NKJV)
²³  But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife.

Titus 3:9 (NKJV)
⁹  But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.

We become engaged in foolish and ignorant disputes because we are tilting at windmills and using the wrong strategies.  We often argue against the leaves of the tree rather than laying the axe to the roots.  

We find the root of much sin and discontent in Romans 1.  The book of Romans is considered by many jurists as one of the greatest legal briefs ever written.  Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, laid the groundwork for presenting the biblical mindset without falling into the snare of foolish and ignorant disputes.

Romans 1:20-22 (NKJV)

²⁰  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes 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, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
²²  Professing to be wise, they became fools. 

Verse 21 is the root.  God has manifested Himself in all that He has created, but professing to be wise, people became fools by ignoring the evidence. If the problem is that unbelievers have ignored the glory of God that is clearly seen in the creation, the answer is to help them see that glory.  For instance, an evolutionist must recognize the glory of God before he will accept the tenets of creationism. 

The question is, “How do we do that without engaging in foolish arguments?”  Perhaps the following scene will be helpful.

Once upon a time, while waiting in line at Starbucks, an evolutionist and a creationist struck up a conversation.

Evolutionist:  Because no one can prove the existence of God, evolutionism is the only logical interpretation of the scientific data.  The universe simply evolved from the nothingness that existed in primal chaos. Even the ancient Greeks believed that.

Creationist:  Aristotle believed in a primary cause or mover in the creation. Doesn’t that suggest that some force, perhaps God, was the impetus?

Evolutionist:  Aristotle, hmmm.  Well, perhaps.  I haven’t really resolved that issue.  What do you think about the Big Bang Theory?

Creationist:  I can accept that.

Evolutionist:  A creationist who accepts the Big Bang Theory!  That’s a good one.

Creationist:  Here’s how I think it came about:  In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.  Then God, in a voice with the sound of many waters said,

“LIGHT BE!”  

BANG!

And light is.  Isn’t it interesting that first came sound, the voice of God, and then came light.  Scientists believe that the universe is in constant vibration.  Sound always results from vibration and those sound waves hold the universe together.  My God is an awesome God.

 

Hey, can I buy you a cup of coffee?