The Great Debate

It is all over the web. You can find it on several blogs. There is going to be a debate at the Southern Baptist Convention this year. The debate will be over the topic of Calvinism. Dr. Al Mohler will debate on the side of Calvinism, and Dr. Paige Patterson will debate against Calvinism. Two heavy hitters going at it before the entire convention. If you are theological nerd; this is exciting.

Is this a good thing? It can be. It is exciting to think that a theological discussion will take place at the Southern Baptist Convention. I believe that anytime theology is discussed it is positive for the church.

I also believe these two men will deal with the topic appropriately. Calvinism can be a divisive topic. There are men on both sides of the issue that are very passionate about their views. I believe Drs. Mohler and Patterson will not allow this to get personal. I believe they will use this debate to defuse some of the bitterness spewed by the extremes on both sides of the issue. I believe the last thing these two men want is a theological split in the SBC. By debating this topic publicly, both men have the ability to control the larger debate. They automatically become the spokesmen for their team. Thus the larger debate must go through them, and they won't allow it to get out of hand.

Could this be a bad thing? Sure it could. If Drs. Patterson and Mohler aggravate the extremist on either side, it could cause the larger debate to become more passionate. This is a calculated risk that these two men obviously are willing to take.

Another problem that could occur is if one man obviously defeats the other. If Dr. Mohler or Dr. Patterson fail to properly defend their side, a new leader will be chosen. This could lead to an extremist becoming the vocal leader of their particular team. I am certain this will be avoided. The caliber of both of these men are second to none.

So who will win? I don't know. In my opinion, Dr. Mohler is probably the better scholar. I read Mohler's stuff daily, I am amazed that he is able to write the amount that he does. He is truly brilliant, and a one of the great Christian minds of our generation.

On the other hand, Dr. Patterson is no weakling. He is also brilliant. He has been successful in every area of his life. I believe that Dr. Patterson is a better communicator than Dr. Mohler. This may allow him to claim victory in the end.

Who will I be cheering for? Dr. Mohler of course. The truth is that I hope both men do well. I believe it is important that both sides feel satisfied with the outcome. Yet, I want Dr. Mohler to do a little better. Regardless, it should be entertaining. That is if you are a theological nerd.