How do you deal with people who have a very bleak outlook on christianity?

[tagan]

I posted this in another forum, but I want maximum response results ^_^
I have come across people ( mostly online ) who have a very bleak outlook on christianity, it is very hard to share with them the gospel, or even have an apologetic conversation with them.
It is hard to talk to them when their outlook on christianity, is that christians are a bunch of mass murderers responsible for the deaths of thousands of women, men, and children throughout history, and the crusades, and the world would be better off without this religion, etc etc.

What do you say to that? It sounds dumb to just say, well christanity isn't responsible for that, that is the devil, or that is just men misinterpreting the bible, and if they were true christians they wouldn't do that, it is just a weak argument.
I think these claims against christianity are some of the main reasons people are turned off by it, because they see it as this murderous colt, responsible for the death of thousands, and child rape, etc etc.

 

[Free]

What do you say to that? It sounds dumb to just say, well christanity isn't responsible for that, that is the devil,

Well, that is quite incorrect, which is why it may sound dumb.

or that is just men misinterpreting the bible, and if they were true christians they wouldn't do that, it is just a weak argument.
I think these claims against christianity are some of the main reasons people are turned off by it, because they see it as this murderous colt, responsible for the death of thousands, and child rape, etc etc.

First we have to acknowledge that Christianity has some dark periods in its past. We cannot deny that some terrible things were done in the name of Christ. However, it must also be pointed out that such things are not in keeping with the gospel and teachings of Jesus. To paraphrase Ravi Zacharias: we must not judge a philosophy by its abuse. And that is precisely what such people do.

But more than that, we need to level the playing field and make sure things are kept in proper perspective. The number of people killed in the name of atheism, or rather philosophies undergirded by atheism, such as Communism, have killed a far greater number of people. And it must be made clear that this in no way justifies what was done in the name of Christ, nor is it meant as a deflection or as some way of saying, "well, at least we aren't as bad as them". It simply must be shown that other philosophies and worldviews are hardly as innocent as people like to think.

One must also consider that even one murder in the name of Christ goes against the gospel and Jesus' teachings, whereas, the same cannot be said for other worldviews, such as atheism. It isn't that atheism necessarily supports murder, its rather that it doesn't go against it. Of course, this argument changes depending on which worldview the questioner holds to.

I should add that then it would be good to show all the good things that Christianity has done. For this I would highly recommend Under the Influence: How Christianity Transformed Civilizaion, by Alvin J. Schmidt. http://www.amazon.com/Under-Influen...id=1382966861&sr=8-4&keywords=alvin+j+schmidt

 

[Mike S]

I have come across people ( mostly online ) who have a very bleak outlook on christianity, it is very hard to share with them the gospel, or even have an apologetic conversation with them.
It is hard to talk to them when their outlook on christianity, is that christians are a bunch of mass murderers responsible for the deaths of thousands of women, men, and children throughout history, and the crusades, and the world would be better off without this religion, etc etc.

It's just possible that the best thing to do is to avoid that discussion once you recognize the intransigence. The truth of the gospel is demonstrated far better in how we live our lives than in how we frame our arguments.

Saint Francis had it right, I think: "Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words."

 

[eagle4031]

Don't throw your pearls to pigs

 

[Sparkey]

Okay, but why are we supposed to confront those who are outside our gates throwing rocks in toward our windows anyway? Is it not better to simply allow and suffer the damage.

I am not convinced at all that it is my responsibility to save or even to share what is given to me. But should my sharing be welcomed and not spit upon? Then yes. We are told to be instant in season and out. It doesn't matter what moment is picked because Jesus is worthy of all praise.

My thought is to continue into each day in the sure knowledge that this has been made, is being made and created and caused to happen by our Maker. With this we go forth in joy. Ready to speak, yes, but shall that too become cause for grudge? There are some with chips on their shoulder, just begging to have them knocked off.

It's just like my grandmother used to say, "“Everyone's for peace in between wars. It's like being a vegetarian between meals.”

Being discrete isn't heralded as a virtue as much as it once once. Love covers a thing.

 

[jeff77]

It's just possible that the best thing to do is to avoid that discussion once you recognize the intransigence. The truth of the gospel is demonstrated far better in how we live our lives than in how we frame our arguments.

