Editing Polemic

A polemic /pəˈlɛmɪk/ is a contentious argument that is intended to support a specific position via attacks on a contrary position. Polemics are mostly seen in arguments about controversial topics. The practice of such argumentation is called polemics. A person who often writes polemics, or who speaks polemically, is called a polemicist or a polemic. The word is derived from Greek πολεμικός (polemikos), meaning "warlike, hostile", from πόλεμος (polemos), meaning "war".

==Overview==
Along with debate, polemics are one of the most common forms of arguing. Similar to debate, a polemic is confined to a definite thesis. But unlike debate, which may allow for common ground between the two disputants, a polemic is intended only to affirm one point of view while refuting the opposing point of view.

Polemics are usually addressed to important issues in [[religion]], [[philosophy]], [[politics]], or [[science]]. Polemic journalism was common in [[continental Europe]] at a time when [[libel]] laws were not as stringent as they are now. Although polemic is typically motivated by strong emotions, such as hatred, for its success these must be stylized in a way comparable to drama, and incorporated into a coolly considered strategy.

To support the study of the controversies of the 17th–19th centuries, a British research project has placed online thousands of polemical pamphlets from that era.

==Polemic theology==
Polemic theology is the branch of [[theology|theological]] argumentation devoted to the history or conduct of controversy over religious matters. It is distinguished from [[apologetics]], the intellectual defense of faith.

[[Martin Luther]]'s ''[[On the Bondage of the Will]]'' is an example of polemic theology. It was written in answer to a polemic titled ''[[De libero arbitrio diatribe sive collatio|The Freedom of the Will]]'' by [[Desiderius Erasmus]].

==See also==
* [[Apologetics]]
* [[Critic]]
* [[Devil's advocate]]
* [[Dialectic]]
* [[Disputation]]
* [[Philippic]]
* [[Rhetoric]]
* [[Social gadfly]]

==References==

==Bibliography==

==External links==

{{Donate}}

[[Category:Apologetics]]
[[Category:Christian genres]]
[[Category:Rhetoric]]
[[Category:Theology]]