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Theology => Apologetics => Topic started by: muzikdude on February 19, 2004, 12:40:24 AM



Title: I'm Impressed
Post by: muzikdude on February 19, 2004, 12:40:24 AM
This article can be found at http://www.johnskiba.com
To make this easier on everyone, I just want to say that this is in no way meant to generalize Christians. This applies to a minority that I feel should be held accountable. Just a wake up call. By the way, please realize that I used sardonism throughout. I intended this to be light-hearted for the most part.
I posted this on another forum and it was met with a great deal of animosity. I'm just testing the waters...

I'm Impressed
Editorial

So, what is it about some Christians that cause them to have such heated debates in the area of apologetics?
I personally don't have anything against apologetics and I've been known to participate in a few internet debates but I don't think that's what I was called to do. In fact, I know that is not what I was called to do.

Most of these Christian forums online are frequented by atheists looking for a good debate many of whom (sadly) know scripture better than the average Christian ~ Enter... The Educated Christian.

How noble are these Christians to rise up in the defense of God? They sling their vast scriptural knowledge at the heathens in an attempt to bring them to their knees. Their eloquence transcends the comprehension of mankind and if you read their posts 5 or 10 times you might be able to extract some form of coherency. God must be so very proud!

Here's the problem: While I'm sure that God desires us to expand our wisdom in truth, I'm equally sure that He doesn't intend for us to don a cloak of pompous indignation sewn from the fabric of academic theology. I am convinced that most debates in apologetics serve only to primp our peacock style ego plumes and do nothing for God. Neither to glorify Him nor to evangelize His children.

I take issue with anyone who thinks they need to, defend God. I think God has His defense covered but I'm sure He's glad to know that someone's "got His back" just in case. I mean, what kind of person would it take to save God and His reputation from those bully non believers. It's all about making ourselves look more intelligent than the next guy (or girl)1

Psalm 74
22 Rise up, O God, and defend your cause;
remember how fools mock you all day long.

...See...He has it covered...

At the risk of sounding liberal, I have to ask: What about love? Shouldn't we approach these non believers with the love of Jesus Himself? The battle is with the enemy and the enemy is not the non believer. We are supposed to rescue the lost not chastise them into never even wanting to hear about Christ again. How can you lead someone to Christ when you incessantly challenge their beliefs (or lack of) and tell them how wrong they are?

If a nonbeliever is of the opinion that all Christians are arrogant, self righteous, Bible thumping, finger pointers then why would they ever want to be like us? We should gently plant seeds and water them not throw them on the rocks and spit on them.

Blessed are the knowledgeable for they will impress mankind
Blessed are the strong of will for they will save God
Blessed are the eloquent for they will never be understood
Blessed are the brave for they will earn medals
(you get the point)

I really can't wait to see the reaction to this editorial. I expect that the professors of theology will come out of the woodwork touting the benefits of knowing God's word and using it as your sword. I couldn't agree more. However, I also expect that I will need a dictionary, concordance, 6 years of seminary, and an entire day to decipher exactly what is being said. Of course, none of that matters as long as I'm impressed.

My $.02

1 To be politically correct just in case I feel the need to run for office someday.


Title: Re:I'm Impressed
Post by: Tibby on February 19, 2004, 03:14:21 AM
Sounds like what the author of “Against Christianity” was trying to say.


Title: Re:I'm Impressed
Post by: Gracey on February 19, 2004, 03:18:48 PM
Quote
How noble are these Christians to rise up in the defense of God?

God doesn't need me for defense, that's for sure!

What is it again we are supposed to do? Not defend God, but to share the Good News. Sadly, not everyone will receive.

Gracey    :)


Title: Re:I'm Impressed
Post by: Shylynne on February 19, 2004, 08:58:09 PM
I'm just testing the waters...


Sure your not trying to part the waters?  :-X

um...too keep in tune with the sardonism, was this written by an athiest who one too many  debates with the accused minority?  ::)



Title: Re:I'm Impressed
Post by: muzikdude on February 21, 2004, 01:53:04 AM
Actually, this was written by a Christian who is sick of other Christians pushing souls away while he's trying to save them.

BTW, I'm the author.


Title: Re:I'm Impressed
Post by: muzikdude on February 21, 2004, 01:57:49 AM
Sounds like what the author of “Against Christianity” was trying to say.

I'm not against Christianity, I'm against Christians who use their salvation to justify their arrogance.
They debate in order to make themselves feel intelligent. Jesus never debated. He just planted seeds and made illustrations. Everyone recognized the truth but not all would admit it.


Title: Re:I'm Impressed
Post by: nChrist on February 21, 2004, 02:48:47 AM
Actually, this was written by a Christian who is sick of other Christians pushing souls away while he's trying to save them.

BTW, I'm the author.

We know of some professional trolls working for the devil who pose as atheists. They specialize in creating havoc and destroying Christian fellowship. We will send them all your way.

We'll tell them that you are far superior in saving souls. Why don't you give us your private Email address also, your humble greatness?


Title: Re:I'm Impressed
Post by: Shylynne on February 21, 2004, 07:34:35 AM
Quote
Quote
Actually, this was written by a Christian who is sick of other Christians pushing souls away while he's trying to save them.


sounds like you  are  a one man army?  ???

Quote
So, what is it about some Christians that cause them to have such heated debates in the area of apologetics?

Prefer limping along, ho-hum, yawning displays of passion?  ???

God heard their murmurings, and bade Moses smite the rock, that the children of Israel might have water. Moses smote the rock in wrath, and took the glory to himself. The continual waywardness and murmuring of the children of Israel had caused him the keenest sorrow, and for a little he forgot how much God had borne with them, and that their murmuring was not against Moses, but against God. He thought only of himself, how deeply he was wronged, and how little gratitude they manifested in return, for his deep love for them.










Title: Re:I'm Impressed
Post by: Tibby on February 22, 2004, 04:32:23 PM
Sounds like what the author of “Against Christianity” was trying to say.

I'm not against Christianity, I'm against Christians who use their salvation to justify their arrogance.
They debate in order to make themselves feel intelligent. Jesus never debated. He just planted seeds and made illustrations. Everyone recognized the truth but not all would admit it.


Ok, I guess you haven't read it, but that also sounds like what the author of “Against Christianity” was trying to say, minus the part about Christ never debating.


Title: Re:I'm Impressed
Post by: Petro on February 23, 2004, 03:12:16 AM
Actually, this was written by a Christian who is sick of other Christians pushing souls away while he's trying to save them.

BTW, I'm the author.

muzicdude,

Well, here allow me ask you a question.

Do you believe Mel Gibson the actor and movie producer  is your brother in Christ??


Petro