Saint Francis had it right, I think: "Preach the gospel always, if necessary use words."

I disagree with this because there are lot's of people that live an example of a "good life", do good deeds, give to charity etc.. I think we have to do those things of course but shouldn't we be building relationships with people to get to know them better and then with the help of the Holy Spirit look for opportunities to share the Gospel with them? I know that the "ram it down their throats" approach is not right either but so many people are "drowning" out there that more action needs to be taken especially because life is so short.

 

[eagle4031]

I disagree with this because there are lot's of people that live an example of a "good life", do good deeds, give to charity etc.. I think we have to do those things of course but shouldn't we be building relationships with people to get to know them better and then with the help of the Holy Spirit look for opportunities to share the Gospel with them? I know that the "ram it down their throats" approach is not right either but so many people are "drowning" out there that more action needs to be taken especially because life is so short.

If you help others and just love them, combined with right living you will bring about change in others. One person at a time.

 

[Sparkey]

Jason? I would wholehearted agree with the "as the Holy Spirit leads" part of what you're saying. Trouble comes when many would-be Christians take their ax out and start grinding away with the internal justification, "Well, that's what Jesus would do, isn't it?"

"Take that ye evildoer! Begone foul one. This for YOU, malingerer. Praise God!"​

Somewhere along the line we pause and consider, "If we bless God with out of one side of our face, and if we curse men out of the other?"

But I do not say this of you. Still, what is described is seen so often that comedic parodies have been made. That famous "Church Lady" comes to mind.

 

[kevinmaynard]

If you help others and just love them, combined with right living you will bring about change in others. One person at a time.

This is essentially what I believe.

 

[Deborah13]

well christanity isn't responsible for that,

I'd say, Christianity is not responsible for that. Christianity is a way of life that says "love others as you love yourself". So Christianity itself, is not responsible for the misdeeds of men.

 

[Tristan]

I think that there are many people that have spread doctrines which are false. I think that the majority of professed Christians are not followers of Christ at all. The mainstream idea of a Christian is completely false. In my encounters with nonbelievers I'm continually running up against doctrines I don't agree with. I'm actually told "You're not a Christian because you don't believe 'x' doctrine". We don't even agree amongst ourselves (as has been demonstrated in a few threads I've read and/or been a part of). When nonbelievers look at this, they don't want to be a part of it. They'd rather not get their hands dirty.

If people aren't willing to discuss it with you respectfully, don't throw your pearls to pigs. Leave them be. If they are willing to discuss, then you have the opportunity to witness to them. No, I haven't converted anyone myself...but I have spread the message and on judgment day, they won't be able to say they weren't told about it. It's the work of the Holy Spirit to convert someone, not mine.

There's a reason for my very progressive doctrines. We've shifted too far to the conservative side. We're making judgments about people and disqualifying them ourselves...and hence not witnessing to them. If you give them a little bit of room to grow and you develop a friendly relationship with them, you're going to have a lot more credibility and an easier time witnessing to them when the time is right.

 

[Randy]

I posted this in another forum, but I want maximum response results ^_^
I have come across people ( mostly online ) who have a very bleak outlook on christianity, it is very hard to share with them the gospel, or even have an apologetic conversation with them.
It is hard to talk to them when their outlook on christianity, is that christians are a bunch of mass murderers responsible for the deaths of thousands of women, men, and children throughout history, and the crusades, and the world would be better off without this religion, etc etc.

What do you say to that? It sounds dumb to just say, well christanity isn't responsible for that, that is the devil, or that is just men misinterpreting the bible, and if they were true christians they wouldn't do that, it is just a weak argument.
I think these claims against christianity are some of the main reasons people are turned off by it, because they see it as this murderous colt, responsible for the death of thousands, and child rape, etc etc.

I think those who make such claims aren't really being honest. What others do shouldn't keep one from the Lord. No such excuses will hold up before the one who judges. Jesus can't be outfoxed as anyone who reads the NT with a sincere desire to seek the truth would see. There are many kind and compassionate people in this world that also proclaim faith in Jesus. A good tree doesn't bear bad fruit.

R.