The Scripturalness Of Public Religious Debate

Most so called Christians are against public religious debating. The question is why? Most see the value in political debates and debates on other important secular issues. Why would they be against debating on the most important subject of all - on questions that affect our eternal destiny? Is it because they know their position really can't be defended, and so they only want to preach their theories when no one is there to respond and present the other side (John 3:19-21)?Below are Bible reasons we should participate in and support public debates on religious topics. Don't let the spiritually weak talk you out of supporting the practice.· God teaches we should Jude 3, Acts 15:2,7, 17:17, 19:8-9, Matt 22:15-46· To listen to the other side with an open mind Matthew 13:15· To preach the truth as we presently understand it II Timothy 4:2· To allow our position to be examined/tested John 3:19-21· To seek religious unity Ephesians 4:3, I Corinthians 1:10, John 17:20-23· To reach the lost Mark 16:15-16, II Corinthians 5:10-11· To get an audience with those we believe need to be warned Ezekiel 3:18· To encourage study of the word of God II Timothy 2:15· To defend the gospel, the truth Phil 1:17