What is the right way of defending God to non-believers?

[MaryMadeleine]

Hi!

I have been asking many questions here recently as I am a New Christian so I hope you do not mind!

So, to explain a little for those who may not have read my prior posts - none of my family are Christian and neither is my husband. Although, since I have started praying and including him in my prayers in the hope he would find his faith, he has been speaking more openly about God and Heaven so I think he may also be finding his!

This particular incident occurred on Sunday but I am also preparing myself for many more to come...

My family - in - law (who were raised Catholic and are now very anti religion) were speaking very derogatorily about religion and Christianity and Catholicism in particular. Statements such as 'people must be stupid to still believe something they read' and 'how can there be a God when evolution has been proved' were amongst the many thoughts they were telling everybody.

I have to add that they have never asked if I am religious in any way... and I haven't told them that I have found my faith yet.
My husband and I didn't have a church wedding as at this time, I hadn't found my faith.

And... in that moment... I didn't really know what to say. I didn't know whether to tell them that I was in fact Christian or that I was offended by the way they were speaking (I know they are entitled to their opinions and free speech).
I wouldn't say they are stupid... but certainly ignorant.

My response was just to state that everybody believes what they read... whether it is scientific, on social media or the Bible. Which didn't do much good..

My question is... what is the best way to justify your religion and the existence of God? Or should we at all or just leave people to their own thoughts?

I did go home from there and pray for them that night...

 

[~Zao~]

Hi!

I have been asking many questions here recently as I am a New Christian so I hope you do not mind!

So, to explain a little for those who may not have read my prior posts - none of my family are Christian and neither is my husband. Although, since I have started praying and including him in my prayers in the hope he would find his faith, he has been speaking more openly about God and Heaven so I think he may also be finding his!

This particular incident occurred on Sunday but I am also preparing myself for many more to come...

My family - in - law (who were raised Catholic and are now very anti religion) were speaking very derogatorily about religion and Christianity and Catholicism in particular. Statements such as 'people must be stupid to still believe something they read' and 'how can there be a God when evolution has been proved' were amongst the many thoughts they were telling everybody.

I have to add that they have never asked if I am religious in any way... and I haven't told them that I have found my faith yet.
My husband and I didn't have a church wedding as at this time, I hadn't found my faith.

And... in that moment... I didn't really know what to say. I didn't know whether to tell them that I was in fact Christian or that I was offended by the way they were speaking (I know they are entitled to their opinions and free speech).
I wouldn't say they are stupid... but certainly ignorant.

My response was just to state that everybody believes what they read... whether it is scientific, on social media or the Bible. Which didn't do much good..

My question is... what is the best way to justify your religion and the existence of God? Or should we at all or just leave people to their own thoughts?

I did go home from there and pray for them that night...

Wait for His promptings. We all have to listen to uncomfortable things before the mindset of others. Sometimes it’s even fun to have a self talk while they are saying those things to form your own thoughts on what they bring up. They may be pointing to things that God wants to bring to your thought life/mediatation/or research. Stay open for His leading

 

[rockytopva]

Simply let his light shine though you....

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. - James 1:17

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. - 1 John 1:5

Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God. - Luke 22:69

If E = mc2 then we can divide and conclude that...

Mass (m) = Energy (E/c2)

And there are three varieties...

Natural E/c2 - All mass is basically cooled plasma, the sun is the visible form of E/c2.
Mental E/c2 - Mentally, A mathematical formula, but this has chemical and spiritual properties as well.
Spiritual E/c2 - E (motivation, warmth, love) / c2 (faith, hope, charity, joy)

 

[public hermit]

Honestly, whether we are new in the faith or have been growing in grace awhile, the best way to justify our faith is to embody the love of Christ towards others. No matter what argument you might present, your love for others is key. If you are new in the faith, keep learning more about the faith. When you are ready to enter into difficult discussions you will know. Until then, let the love of Christ working through you speak the loudest. I can present the best possible argument to the person who does not believe, but if I don't love them whatever I have said is probably not going to do much. If I don't have an argument, they will still see my love and that will speak what I couldn't say. Never underestimate the power of Christ in you, and the love of Christ in you, to say what you may have no words for.

 

[Halbhh]

'how can there be a God when evolution has been proved'

This one is such an important question, where the Young Earth ideas/preaching has driven away millions of souls from churches in the U.S. I estimate (there are other major causes that are larger yet, such as churches that have too many judgemental people in them, hypocritically judging others on things like hair style or clothing, etc.). That's a lot of people who's faith is broken or even lost, due to Young Earth ideas that aren't even in scripture, but are composed by interpreting certain verses certain ways and then adding assumptions that are nowhere in scripture (example: assuming little or no time passed during Gen 1:1 before the moment in Gen 1:2, often an assumption they don't even realized was used to create the Young Earth notion).

