Debate
Satan Debate: Little List of Links
Update: You can watch the debate at ABC.com now. Beware: It’s a janky set up.
In case you were wondering, the Satan debate airs tonight on Nightline at 11:30.
If you can’t stay up that late–it’s okay, neither can I–you can either watch this 2 minute sneak peak or read some really nice recaps of the actual event.
As Amy Letinsky points out in her full Twitter stream and post-debate analysis, debate really isn’t the right word.
The typical debate rules that were in place were broken. Pearson came across as the god-in-his-own-image pastor everybody laughed at. Chopra talked like the vague spiritualist he is. Lobert played the passionate experiential advocate. And Driscoll, the boy with book smarts.
Mars Hill Pastor Jamie Munson wrote a sweet and concise 9 point Twitter stream ending with the “The Bible was the closing argument.” I like that.
And Adam Bradley shares one small reflection on his simple but essential beef with Chopra.
One surprise: fakepastormark was quiet during the debate except for this one comment. Makes you wonder if he cares. Or maybe he was just too busy eating breakfast nachos. That was a joke.
Overall, it sounds like Jesus won out. Meaning, Driscoll, on at least two occassions, presented the Gospel. So, despite the rather burlesque vibe to the debate, the majestic name of Christ was proclaimed.
And yes, I was wrong. I apologize.
By the way, even if you plan on watching the debate tonight, read the above posts cause ABC editors have to edit 2 hours of tape down to 20 minutes. Who knows what can happen.
And if I’m missing your post-debate blog post, let me know. I’ll add it.
Does Satan Exist? Why Mars Hill-Nightline Debate Will Be a Flop
Maybe it’s the curmudgeon in me…but I see nothing of value coming out of the Mars Hill-Nightline Satan debate.
Here’s why.
On the side defending Satan’s existence, you have have Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill and Annie Lobert, founder of Hookers for Jesus.
ABC says both will argue that the devil made a personal impact on their lives. [Translate: They'll dish out anecdotes.]
On the other side, you have Deepak Chopra and Carlton Pearson.
Chopra claims to be a philosopher while Bishop Carlton Pearson, author of The Gospel of Inclusion, converted to his unorthodox beliefs through a personal conversation with God.
Neither, I suspect have the chops of a scholar. I could be wrong.
But I’d also throw Annie into this camp. And some might argue you should throw Driscoll in, too.
So what we’re left with is a potential debate dominated by stories and educated opinions. Throw in the fact that they’ll be discussing a subject nearly half of Americans don’t believe in–Satan…a subject matter full of caricature like tail, horns and pitchforck…and I think we have a carnival on our hands.
[Latest poll data I could find on American's belief in the devil com from late 2007. Know of anything more recent?]
Maybe Driscoll and Loubert’s plans are simply to get the Gospel out in front of a national audience.
I hope so. Cause I’ll go down on record here and now saying this debate has nothing academic or serious going for it. It’ll be a circus.
What Do You Think?
Do you agree with me or not? Could this be a productive debate? I’m curious to know what you think.
Also, is Chopra a Christian? Is Pearson? Some might loosely define them as so. Driscoll falls squarely into the orthodox camp. What about Lobert? Then, is this a debate among Christians? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
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