February 1, 2026

Last time we looked at examples of Polemics in scripture. We learn that at the very least there is a time and place to go on the attack and expose an idea as simply bad. This is more important than we may think. It’s important because it’s honest. When we engage in discussions of Christian truth, we are not neutral. We specifically want a certain outcome. Just as Jesus didn’t pretend to be open minded to the false teaching and moral failings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, we are not required to pretend we have no vested interest in what someone concludes. In fact, doing so may come off as somewhat dishonest and make us look devious. Related to this we also don’t want to be neutral toward truly bad and harmful ideas. It’s not always enough to say that’s an idea I suggest this is a better one. Rather sometimes it important to say that is a terrible and wrong idea and this is why. 

The examples we have considered also point out that circumstances matter. Jesus doesn’t use a polemic approach against sincere seekers or even honest doubters. Paul doesn’t attack the deceived in the same way that he does the deceiver. This reveals an important truth. There are times when lies must be exposed so that the larger audience can see them for what they are. There are also times when care must be taken to help people slowly work toward a conclusion. Maturity is knowing which is which. 

Personality also matters in these discussions. Some people will be deeply wedded to their conclusions and may only consider abandoning them when shown just how bad they truly are. On the other hand, some people will be capable of doing the math on their own and just by being shown a better way can start to see the weaknesses in their view of something. In other words, some people do need to hear “hey that’s a really dumb idea.” As Christians we are called to do our best to approach people in a way that is most effective for them (Col 4:5). 

As we consider each of these important rhetorical tools, we find that as with most things it’s important to use the best tool for the job. Sometimes that may be Apologetics sometimes it may be Irenics, other times polemics may be important. Often these are best used in co-ordination with one another. We must keep in mind the warnings discussed in these articles so that in doing so we don’t compromise the very truth we are seeking to advance. In all of this we must aways keep in mind that our goal is not to win an argument, demonstrate our intelligence, persuasion ability, or show how foolish someone else is. Rather our goal is always to glorify Christ and point people to Him. With that goal in mind we can and should work hard to demolish arguments and every high minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to obey Christ. 

~ Kevin Cleary