Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I would like to ask a question. Do you think that we should have to defend our beliefs in this forum?
Yes and no. We should always be prepared to have an answer for what we believe and why. But it should be done with gentleness and respect. I think if you feel yourself getting to the point where you can't respond with respect, then it is time to politely walk away. I think there is also a need for wisdom and discernment. When a discussion gets to the point of 'beating a dead horse' or it is clear there can be no agreement/common ground found or the one questioning is only doing so to mock, it is another good time to politely walk away.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 1 Peter 3:15
Should we tolerate being called uneducated close minded bigots?
That's a tough one for sure. I have been on many debate sites over the last 10 years. Many of which where I was in the minority as a Christian. Some of the sites had rules, others were a free-for-all basically. I can only think of a handful of times I have had to hit the report button though. I agree with others that there is no excuse for personal attacks. For me personally there is a difference in a statement like "All Christians are bigots" - while untrue and obnoxious to make, it's their opinion and I try to respect their right to feel that way - however if instead they said "you are a bigot" - I consider that a personal attack and unnecessary. Same for things like "your acting like a B****" as opposed to "you B****" kwim? It's a fine line but to me there is a difference.
I use to be bothered by being told I was uneducated, closed-minded and a bigot, until I started to "consider the source" so to speak. I don't mean that in a rude way, as it might sound but in a realistic way. Ussually those saying it were simply coming from a vastly different worldview than I was, and if my worldview was solid in the Word of God and before Him I was speaking truth, in love, I was truly ok with the others view of me, understanding the worldview they were coming from. I do not need the approval of men, or understanding of them of my faith, only of God. I came to realize, I'm ok with being closed-minded sometimes, and do not see it as a bad thing as it is implied to be.
There are times I have had to chuckle to myself at those using some of these terms. The irony of it sometimes. Often times the one saying is exactly those things as well.
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:7-9
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1
While I believe in turning the other cheek, the insults seem to have become more brazen lately.
I agree with turning the other cheek but I also think we are allowed to make a stand for truth, at least until the point we need to use our wisdom and discernment and know when to stop
For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. Acts 18:28
http://biblia.com/bible/esv/2 Timothy 3.16
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 2 Tim. 3:16
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 2 Tim 4:2
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 1 John 4:1
But the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. Philippians 1:17
And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Acts 19:8-10
To me this says it all - defend the faith, but know when to withdraw.
Is the popular opinion here at RF that anyone who believes in an afterlife is stupid and uneducated or is it just me imagining things?
I don't think so, or at least in the short time I've been here it doesn't seem to be a
popular opinion although I can see it among a few
Others seem very respectful and kind, and able to agree to disagree and move on to the next discussion.
