[TheRealThing]

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I do not attach Scripture to an ideology. I do not prooftext. I believe all Scripture is God-breathed and useful....just as Paul said. The men of Athens did nothing but debate the latest ideas. Paul submitted one. Now, that may not be entering the arena to you, but it sure seems so to me.

Note: “Confederate sympathizers” would not be attached to a locale but rather an attitude, an attitude that George Wallace possessed.

Not only do you not prooftext, you totally do not use any text at all. Doing so would limit your ability to introduce your ideas of liberalism into the discussion du-jour. At any rate, Paul's disputing was with the Jew, and was based on their errant orthodoxy or their bent for worshiping idols. They needed to be corrected as do people in our time who try to mitigate the ramifications of sin. No unrepentant practicing homosexual for example, will enter the Kingdom. And it doesn't matter how much he may proclaim the forgiveness of Christ or how proficient they may be in quoting Scriptures or talking about His love. God says believers are "new creatures in Christ." We are "washed in His blood." The truly saved homosexual is cleansed therefore of his bondage to that sin by the power of Almighty God, just as are the drunkard or the whoremonger.

But entering what arena? The top of Mars Hill is where the Parthenon is located.

You were close, but no cigar. DR Luke did record that fact that the Athenians liked to talk and debate new ideas all the time. Paul on the other hand did not debate with them and the men of Athens did not debate back at Paul. In fact, after Paul's incredible sermon on Mars Hill, some Athenians "clave unto him, and believed: Acts 17:34 (KJV)

Now EARLIER in the chapter as Paul is waiting in Athens for Silas and Timotheus to join him, he cannot help but notice how totally Athens was taken by idolatry. Thus he disputed with the Jews in the Synagogue, and as was his daily practice, he walks the streets of market located at the foot of the Acropolis (possibly selling a few tents) disputing with and correcting the Jews there. And as Paul speaks with the Jews there at the marketplace, the Greeks within earshot become interested in what he has to say, and they take him (Paul) to the Areopagus saying; "May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest? Acts 17:19

Paul obliges and starting in verse 22 explains to the men of Athens that he perceives that they are too religious. And he introduces them to Jesus' ministry, death, burial and resurrection. And as mentioned "some believed."

That wasn't a debate, that was one of Paul's most profound sermons. Some wanted to hear more, others mocked him and departed. Today is the same as nothing has changed about the way men respond to the message and good news of Christ.