Myths of Controversy

I thought I'd throw Presby Peppo a bone, and refer you to a quote from his homeboy, J Gresham Machen. (Quote is found on Pyromaniacs.)

Machen answers common objections to controversy in the church:

Let us above all, men say, have no controversy in the Church; let us forget our small theological differences and all repeat together Paul's hymn to Christian love.

His answer:

As I listen to such pleas, my Christian friends, I think I can detect in them rather plainly the voice of Satan.

Other objections addressed:

If you go heresy-hunting for the sin in your own wicked hearts," said the speaker, as nearly as I can remember his words, "you will have no time for heresy-hunting for the heretics outside."

Again, we are told that our theological differences will disappear if we will just get down on our knees together in prayer.

Again, men say that instead of engaging in controversy in the Church, we ought to pray to God for a revival; instead of polemics, we ought to have evangelism.

But men tell us that instead of engaging in controversy about doctrine we ought to seek the power of the living Holy Spirit.

Again, men tell us that our preaching should be positive and not negative, that we can preach the truth without attacking error.

Click the link to read Machen's answers.