Although not as popular as in days gone by, debates are still excellent ways of communication between parties with divergent beliefs. Debates allow for formal exchanges that many times clarifies issues and allows viewers to receive both sides of an issue and make an appropriate decision regarding the two beliefs.
I believe that debates are still effective means of proving the truth of the Word of God over error and fulfilling 1 Peter 3:14-16:
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.
Below are first a listing of debates I have participated in, and also other debates that you may find profitable for study. May the truths of God’s Word be made evident to you.
Discussions in Which I Have Participated
Debates in Which I Have Participated
NOTICE: Many of these debates are not currently online. We are working to get them back up. Thanks for your patience!
Burgin/Longhenry Debate on Divorce and Remarriage
Proposition:
The New Testament extends the privilege of remarriage to a person put away for having committed adultery.Affirm: Max Burgin
Deny: Ethan R. Longhenry
- Max Burgin’s First Affirmative
- Ethan Longhenry’s First Rebuttal
- Max Burgin’s Second Affirmative
- Ethan Longhenry’s Second Rebuttal
- Max Burgin’s Third Affirmative
- Ethan Longhenry’s Third Rebuttal
Proposition:
The New Testament does not extend the privilege of remarriage to a person put away for having committed adultery.Affirm: Ethan R. Longhenry
Deny: Max Burgin
Dickinson/Longhenry Debate on the Lord’s Supper
Proposition:
The Scriptures teach that an assembly of the church of Christ for the communion must use one cup (drinking vessel) in the distribution of the fruit of the vine.Affirm: Billy D. Dickinson
Deny: Ethan R. Longhenry
- Billy Dickinson’s First Affirmative
- Ethan Longhenry’s First Rebuttal
- Billy Dickinson’s Second Affirmative
- Ethan Longhenry’s Second Rebuttal
- Billy Dickinson’s Third Affirmative
- Ethan Longhenry’s Third Rebuttal
Proposition:
The Scriptures teach that an assembly of the church of Christ for the communion may use individual cups (drinking vessels) in the distribution of the fruit of the vine.Affirm: Ethan R. Longhenry
Deny: Billy D. Dickinson
Longhenry/Billingsly Debate on the Sermon on the Mount
Proposition:
The Scriptures teach that the “Sermon on the Mount,” Matthew chapters 5 through 7, contains both Old and New Testament doctrine.Affirm: Ethan R. Longhenry
Deny: Dan Billingsly
- Ethan Longhenry’s First Affirmative
- Dan Billingsly’s First Rebuttal
- Ethan Longhenry’s Second Affirmative
- Dan Billingsly’s Second Rebuttal
- Ethan Longhenry’s Third Affirmative
- Dan Billingsly’s Third Rebuttal
Proposition:
The Scriptures teach that the “Sermon on the Mount,” Matthew chapters 5 through 7, is exclusively Old Testament doctrine.Affirm: Dan Billingsly
Deny: Ethan R. Longhenry
Longhenry/Brooks Debate on Instrumental Music
Proposition:
The Scriptures teach that Christians ought only use their voice when praising God in song.Affirm: Ethan R. Longhenry
Deny: Ray Brooks
- Ethan Longhenry’s First Affirmative
- Ray Brooks’ First Rebuttal
- Ethan Longhenry’s Second Affirmative
- Ray Brooks’ Second Rebuttal
- Ethan Longhenry’s Third Affirmative
- Ray Brooks’ Third Rebuttal
Proposition:
The Scriptures teach that Christians may use voice and/or instruments when praising God in song.Affirm: Ray Brooks
Deny: Ethan R. Longhenry
Longhenry/Jackson Debate on Church Benevolence
Proposition:
The Scriptures teach that the church, from its treasury, may help only the needy saints.Affirm: Ethan R. Longhenry
Deny: George A. Jackson
- Ethan Longhenry’s First Affirmative
- George Jackson’s First Rebuttal
- Ethan Longhenry’s Second Affirmative
- George Jackson’s Second Rebuttal
- Ethan Longhenry’s Third Affirmative
- George Jackson’s Third Rebuttal
Proposition:
The Scriptures teach that the church, from its treasury, may help any needy person.Affirm: George A. Jackson
Deny: Ethan R. Longhenry
Longhenry/Olson Debate on Baptism
Proposition:
The Scriptures teach that immersion in water for the remission of sin is necessary for salvation.Affirm: Ethan R. Longhenry
Deny: Lloyd A. Olson
- Ethan Longhenry’s First Affirmative
- Lloyd Olson’s First Rebuttal
- Ethan Longhenry’s Second Affirmative
- Lloyd Olson’s Second Rebuttal
- Ethan Longhenry’s Third Affirmative
- Lloyd Olson’s Third Rebuttal
Proposition:
The Scriptures do not teach that immersion in water for the remission of sin is necessary for salvation.Affirm: Lloyd A. Olson
Deny: Ethan R. Longhenry
Other Debates of Interest
Billingsly/Benton Debate on the Gospels
Propositions there debated:
The Scriptures teach that the four books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John — before the cross, belong to the Old and not the New Testament.
Affirm: Dan Billingsly
Deny: Terry BentonThe Scriptures teach that one will be blessed today who obeys Jesus’ righteous principles for His kingdom described to some extent in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the parts of their documents that describe what Jesus said before He died on the cross.
Affirm: Terry Benton
Deny: Dan Billingsly
Carroll/Billingsly Debate on Matthew 19:9
Proposition there debated:
Matthew 19:9 is New Testament Doctrine.
Affirm: J.J. Carroll
Deny: Dan Billingsly
Strom/Puckett Debate on the Sabbath
Propositions there debated:
Resolved, that the keeping of the weekly Sabbath is scripturally binding on Christians today.
Affirm: Bob Strom
Deny: James PuckettResolved, that the keeping of the weekly Sabbath is not scripturally binding on Christians today.
Affirm: James Puckett
Deny: Bob Strom
Religious Debates
These, and many other debates, are available through the main website for Religious Debates, an Internet forum for moderated formal debates on religious subjects. If you are interested in accessing the other debates, please click here. If you are perhaps interested in joining Religious Debates, please click here.
Feel free to post your own proposition or to accept many of the open propositions that are available on the Religious Debates websites. Thanks!