The repetitious nature of callers (Dispensationalism)

[jpat1975]

Steve,

I've been following you show for quite a while now, and wonder how frustrating it might be for you to have to deal with end-times and dispensational cookie-cutter arguments all the time. I'm sure all callers have sincere questions, but as a listener it's getting pretty boring to hear. Is there any way you can shorten those calls? If I had my own show and your own material/website, I'd have the call screener require a specific question from the person who is dealing with that subject. If it's clear they need a detailed answer, then he'd point out the resources that probably address his question, and in the meantime ask if he had a different/second question. When I hear these callers calling in I just groan inwardly and roll my eyes - it's torture

J

[backwoodsman]

Don't forget that for every caller like that, who hasn't listened long enough to have heard Steve's answers to dispensationalism, there are probably hundreds of dispensationalists listening who are in the same boat, and for whom that one call might be their first (maybe only) opportunity to hear there's any other view. Or maybe they've heard before, but they'll have to hear it a number of times over a long period of time before it starts to soak in. So I think, no matter how often it happens, it's never wasted time. Personally, I look forward to the dispensationalism questions, partly for that reason.

[steve]

It's sort of like the Michael, the Buddhist, calls. Some people tell me I should shut him down and not let him call any more. Others like the fact that listeners hear his points and my responses. It's hard for me to know what to do in cases like these. I do invite people to call who disagree, but then I feel I have to give them a reasonable chance to make their case. If I shut them down or hang up on them too soon, it may seem that I do not really welcome the argument, which I do. However, I don't want my regular listeners to become bored with too much repetition. It's hard to strike a balance.

[jpat1975]

I agree. I think the way you're handling it right now is a good balance. I am not in a position to field lots of question from folks, but listening to your show does give a good sampling of what's on peoples minds, common questions and arguments. It's to a point where I can anticipate what you'd say that's a good thing, because it gives me confidence to feel less inadequate to field those same questions should they come my way - even if there isn't a definite sure answer always.