Why Polemic?

Wade Lindsey
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read

Polemic is a term dripping with negative connotation. I’d like to say that I created this blog to change that perception, but it’s not true. I first chose the word polemic because it sounded sophisticated and gripping. I kept it because of the realization that its influence needed to be reclaimed; redefined for a world that cannot see its full character.

Here’s what I mean: We live in a society which claims that love and disagreement are mutually exclusive actions. A society that says “you are not allowed to love me unless you support and affirm me 100%” It is this attitude, I believe, that has quickly divided us and threatens to kill us slowly.

Admittedly, polemic is nearly always used to indicated “a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something” and thus has wound up with the reputation of a bully. Throughout this blog I will focus on promoting its second meaning: “the art or practice of engagement in controversial debate or dispute.”

Connotation: still negative, but I hope to show you that it need not be. In our world there is no shortage of controversy, debate, or dispute. It is the respectful engagement in them that is in such short supply. I want to promote the idea that debate and dispute need not be divorced from civil discourse, mutual respect, or the desire for understanding.

As I am writing from a Christocentric worldview, there is much in our present culture to debate and dispute. However I hope to do so in a manner that is honoring of Jesus Christ, his commands, and his ways of life.

I hope to argue that many of the issues we face in our world can be remedied by observing the life of Christ and following his words; in many cases I believe that is our only hope for a true solution.

The Jesus Polemic is an argument for pursuing The Kingdom of Heaven and thereby submitting to its King: Jesus Christ.

Studying the words of Jesus can be a dangerous pursuit. Dangerous because one rarely receives from them what he expects. I may go to the words of Christ looking for affirmation of a certain belief or view only to be refuted entirely — that is if I am able to leave my prejudices at the door and seek the simple and serious meaning.

Whenever I consider Christ’s view of a common issue, I rarely end up anything close to resembling the view I held when I began. This is because Christ’s way is perfect and I am severely flawed . Jesus life and his views on life accomplish the unthinkable by faultlessly navigating the narrow precipice between Grace and Truth.

His word is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) To consider Jesus’ viewpoint requires navigating the intricacies of divided viewpoints and having compassion for people unlike myself. It promotes balance, engagement, and vulnerability. It draws me away from the adoption of radical views and calls me instead to a radical adoption of the ways of Christ.

To see the world through the eyes of Jesus is to walk a razors edge. Many say it’ impossible; I argue that’s no reason not to try.

The Jesus Polemic

A case for pursuing The Kingdom of Heaven on earth, and thereby submitting to its King: Jesus Christ.

Wade Lindsey

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The Jesus Polemic

A case for pursuing The Kingdom of Heaven on earth, and thereby submitting to its King: Jesus Christ.

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