Name Calling is an Argumentation Tactic for the Weak

Today, I read an excellent blog article called "Playing the Pharisee Card". This article describes one of the tactics that are used by liberal "Christians" when they are in an argument with "fundamentalist" Christians. Instead of debating why doctrines are not important based upon sound logic, the liberal "Christian" will resort to "name-calling" by calling the Christian who is arguing for the importance of Biblical doctrine a "Pharisee". As we all know, the Pharisees were enemies of Jesus Christ, and therefore no Christian would want to be called a "Pharisee".

This article reminded me of a similar tactic I like to call the "You're being judgmental." tactic. This tactic is typically used when a person wants to avoid disagreement on important doctrinal matters. Previously on this blog, I wrote about why being "discerning" (i.e. "judgmental") is not wrong but is instead an important skill that all Christians need to employ.

Although, I only remember being called a Pharisee (or Pharisaical) one time, I have called "rigid" like the Pharisees, "too literal" regarding the Bible doctrines, "hyperbolic", and a "hyper schoolgirl". Although, this "name calling" did bother me at the time, I have come to realize, just like the author of this article, that these are just tactics employed by those who don't have a good counter argument. Essentially, they know they have no ground to stand on. However, rather than re-thinking their position, they resort to regressive, name-calling tactics reminiscent of the grade-school playground (e.g. "Oh yeah? Well, well.....you're a poopy-head!").

Moral of the story: Don't be a name-calling poopy-head. Instead, to use a phase from my friends at the White Horse Inn: "Know what you believe and why you believe it." and be always "...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" (1 Peter 3:15).