This article can be found at
http://www.johnskiba.comTo 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.
Author