For this particular mistake, I'd tell them the true fact that about 1/2 of Christian believers think God used evolution, and that they can find churches (most churches actually!) in which most believers know that God is able to have used evolution.
(Catholics widely know this in the U.S. actually, according to polls, and I've read more than once that Catholics are permitted to have either view on this minor issue. I'd not say to them anything aligned to the wrong idea that only a Catholic church is valid though, especially since there is so much trouble in that church lately.)

The main thing though is to yourself be following Christ, visibly. To do that well, we need the strong aid we get when we pray the prayer Christ gave us to pray each day, in the wording He said to us, in Matthew chapter 6.

 

[eleos1954]

Hi!

I have been asking many questions here recently as I am a New Christian so I hope you do not mind!

So, to explain a little for those who may not have read my prior posts - none of my family are Christian and neither is my husband. Although, since I have started praying and including him in my prayers in the hope he would find his faith, he has been speaking more openly about God and Heaven so I think he may also be finding his!

This particular incident occurred on Sunday but I am also preparing myself for many more to come...

My family - in - law (who were raised Catholic and are now very anti religion) were speaking very derogatorily about religion and Christianity and Catholicism in particular. Statements such as 'people must be stupid to still believe something they read' and 'how can there be a God when evolution has been proved' were amongst the many thoughts they were telling everybody.

I have to add that they have never asked if I am religious in any way... and I haven't told them that I have found my faith yet.
My husband and I didn't have a church wedding as at this time, I hadn't found my faith.

And... in that moment... I didn't really know what to say. I didn't know whether to tell them that I was in fact Christian or that I was offended by the way they were speaking (I know they are entitled to their opinions and free speech).
I wouldn't say they are stupid... but certainly ignorant.

My response was just to state that everybody believes what they read... whether it is scientific, on social media or the Bible. Which didn't do much good..

My question is... what is the best way to justify your religion and the existence of God? Or should we at all or just leave people to their own thoughts?

I did go home from there and pray for them that night...

Existence of God? Does one see design ... or does one see millions of happen chance(s)? Is science always right? Science changes as new things are discovered.

Are the principles taught in the Word of God good principles to live by?

Your personal testimony, how your life is being changed ... has been changed.

Know what you believe and why you believe it. People believe whatever for whatever "reasons".

Find out from them first what they believe and don't necessarily, immediately start citing scripture to them. Keep the conversation "light". The point is, you need to know where they are coming from first and why.

There will be little doors of opportunity to share what you believe.

and YES ... pray for them unceasingly.

The way you live your life is your biggest testimony.

You don't have to "prove" (justify) what you believe to anyone.

Be kind to everyone ... regardless what they believe.

1 Peter 3:4

Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

God Bless.

 

[com7fy8]

You don't have to "prove" (justify) what you believe to anyone.

We need how God alone is able to change a person so the person is saved. So, getting someone to only change ideas is not enough.

And God is able to prove Himself . . . in a person. This brings not only faith in beliefs, but "faith working through love" > Galatians 5:6, Romans 5:5.

I don't push about how old the earth is. But God is able to create a whole universe in maybe seconds or less. He was able to resurrect Christ's body in little time, I understand. Plus, it says we will be changed in "a twinkling of an eye", in 1 Corinthians 15:52. So, if our physical bodies can be changed in a twinkling of an eye to become immortal, then I would say God could change the whole universe into a corruptible nature of being, in less than a moment.

And Romans 8:20 says "the creation was subjected to futility". But Romans 8:21 says creation "will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."

So, I see it possible how at the fall of Adam and Eve the whole creation changed to a corruptible, futile state with the physical principles now operating. But before then possibly the universe had even living things but it was at a higher level of some sort which is not the state of the present world. And so, if this were the case for a while, you can't use scientific methods of physical exploration to measure what was going on while the universe and its living beings were in a different state of existence.

What matters, in any case, is what are the therefores of what a person believes.

If someone, for example, believes in evolution, therefore what? There are ones who want evolution to be true so they can justify their un-Christian morals. And I see how people live like they need to compete and put down others in order to get what they want; they live like there is survival of the fittest and selection of ones more superior; so if they can live like this, they can be fine with the idea of evolution with its survival of the fittest and natural selection of ones who are superior.

And we see how some number of people feel they are superior to religious people; they are quite ok with claiming they have made this discovery. Plus, of course there are a number of religious people and groups who feel they are superior to atheists and ones of other religious groups; and possibly ones into their self-glorifying conceit stuff are also fine with evolution.

