Framing the Argument

by ba1969 from www.sxu.hu (added “ARGUMENT”)

There is a saying in politics which goes like this:

“He who frames the issue, wins the debate.”  (source)

In our culture today, I might say it like this:

“He who frames the emotionally convincing argument, wins the debate.”

Correspondingly, It is often true that the one who frames the argument first, loudest, and most forcefully will win the cultural debate at stake.

Satan is a master at framing cultural debates today in an emotionally convincing way so that the the world swallows his lies (John 8:44, Rev. 12:15-17).

For example notice how these issues are framed with an emotionally convincing message.

Abortion is framed as a woman’s choice.  It is her body and her right to choose.

Homosexuality is framed as an alternative lifestyle between loving individuals.

Gay marriage is framed as a civil rights and civil liberties issue similar to the rights of women and minorities.

Fornication is framed as an act of love, passion, and pleasure.

Christians are framed as intolerant, archaic, insensitive, and legalistic.

Do you see what satan and the world do.  They frame an argument in an emotionally convincing and persuasive way that is appealing.

What should Christians do?

1.  We must frame our arguments clearly, convincingly, and emotionally.  

We must not get lost in all the details, but frame the argument clearly on these issues. For example, abortion is not about a woman’s right to choose, it is about the taking of a human being’s life.

Sadly, it seems to me that the age of people desiring truth as they did in past decades has gone by.  People want to know the relevance and meaning behind a truth.  Christians should not just present truth and condemn the above sins in a matter-of-fact matter.  We must offer an emotionally convincing argument as well.  We have one!  The story of the cross is the greatest emotionally charged story in the world.  It is the drawing power of Christianity (John 12:32).  The story of God’s holiness and His hurt and pain experienced because of sin is powerful; and this story is shared throughout the whole Bible.  When we teach and preach about the above issues we need to make our arguments emotional and passionate.  The truth should be taught with love (Eph. 4:15).

2.  We must unveil the falsehood of Satan’s arguments.

Satan is not going to win (Rev. 19-20).  But it seems that his lies are winning the hearts of Americans and many Christians.  These emotionally charged arguments based on love, kindness, and deeply American values appeal to the masses, especially our young people.  Just look at how the opinion on gay marriage has changed so drastically in the last 10 years.   Parents, preachers, youth ministers, and Christians must offer rebuttals to these common arguments heard incessantly in our culture by presenting the truth of God’s Word and calling people to holiness.  I am often shocked at how these arguments are believed and not seen for what they are;  the lies of Satan.  This is the continuing battle between truth and error (1 John 4:1-6, John 8:31-33).  We must constantly teach the truth on moral issues, so that it is a bedrock foundation against the world’s convincing lies that constantly assail our brethren.

The arguments are being framed to promote sin.  Our culture is buying what Satan is selling.  Let’s present the truth about sin and its disastrous consequences (Rom. 3:23, 6:23).  It might sound like a good argument in our 2013 America, but it will destroy the souls of men (Mat. 16:24-28, 2 Thess. 1:7-10).