WESLEY ON THE GRILL, PART II. In response to my post on John Wesley, linking to the article about him, ChelleBelle commented that the comments on the guy's blog showed how the debate brought out the worst in people. It is true.

The worst recent case is that of apologist James White, whose blog was blasted recently with nasty comments. There is no excuse or justification for that behavior. If your theology is sound, you should be able to present your position in clear and attractive terms. If you resort to nasty comments, it weakens your position in the eyes of most people, and it casts doubt on your character.

Peter told us to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have. He added an admonition to the command when he said "but do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Chirst may be ashamed of their slander." (see 1 Peter 3:15-16.)

Good theology coupled with good behavior is winsome. Theology joined with bad behavior is questionable, even repulsive.