Preface.

...ses focus on controversies, should one therefore reject polemic theology theologiam polemicam The branch of theology concerned with defending Christian doctrines against opposing views or "heresies." itself, or consider the lawful defense of divine truths to be superfluous or entirely useless? Far from it! The abuse of a thing—which is commonly at its greatest in the most wholesome of matters—cannot and must not abolish its proper use.

For one can indeed defend divine truths while carefully avoiding the aforementioned detours; provided that one proceeds without unnecessary strife, without neglecting what otherwise belongs to the exercise of faith, but rather with good intentions, a composed and calm spirit, and proper preparation for such an important undertaking. One will then know how to observe the distinction between the persons with whom one is dealing and their erroneous points of doctrine; one will take pains not to impute original: imputire; to attribute a belief or fault to someone, often falsely or unfairly. anything to another which they have not actually taught. One will not fight with scolding words or violent expressions, nor with judging and condemning, or the agitation of the conscience, or other things that only indicate a bitter and hostile mind. Instead, one will contend with honest reasons and proofs and, in a word, defend the truth in such a way that the royal law of love and the rules of modesty and decency are never lost from sight.