How Bible Debates Work

Thanks for your interest in how public Bible discussions typically are conducted.  Please note that these are not hard and fast rules, but the procedures that are usually followed when debates are conducted in this region of the world.
The Proposition
	In logical terms, a statement is a proposition if and only if that statement must have an answer of either True or False.  The following are examples of statements illustrating this point: "The brick wall" Not a proposition because neither True nor False can answer this expression.   "The Bible teaches that Christians are to meet on the first day of the week." Is a proposition because the statement must be either True or False.
	There is only one proposition for discussion at one time.  That is, each speaker does not argue a proposition in support of their position.  One speaker tries to demonstrate the veracity of the proposition, while the other tries to demostrate flaws in the other's argumentation.
The Affirmative Speaker
	The affirmative speaker bears the responsibility of proving that the agreed-upon proposition is a true statement.  The speaker will typically begin by defining the terms used in the proposition.  This allows the audience to completely grasp the discussion at hand, and, if necessary, ensure both the affirmative and negative speakers are "on the same page."  The affirmative speaker then presents evidence and then draws logical conclusions based on that evidence to demonstrate that his proposition is true.
The Negative Speaker
	The negative speaker has the sole responsibility of demonstrating flaws in the affirmative speaker's reasoning.  The negative speaker does not argue affirmatively for some other position. For example, consider this proposition: "The Bible teaches that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ, the Son of God, and is now mediator between man and God."  The negative speaker does not affirm a proposition like "The Bible teaches that the law given to Moses is in complete and full force today; therefore the Christ has not yet come." The negative speaker simply tries to show why the first proposition is wrong.  Note that the two speakers may, and often do, choose to reverse roles and discuss the second proposition, but that occurs in a separate session.  The two propositions are not argued simultaneously.
The Audience
	The benefit of a public discussion is that many people have the benefit of hearing both sides of an issue.  The audience has the responsibility to 1) stay out of the discussion, 2) treat both speakers and those who agree with those speakers with respect, and 3) study the things discussed to determine who was teaching the truth on the subject. The audience, as well as the speakers, must understand a fundamental difference between Bible debates and secular debates:  no man or woman is the winner in a Bible debate.  The truth of the matter is that it just doesn't matter who was the more appealing speaker.  What matters is what God said on the subject.

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