Love to Argue!

A short note on definitions (of words as I use them):

I use the words ‘argue’ and ‘argument’ often, in their ‘true’ and ‘original’ meaning, NOT as synonyms for fight, quarrel, bicker, row, or squabble.

From the Merriam-Webster online dictionary: LINK

Main Entry: ar-gue
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French arguer to accuse, reason & Latin arguere to demonstrate, prove; Middle French arguer, from Latin argutare to prate, frequentative of arguere; akin to Hittite arkuwai- to plead, respond
intransitive senses
1: to give reasons for or against something: REASON
2: to contend or disagree in words: DISPUTE
transitive senses
1: to give evidence of: INDICATE
2: to consider the pros and cons of: DISCUSS
3: to prove or try to prove by giving reasons: MAINTAIN
4: to persuade by giving reasons: INDUCE

Main Entry: ar-gu-ment
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin argumentum, from arguere
1 obsolete: an outward sign: INDICATION
2 a: a reason given in proof or rebuttal b: discourse intended to persuade
3 a: the act or process of arguing: ARGUMENTATION b: a coherent series of statements leading from a premise to a conclusion c: QUARREL, DISAGREEMENT

I like these definitions better than: ‘Debate’ (a regulated discussion of a proposition between two matched sides) because I am trying to convince you, not just present a ‘differing’ opinion. 'Apology' (a formal justification: DEFENSE b: EXCUSE) and 'Apologetics' (systematic argumentative discourse in defense (as of a doctrine) These are not quite correct, because I am not defending my position and beliefs. I am presenting my position and beliefs, based on experience and Biblical study with the INTENTION of proving, and persuading others to that position.

That being said, when one reads the word ‘argue’ and ‘argument’ here, one should not ‘hear’ - ‘fight’, one should ‘hear’ - ‘persuade’, ‘convince’ and ‘prove’.