In today’s relativistic society, those who stand up for truth will face similar accusations. One of the dangers of academic debate is that as a student learns to understand alternative viewpoints and argue both sides of a question, the student may also potentially despair of ever discovering right and wrong or of holding true convictions. Just as in a college philosophy class or political theory class, students may learn to tear apart all the competing viewpoints but never establish their own.
At Trinity, however, we believe in right and wrong, and in truth that is dictated and revealed by God. At the same time, God’s principles can be difficult to apply in the murky and messy circumstances of daily life. While we agree that truth comes from God, we will still have different opinions on many issues and on how to apply God’s truth to our individual situations. Academic debate provides our students with the challenge of listening carefully to opinions that are different from their own, learning from others, considering alternative viewpoints rather than simply dismissing them, and seeing nuance rather than simplifying complex questions. In debate classes at Trinity, students cultivate the ability to disagree gracefully, with understanding and respect for those who differ, but also to defend their own position. So while we teach students to debate both sides, we also teach them the persuasive skills that enable them to “give a reason for the hope that is in them” (1 Peter 3:15) and to stand as people of integrity and truth.
A second danger of academic debate is a common problem with education in general, particularly an education that fosters excellence. Learning the skills of rhetoric and using wit and knowledge to tear an opponent’s position to pieces, can potentially foster a spirit of arrogance and pride in being able to skillfully out argue any opponent. In this context, Paul’s warning to the Corinthians, who valued rhetorical display and worldly knowledge, is also applicable to us. Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that because true wisdom comes from God and the power of the Holy Spirit, they have no reason to boast of their skills or to judge each other based on a fluency of speech or a mastery of knowledge. Instead of choosing the mighty, noble, and powerful people to do his work, “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen” (1 Cor. 1:27-28). Thus, the abilities gained from debate are not something that one should boast of or something which makes one individual superior to another. We are not to boast in worldly accomplishments but to recognize the equal position that each of us holds before God and to “boast only in the Lord” (1 Cor. 1:31).
Yet the Bible also tells us to “let your speech be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone” (Colossians 4:6). The skills learned in academic debate, then, become tools that empower their possessor. At Trinity, rather than using the art of persuasion for our own glory, we emphasize using it to serve others. While rhetoric can be used to abuse, manipulate, or hide the truth, it can also be used to stand up against wrongdoing and to speak on behalf of those who do not have a voice. For instance, in using her classical education to defend the rights of her people, Princess Ka‘iulani provides an example of one who employed the skills of rhetoric rightly. Strong in her faith in God, Ka‘iulani refuted the slander against the Hawaiian people and its Monarchy, informed the American people and President Cleveland about the true state of affairs, revealed abuse, and condemned the annexation of Hawaii. She not only spoke with sweetness, dignity, and grace, but also powerfully used her knowledge, education, and eloquence to become a champion for justice.[1] My hope for the students of Trinity is that they also employ the skills of logic and persuasion that they are learning through a classical education to reveal truth and to uphold what is right.
Debate Students Travel To Texas
This year at the Hawaii State Championships, Rachel Leong placed 1st in Humorous Interpretation and Joshua Hu and Hannah Goda placed 1st in Varsity Policy debate. By placing first, they all qualified to represent the state of Hawaii at the National Tournament next month in Dallas, Texas. The students are fundraising for the trip by selling Jamba Juice cards and tickets to a Scottish Ceilidh Dance that will be held on Monday, June 1st, from 6:30pm-8:30pm. If you would like to help them, please contact the students directly or email Dr. Laurie Wilson at [email protected]. You can also watch the final round of Varsity Policy Debate at the Hawaii State Championships on https://youtu.be/nvhtlXmXCDI.
Dr. Laurie Wilson
Secondary Teacher
[1] Jennifer Fahrni, “Princess Kaiulani: Her Life and Times,” The Princess Kaiulani Project, Last modified 2009, http://www.thekaiulaniproject.com/about_princess_kaiulani.htm.