But the Bible says God created everything, and we have our therefore, that we need to totally depend on God and find out how to love and share as His family, without inequality. And we even are told to love and pray blessing to our enemies.

So, you might see who has this therefore meaning with what he or she believes.

 

[ToBeLoved]

I think many Christians handle these questions badly. Not you in particular, but overall.

Looking at it that you need to ‘defend your religion’ is not the way to see it. Because there is a lot that could entail and you are new to the faith. So don’t be afraid to say I don’t know yet ‍

Tell them what you do know. The yet in the previous paragraph is essential.

 

[Halbhh]

We need how God alone is able to change a person so the person is saved. So, getting someone to only change ideas is not enough.

And God is able to prove Himself . . . in a person. This brings not only faith in beliefs, but "faith working through love" > Galatians 5:6, Romans 5:5.

I don't push about how old the earth is. But God is able to create a whole universe in maybe seconds or less. He was able to resurrect Christ's body in little time, I understand. Plus, it says we will be changed in "a twinkling of an eye", in 1 Corinthians 15:52. So, if our physical bodies can be changed in a twinkling of an eye to become immortal, then I would say God could change the whole universe into a corruptible nature of being, in less than a moment.

And Romans 8:20 says "the creation was subjected to futility". But Romans 8:21 says creation "will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God."

So, I see it possible how at the fall of Adam and Eve the whole creation changed to a corruptible, futile state with the physical principles now operating. But before then possibly the universe had even living things but it was at a higher level of some sort which is not the state of the present world. And so, if this were the case for a while, you can't use scientific methods of physical exploration to measure what was going on while the universe and its living beings were in a different state of existence.

What matters, in any case, is what are the therefores of what a person believes.

If someone, for example, believes in evolution, therefore what? There are ones who want evolution to be true so they can justify their un-Christian morals. And I see how people live like they need to compete and put down others in order to get what they want; they live like there is survival of the fittest and selection of ones more superior; so if they can live like this, they can be fine with the idea of evolution with its survival of the fittest and natural selection of ones who are superior.

And we see how some number of people feel they are superior to religious people; they are quite ok with claiming they have made this discovery. Plus, of course there are a number of religious people and groups who feel they are superior to atheists and ones of other religious groups; and possibly ones into their self-glorifying conceit stuff are also fine with evolution.

But the Bible says God created everything, and we have our therefore, that we need to totally depend on God and find out how to love and share as His family, without inequality. And we even are told to love and pray blessing to our enemies.

So, you might see who has this therefore meaning with what he or she believes.

Here's how I think on these ideas people have about the age of the Earth (both sides): First consider the Big picture --
None of these viewpoints on the age of Earth can lead to true saving faith, because they aren't the Gospel message (See Romans chapter 10). Because only faith in Christ, alone, leads to salvation, and not any other thing -- not any right (or wrong) ideas, not any virtues, not even knowing a huge variety of correct doctrines -- those will not save.

None of those other things can lead to salvation.

So, only the Gospel message, the Good News, alone, could help lead the lost to salvation, and I take it for granted you already agree with that, and I mention it as a key part of the overall picture.

Therefore, not any various variety of bible-knowledge or viewpoints saves. Thus, neither belief in Young-Earth creationism, nor believe in Old-Earth creationism is saving -- neither one will save even 1 single soul. Ever.

But....they can at times harm people in a way that disobeys the instructions to us !!

This is a chapter we all need to apply more, don't you agree --
Romans 14 NIV

We are never to use our mere viewpoints in ways that can cause the weak to be destroyed. Because when we do, then we sin against Christ:
1 Corinthians 8 NIV

Paul is saying he will give up whatever perfectly-ok thing (even eating meat!) that has nothing wrong with it -- he will sacrifice and give it up even though it's fine -- whenever it would cause one of the weak to be destroyed, and lost forever. Forever.

If it were that people would be destroyed by my wearing any color but blue, then I would need to buy a few more blue clothing pieces and destroy the rest.

Therefore, when anyone notices that YEC theory for instance destroys some of the weak or blocks others from seeking God (even just a few, or even just 1!), we need to instantly stop preaching it, for their sake. And our own. Among those people -- that is, on the internet in most places -- we'd need to know "only Christ crucified" (as Paul wrote, and I think you'll recognize).

So, when I tell some of the lost that 1/2 of Christians think God used evolution, I'm helping to remove the stumbling block someone wrongly put in their way. (Romans 14:13 Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.) Some may then be able to recover and find Christ, the only thing that would ever save them.

 

[PizzaAddict]

Hi!

I have been asking many questions here recently as I am a New Christian so I hope you do not mind!

