Christian: Cessationism is a false doctrine.

Cessationist: You are attacking a straw man.

Christian: And here is the necessary implication of your doctrine.

Cessationist: You are also attacking a straw man.

Christian: What about what you did the other day then? You shot that man to death, therefore you killed him.

Cessationist: You are attacking a straw man again. I shot that man to death, but I did not kill him.

Christian: When a straw man is an exact clone of you, that straw man is you.

 

Christian: Jesus told us to heal the sick and cast out demons. He said that those who believe in him will perform the same works that he did.

Cessationist: I will believe it when I see you do it.

Christian: You will believe Jesus only if you see me obey him?

Cessationist: Well…apparently that is what I said. But…no, that is a straw man.

Christian: Jesus said this thing, and I say this same thing.

Cessationist: Yes.

Christian: But you will believe this thing, only when you see me do this thing.

Cessationist: Yes.

Christian: Therefore, you will believe this thing that Jesus said, only when you see me do this thing that Jesus said.

Cessationist: No, that is a straw man.

Christian: When a straw man is an exact clone of you, that straw man is you.

 

Christian: I think you should believe Jesus even if no one else does. But if you will believe Jesus only if you see me do what Jesus said, then come to my service tonight and watch me pray for the sick.

Cessationist: No, because what Jesus said does not happen, so why should I waste my time? Since you believe what Jesus said, you are a false teacher, so why should I go to your gathering?

Christian: So you will believe it when you see it, but you refuse to look.

Cessationist: Right.

Christian: What about what I asked you this morning? When will you stop shooting people and killing them? The Bible says, “You shall not murder.”

Cessationist: First, I already told you, this is a straw man. I shoot people to death, but I do not kill them. Second, I will obey that commandment when I see you obey it.

Christian: You will obey “You shall not murder” only if you see me not murder?

Cessationist: Yes.

Christian: Then come follow me, and watch me love people instead of kill them.

Cessationist: No!

Christian: Why?

Cessationist: Because of your false doctrine!

Christian: So you will continue to murder? You will continue in your sin and disobedience, and use me as an excuse, even though I give you no excuse?

Cessationist: That is a straw man. I shoot people to death and disobey “You shall not murder,” but I do not murder and I do not disobey.

Christian: When a straw man is an exact clone of you, that straw man is you.