Debate on the Nature of Man

Nature of Man Debate, Part IV

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 19:00:51 -0500

Debate on the Nature of Man (Part 4 of 4) hosted by the Schaumburg Church of Christ on April 30, 2009. Premise: What is the state of man when he is born? How will the way he is born effect how he can come to know the one true God? If man is born with a sinful nature and only serves to comply with his depraved nature from birth how can he be saved? If man is not born with a sinful nature, then how does one separate himself from God?

[Note: One of the debaters, Matthew Black of the Hanover Park Tabernacle Baptist Church, withdrew three days before the event. Mac Deaver of the Sherman Oaks Church of Christ agreed to present his arguments to the audience and answer questions during the time allocated to the other speaker.]

Nature of Man Debate, Part III

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:00:51 -0500

Debate on the Nature of Man (Part 3 of 4) hosted by the Schaumburg Church of Christ on April 29, 2009. Premise: What is the state of man when he is born? How will the way he is born effect how he can come to know the one true God? If man is born with a sinful nature and only serves to comply with his depraved nature from birth how can he be saved? If man is not born with a sinful nature, then how does one separate himself from God?

[Note: One of the debaters, Matthew Black of the Hanover Park Tabernacle Baptist Church, withdrew three days before the event. Mac Deaver of the Sherman Oaks Church of Christ agreed to present his arguments to the audience and answer questions during the time allocated to the other speaker.]

Nature of Man Debate, Part II

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:00:42 -0500

Debate on the Nature of Man (Part 2 of 4) hosted by the Schaumburg Church of Christ on April 28, 2009. Premise: What is the state of man when he is born? How will the way he is born effect how he can come to know the one true God? If man is born with a sinful nature and only serves to comply with his depraved nature from birth how can he be saved? If man is not born with a sinful nature, then how does one separate himself from God?

[Note: One of the debaters, Matthew Black of the Hanover Park Tabernacle Baptist Church, withdrew three days before the event. Mac Deaver of the Sherman Oaks Church of Christ agreed to present his arguments to the audience and answer questions during the time allocated to the other speaker.]

Nature of Man Debate, Part I

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:00:19 -0500

Debate on the Nature of Man (Part 1 of 4) hosted by the Schaumburg Church of Christ on April 27, 2009. Premise: What is the state of man when he is born? How will the way he is born effect how he can come to know the one true God? If man is born with a sinful nature and only serves to comply with his depraved nature from birth how can he be saved? If man is not born with a sinful nature, then how does one separate himself from God?

[Note: One of the debaters, Matthew Black of the Hanover Park Tabernacle Baptist Church, withdrew three days before the event. Mac Deaver of the Sherman Oaks Church of Christ agreed to present his arguments to the audience and answer questions during the time allocated to the other speaker.]

Revised Debate Format

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:00:57 -0500

“We regretfully announce that the formal presentation of our April 27-30 debate on the nature of man has been lost. Mr. Matthew Black called the church office on Thursday, April 24th, at 2:00 p.m. to say that he had misgivings about the debate and was dropping out. After talking with Mr. Mac Deaver, we decided that we would continue with the discussion for the benefit of those who are interested in comparing both positions.

“Thus, as guests arrive at the church building, they will be handed cards on which they can write questions and arguments for Mr. Deaver to answer. Since Mr. Deaver was to be in the affirmative the first two nights anyway, he will present his first affirmative speech of 30 minutes. For the next 15 minutes, written questions from the audience will be read. During this time, discussion will be allowed for clarification from those who hold to the negative position, as Mr. Deaver listens. Mr. Deaver will then take 15 minutes to answer negative questions and arguments.

“The audience will then follow-up with an additional 15 minute period for comments and questions as Mr. Deaver listens, followed by a final 15 minute response from Mr. Deaver. The same format will be followed the second night.

“On the third night, Mr. Deaver will begin the discussion with his first 30 minute negative speech as he answers the original opposing proposition. Once again the audience will have opportunity to have their questions and arguments read publicly while Mr. Deaver listens. Mr. Deaver will have 15 minutes to respond, followed by an additional 15 minute response from the audience, etc.

“The Schaumburg Church of Christ proposes to provide a fair, equitable and level field for the discussion of these questions for all who are interested.”

Glenn A. Jobe, Minister
Schaumburg Church of Christ

Introduction

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 14:00:57 -0500

What is the state of man when he is born? How will the way he is born effect how he can come to know the one true God? If man is born with a sinful nature and only serves to comply with his depraved nature from birth how can he be saved? If man is not born with a sinful nature, then how does one separate himself from God?
All these questions are important. This will be the topic of our upcoming debate on April 27-30 from 7-9:30 p.m. The debate will be held at 601 East Schaumburg Rd. Schaumburg IL, 60194. The two debaters will stand before each other and those in attendance to debate these issues in a civil and organized fashion. This will allow the audience to follow along with each 30 minute speech and decide for themselves what the scriptures teach on this very important subject.
Matthew Black from the Tabernacle Baptist church will be affirming that: “The Scriptures teach that a person is born hereditarily totally depraved and prone to sin, and that as such, stands in need of salvation. A person that responds to the gospel does so in faith and repentance as drawn and enabled by the Holy Spirit.” Mac Deaver denies this and affirms that: “The Scriptures teach that a person is born innocent (free of sin) and becomes a sinner when he first transgresses the will of God, and that as a sinner (person in sin), he is able to respond to the gospel so that he can become a Christian.” Matthew Black denies this proposition.
We want to encourage you to be there for this important event. It will certainly be edifying no matter what position you hold to. The Nature of man is a topic which we all should seek to better understand. So please join us, we look forward to seeing you.