No Offense

Let me pose a question to you. Perhaps this is an issue you've already thought about and come to terms with. If so, I'd like to hear from you.

How far does one go in "defending" the truth of our faith? Maybe I should phrase that, "how far does one go in defending our God?"

Do we defend our faith or our God? Given the Hitchens and Dawkins of our day and all the rest of the atheist manifestos out there, along with the Eckhart Tolle types, plus the rest of the contingent ever eager to
chip away at what the Christian believes in their attempts to replace the evidence of Christianity with their own jingoistic huffing and puffing, it seems almost a herculean effort to inform ourselves--at least to the point of formulating an intelligent opinion--of the different beliefs and perspectives that abound.

I don't like reading this stuff, especially when there are so many good things to read. Some of it is downright boring, some of it silly, and almost all of it irritating. But if I don't read it, then how do I muster an articulate opinion? (And that's another question: why do so many people ask writers our opinions? It's almost as if they expect us to know something about everything. I don't--and I don't want to. But even if I were a lot smarter than I am, why would I think I should have an opinion on just about everything?)

But I do wonder where the Christian's responsibility begins and ends in all this. Are we all supposed to be apologists? How many of us qualify for that role?

Honestly, some of these writings strike me as little more than drivel--a lot more bad writing than good--and I yawn my way through most of it. During a discussion of this same subject among a writers' internet group, one member commented that our God is "too big for this," referring to wasting time defending God or the faith against some of the atheist propaganda and other publications circulating these days. That's how I feel, too. I'm convinced God doesn't need any defense from me--but I've wanted to make certain this isn't simply me, defending my own disgust of the spewing and mewing going on.

Do you believe that God cares one way or the other if we're informed enough to argue the point, should we find ourselves in a position to do just that?

Approaching this strictly from a writer's perspective, given all the research reading we're compelled to do for our own work, and with the recreational reading we enjoy but have so little time to indulge in, where do we draw the line?

I've discussed this with other writers and searched the Scriptures, and the only basis I've been able to come up with regarding a defense doesn't involve going on the offense with these attacks on the Christian faith. It doesn't in any way suggest that we confront or argue with those bent on airing their own personal "doctrines." 1 Peter 3: 15-16 indicates that in our hearts we're to "set apart Christ as Lord," to "always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." There's a huge difference in giving a reason for our hope rather than arguing against those who would mock or give the lie to that hope.

Some definitely are gifted in apologetics. The Holy Spirit seems to place them in places and positions where they can eloquently explain and defend and strike a real blow for the Truth. I'm not at all gifted in that respect. Until recently, I've asked myself just how far I should go when it comes to reading and exploring what, more times than not, does nothing but annoy me or make me roll my eyes--in other words, what seems a waste of time and counterproductive.

Well--I've decided that I've gone as far as I'm willing to go.

A friend and pastor seems to have come to the same conclusion. Responding to questions from others in his congregation, he discussed the fact that he's explored samples of some of the publications in question (and so in vogue with the media) and found himself wondering why he was wasting his time, that he was not only accomplishing nothing but was in fact using valuable time (of which he has no abundance) that could better be used in reading what builds up rather than what tears down.

There's the point: why not spend our reading time--and, if applicable, our money as well--on what's edifying and will more firmly ground us in our faith and draw us closer to God?

So that's where I am. I simply don't intend to lend support in terms of time or expense or energy to these misguided rants from the voices out in la-la land who speak from arenas in which I don't care to venture.

What's your take on all this? Feel free to email if you don't want to leave a public comment, but I'd like to know what you think.

BJ

Comments

[Vicki]

Well, the scriptures tell us to always be prepared to give the answer for the hope that lies within us, so that's all of us. I find apologetics to be one of my passions, and yet it's more because of what's happening inside the church these days, rather than outside the church. (A lot of folks identify themselves as Christians who don't even agree on the essentials doctrines of the faith).

I think God burdens some hearts more than others about this, but maybe we all should at least understand what and why we believe, enough to speak to our neighbor. But Dawkins?? Mercy! I'll let the others handle him:). The fool will always say in his heart "there is no God," but we can trust that God will raise up the right people to speak fluently to the issues as needed.

My main thing is to stay grounded in truth by knowing His Word.

hugs,
Vicki

[BJ]

Thanks for your comment, Andrea, I wouldn't for a moment suggest that we don't stay in touch with our culture. To the contrary, I beieve it's imperative that we do. And the books and publications we read, the films we watch, the people of our acquaintance are all a part of that. I encourage everyone to read as widely as they can.

My point is *why* do we read what we do? If it's simply to dredge through the atheist and new age propaganda we're constantly deluged with so that we can pose some sort of "defense" of our faith or our God, then I think that form of reading is a waste of time. But then I have a strong distaste for debate, I'll admit it. In any form.

As for reviews and the like, I'm sorry--I place little or no faith at all in reviews. I try to discover for myself. It's not that I don't occasionally read a book because something in a review may have intrigued me--but I don't rely on reviews, even those by trusted reviewers, to help me formulate opinions.

Good point about keeping in touch with our culture. Maybe my post didn't emphasize that enough.

BJ

[Andrea]

BJ, I agree that God does not *need* us to defend Him. I do see the benefit however, of staying in touch with the culture around us for the purpose of engaging the people we interact with on their level. I don't think that there are greater insights into the collective thinking of our society than what is popular in books, music etc. As a therapist, I have been able to have some amazing dialogue because I was familiar with a book or a song that the client held dear and I have often been able to use that as a launch point toward what God has to say about the subject. I guess it all depends what circle of people you find yourself exposed to on a regular basis. At the same time, I haven't actually read any of the books in question - relying instead on good Christian reviews and analysis of the works. I do have to thank God for those people who do this hard work as a career so the rest of us can be informed, but not tortured :-)

[Richard Mabry]

BJ,
Thanks for your courage in bringing this situation into the light. I agree with your position. Other than that, since I've made three starts at a comment and erased each one, I think I'll content myself with saying, "Thank you for making us think about a subject that many--perhaps most--of us keep locked in a dark closet."
Glad to see the comments section re-opened.
Blessings.

[Katy McKenna]

My husband loves to read and discuss science books across all spectrums of belief. He used to include Dawkins in his reading, but now says he write more about his atheism than about scientific topics. He is able to engage others of various beliefs in conversation and more than hold his own--plus, he loves it! However, my eyes glaze over (he's told me so!) when he tries to get me interested. So, no, I don't believe everyone is called to learn everything well enough to defend God on every point. God gives us interests and passions, and typically those areas are ones in which we most naturally represent Him and His word to the world.

[Brenda Coulter]

Wow, B.J. That was a great post.

I believe that in general, apologists should wait to be called by God. That's because all too often, the desire to argue a spiritual point stems from ego (the desire to be seen as an expert and the desire to best others) rather than a sincere belief that a given situation represents a heaven-sent opportunity to share insights gained through godly living and a diligent study of scripture. Frankly, I'm embarrassed by some of the arguments Christians have presented against things like abortion and evolution. No wonder people laugh at us! I believe Christians who love to argue have done incalculable damage to our cause.

I am not wise enough or educated enough to argue convincingly on big issues like the ones I mentioned above, so I leave it to those who are. Just today, I posted a pro-creationism video on my blog but noted that I was not open to debating the creation-evolution issue.

I have, at times, felt moved by the Spirit to speak out on subjects I'm not usually comfortable and confident addressing. But those nudges from the Lord generally seem to occur in one-on-one situations.

To tell you the truth, I'm a little surprised at myself for posting this comment. I guess I was feeling "nudged."

;-)