We shouldn’t quarrel, but engage others in a kind, gentle, and patient manner as we make an argument. Our goal is to correct mistaken thinking so that others can escape the falsehoods of the enemy and repent.

You’ve heard the cliché: “Never discuss politics or religion.” That’s too bad. Both are important topics that have significant consequences for everyone in this life or the next. So, why avoid discussing them?

Sadly, people who disagree about politics and religion tend to lose their temper, and their conversations devolve to yelling, name-calling, and strained relationships. Even online—where people have time to give calm and measured responses—you find that people are rude. Our inability to hold a productive conversation highlights a glaring problem in our society: We are unable to engage in healthy arguments.

But arguing isn’t nice, productive, or healthy, many people think. That’s not true. It depends on your definition. For example, the word “argue” comes from the Latin root arguere, which means (in part) “to make clear or prove.” There’s nothing wrong with making things clear or proving a point. From this root, we get “argue” (a verb), “argument” (a noun), and “argumentative” (an adjective). Let’s consider each of these terms and explain their significance.

To argue (verb): When we consider the meaning of the Latin root, it’s clear that arguing—i.e., proving a point or explaining our ideas so they’re understood—is a virtue. In fact, it’s essential to any civil society. Without the ability to argue, it’s difficult to discover truth or discern error. Plus, arguing trains your mind and enhances critical thinking skills. In the long run, you’ll become better at evaluating different ideas.

Though people may feel uneasy about arguing with someone, it’s often not because they are arguing, but because they are doing it in an inappropriate manner (we’ll get to this in a minute). But arguing in and of itself isn’t a vice. When you argue, though, you need to direct your efforts at producing something that’s vital to a productive conversation: an argument.

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