Why there is so Little Arguing on the Failing Pastor Account

One thing I’ve noticed about Christian Internet is the unbelievable amount of arguing. Now, Christians have no corner on this market. Everyone argues on the internet.

I just find it more disappointing to see it so much on Christian Internet.

Do you people not know that arguing with Christians is what church is for?

But what you’ll note about this account is that there’s very little arguing. Oh sure, people voice their disagreements with me. That’s fine. But I’ve noticed it just don’t thrive here like it does other places. Arguing doesn’t flourish here for at least two reasons:

1) This is my account and I don’t take the bait.
2) Most of the faithful readers of this account are pastors who are also worn out by arguing and don’t take the bait either.

There are a number of reasons why I don’t take the bait and argue.

1) I do not care about your opinions.
Now before you get mad at me, call me a jerk, and argue my point, let me explain. I honestly do care about you if I know you. But here’s the thing: I don’t know you. You don’t know me. Let the anonymity chill us both. Don’t take an anonymous person’s opinions that seriously. Argue with your friends and family; they theoretically care about you.

2) I already know what you’re going to say.
I’ve been doing this pastor thing a long time. I know what you’re going to say next. There aint one argument in all of Christendom I am not familiar with. I know what verse you’re going to pull out of context. I know what theological cliché you’re going to hit me with. I already know and have deemed it stupid. I feel no need to hear it and dismiss it again.

3) We’re not going to agree anyway.
Like I said; I’ve already had the argument. I already know I don’t agree. You already agree with you. If you’re so hopped up on your opinion that you must argue with an anonymous person on the internet, I already know you’re not the kind of person who is going to listen to reason. I let it go.

4) I don’t even agree with some of what I say.
You’re free to disagree with me; even I do from time to time. Lots of times I’m just making jokes about stuff that isn’t even relevant to me. I’m just saying stuff to fill in the tweet quota for the day. I find it enjoyable when people spend energy defeating a point that’s not even remotely close to anything I’m actually doing. I just allowed you to release some energy and saved your wife an argument at the dinner table. Plus you can now sleep more soundly because you told that moron on the internet what’s up! Nice job.

5) Sometimes I do argue.
There are a handful of times I’ve pushed back on people. I do this primarily for entertainment. I already know, based on your argument, you take yourself or me too seriously. You are the kind of person who needs to lighten up. So, yeah, I’ll push back occasionally, but you’ll also note I usually do that once or twice and then stop. I’ll let you have the last word. Because in the end: I don’t really care. We don’t know each other. I’m anonymous. Save the vitriol for the Christians you do know.

6) People don’t understand my point.
New people come across this account all the time. I know, based on their response that they don’t get it yet. I let it go. You’re not familiar enough with what I mean by “failing.” You don’t get the humor, the sarcasm, the over the top depressive statements that can’t honestly be true. Stick around with the account long enough and you’ll learn how to take me. Or drop it. But don’t just hop in and launch an attack. If you do; I ignore it.

7) I don’t want to hurt people.
Some of my stuff is taken wrongly by innocent people who honestly feel a need in their faith to pushback on a statement I’ve made. I’m not going to argue. As David said to the guy throwing stones at him and cursing him, “Maybe the Lord directed him to do that.” In the midst of my humor I’m also trying to encourage and edify. My point is not to be divisive and tear people down. There is plenty of room for disagreement on issues, or even on how the issue is delivered. I don’t argue with some because I don’t want to hurt them.

In the end, I’m mostly just on here having fun. I have some things to say that I think can be helpful. If they aren’t, that’s fine. Stop reading what I write then. No need to call me names or guilt me or argue. If you must, you must. I get it. Go for it. I’ll probably let it go.

If I don’t, it’s probably a moment of weakness in me or another effort to poke at a person who I think could use a poke.

I’m an anonymous voice on the internet. I hold no sway over you. Do what you want. Saw what you want. You’ll stand before the Lord with all of it, as will I. Do good there. Nothing else really matters.

Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.
–Proverbs 26:4-5