How should we handle Christian bashing?

I can only give you my opinion and how I handle things:

1. My opinion: God and Christians don't need to be defended. God can speak for himself and his Church.

2. How I handle these situations: State the truth, give Scripture to back it up, and leave it at that. Pray for them and trust God that his Word will not return void as the Bible says. Don't argue with them because it is fruitless to argue faith with those who are of the world. Preach the Word and trust God to do the convicting of sin.

Hope that helps,

Joseph Botwinick

 

I would not frequent such boards!

 

I agree with Joseph. Good, solid, sound advice. And, once you've done that, do what Thankful suggests. Don't frequent such boards!

 

Glenda, when I saw your thread topic question "How should we handle Christian bashing" my first thought was "bless them that curse you, pray for them that despitefully use you." That's still good advice.

But seeing your post in context of a Christian bashing online forum, my next thought was "Cast not your pearls before swine."

The advice from Genesis12 appears to be good to me.

 

I agree with the advice already given.

 

Glenda,
It's best for you to get away from those boards, you can do more for them by praying for them than by trying to convince them of the path they are heading down.

The Lord can intervene, He has the Power.

We have prayer on our side which we can come to the Lord with.

Stay with the BB, it's good place to be.

Listen to what Joe is saying, he has excellent advice.

 

I've been on non-Christian boards, too. Your attitude will say more than your words. Simple things like "I know you don't like Christianity, but I'm a Christian and I think you may have some misconceptions about it..." Keep your points simple, friendly, and straightforward.

It is not a matter of casting your pearls before swine; it is a matter of being light in the darkness. Remember that far more people read most boards than post and your audience is the unseen members. Those who post back are simply giving you a platform (however bumpy it may be) to present the quiet, simple, and loving truth when it is appropriate.

If Jesus had avoided Jesus-bashers, none of us would be saved.

 

Helen and others have given some good advice from the practical side.

About the emotional side, our Lord said, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (Matt. 5:10-12).

After a meeting, someone once said to the great scholar/evangelist who founded BIOLA, R. A. Torrey, "Leap, Dr. Torrey, leap." He answered, "Why, brother?" The man said, "I just heard someone say something bad about you. Leap for joy!"

 

I used to join boards for Satanists and such. I knew as a Christian what I was joining, and in that regard was prepared.

I'd start with introducing myself and stating my religion and my reason for being there and ask if I was welcome.

EXPECT to be cursed at, put down, etc.. That's the easy part to deal with! You can ignore it if it goes to far, or if there's a real argument in there or real complaint, not just "you're such a blankety blank blank", then pick that out of what they said and answer politely.

The hard, and FUN part, comes when you get people who will actually think about what you say and challenge you with "read this!" and point you to some anti-Christian philosopher or what not. That's when you get to say "sure, I'll read that if you read this (give them a well written article on Christianity or a bible chapter) and agree that on said date, you'll both respond in some depth to what your read. Publically. On the board.

I've given up on most of them based on time, but am still on a board based on a music group I like, and a board about astronomy. Both contain some Christians, but the majority are not. I do find it much more pleasant to be on the ones where other Christians are, although most definitely, witnessing on non-Christian boards can be very satisfying.

 

Helen brings up a good point that is not so obvious or at least easily forgotten. We should keep it in mind whether we're posting on an atheist board or a Baptist Board. There may be a large unseen "audience". Don't forget about them.

 

Often good questions which get people to think are often better than statements until the person is ready to listen to your message.

 

Yes I think Helen is right.

That type of board is likely FULL of immature and spiritually needy people.

It is somewhat of a shock for a teen or young adult who is eventually confronted with the reality that his/her parents, grandparents, pastors etc are just people who are not perfect and who make mistakes. The idea of an all-loving, all in control God seems all of a sudden not so likely. Compound this with some high school or college professors who relish the role of iconoclast and you have a teen searching desperately for spiritual meaning and acceptance.

Many of these people are broken or hurt and deep inside have a longing for the Jesus they learned about as a child but who now seems too good to be true.

 

Roll with the punches.

HankD

 

Tit 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Tit 2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
1Pe 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

Be nice, be sincere, and be right. Those whom God has turned their heart will listen and those whom God has not turned, can't.

 

Probably not what I've done on quite a few anti-Christ boards, several of which I have been kicked off. I have tried to be twice as mean, threatening, vile, et al et al, as they are. Without looking up the verses, Paul says something about "becoming all things to all men," and in Revelation there is an instructive verse about "paying double vengeance." So if threats and profanities and sneers are the language they understand, that's how I talked to them. I don't seem to have accomplished anything that way; but not the other way, either, of 'blessing those who curse...'

 

We are to expect it. If we don't get it chances are we are doing something wrong.

 

Surely you are just kidding?

Hmmm I wonder why

 

The Bible tells us that we are to bless those that persecute us.

We also read that Vengeance belongs to the Lord, and Him alone.