So, to explain a little for those who may not have read my prior posts - none of my family are Christian and neither is my husband. Although, since I have started praying and including him in my prayers in the hope he would find his faith, he has been speaking more openly about God and Heaven so I think he may also be finding his!

This particular incident occurred on Sunday but I am also preparing myself for many more to come...

My family - in - law (who were raised Catholic and are now very anti religion) were speaking very derogatorily about religion and Christianity and Catholicism in particular. Statements such as 'people must be stupid to still believe something they read' and 'how can there be a God when evolution has been proved' were amongst the many thoughts they were telling everybody.

I have to add that they have never asked if I am religious in any way... and I haven't told them that I have found my faith yet.
My husband and I didn't have a church wedding as at this time, I hadn't found my faith.

And... in that moment... I didn't really know what to say. I didn't know whether to tell them that I was in fact Christian or that I was offended by the way they were speaking (I know they are entitled to their opinions and free speech).
I wouldn't say they are stupid... but certainly ignorant.

My response was just to state that everybody believes what they read... whether it is scientific, on social media or the Bible. Which didn't do much good..

My question is... what is the best way to justify your religion and the existence of God? Or should we at all or just leave people to their own thoughts?

I did go home from there and pray for them that night...

Well yea next time they say such things ask them who proved evolution or better why theory of evolution it's still called it if It was proven . It wasn't it's still theory...

They think they are smart but became fools as God said , they call Christians stupid while believing that rain pouring on rock for billion of years created life.

So yea don't try to defend it because nothing is attacking. Simply question what they believe untill they realise that they are the stupid ones and if not too bad their choice.

Things atheists take for guaranteed but there is no basic for it in atheism : free will , life itself , morality ect.

It's good that you pray for them but don't expect everybody to be saved , it's their choice and God said they have no excuse and know that he exist , so believe God and not them they simply lie to themselves .

 

[Sketcher]

Hi!

I have been asking many questions here recently as I am a New Christian so I hope you do not mind!

So, to explain a little for those who may not have read my prior posts - none of my family are Christian and neither is my husband. Although, since I have started praying and including him in my prayers in the hope he would find his faith, he has been speaking more openly about God and Heaven so I think he may also be finding his!

This particular incident occurred on Sunday but I am also preparing myself for many more to come...

My family - in - law (who were raised Catholic and are now very anti religion) were speaking very derogatorily about religion and Christianity and Catholicism in particular. Statements such as 'people must be stupid to still believe something they read' and 'how can there be a God when evolution has been proved' were amongst the many thoughts they were telling everybody.

I have to add that they have never asked if I am religious in any way... and I haven't told them that I have found my faith yet.
My husband and I didn't have a church wedding as at this time, I hadn't found my faith.

And... in that moment... I didn't really know what to say. I didn't know whether to tell them that I was in fact Christian or that I was offended by the way they were speaking (I know they are entitled to their opinions and free speech).
I wouldn't say they are stupid... but certainly ignorant.

My response was just to state that everybody believes what they read... whether it is scientific, on social media or the Bible. Which didn't do much good..

My question is... what is the best way to justify your religion and the existence of God? Or should we at all or just leave people to their own thoughts?

I did go home from there and pray for them that night...

What is your educational background?
What books have you read about Christianity?
What books of the Bible have you read so far?

 

[MaryMadeleine]

What is your educational background?
What books have you read about Christianity?
What books of the Bible have you read so far?

Firstly, thank you all for your contributions and I have taken these all on board. In that moment I was frustrated and unsure how to justify myself and God but I believe many of you are correct in suggesting that you don't necessarily need to.

My educational background... I am currently studying my Masters degree in the UK.
I started the Bible this summer from the beginning but have since read different passages and chapters that have been recommended. I intend to continue to do so accordingly. If you could recommend some other books about Christianity, I would certainly appreciate it

 

[Tolworth John]

Hi!

I have been asking many questions here recently as I am a New Christian so I hope you do not mind!

So, to explain a little for those who may not have read my prior posts - none of my family are Christian and neither is my husband. Although, since I have started praying and including him in my prayers in the hope he would find his faith, he has been speaking more openly about God and Heaven so I think he may also be finding his!

This particular incident occurred on Sunday but I am also preparing myself for many more to come...

My family - in - law (who were raised Catholic and are now very anti religion) were speaking very derogatorily about religion and Christianity and Catholicism in particular. Statements such as 'people must be stupid to still believe something they read' and 'how can there be a God when evolution has been proved' were amongst the many thoughts they were telling everybody.

I have to add that they have never asked if I am religious in any way... and I haven't told them that I have found my faith yet.
My husband and I didn't have a church wedding as at this time, I hadn't found my faith.

And... in that moment... I didn't really know what to say. I didn't know whether to tell them that I was in fact Christian or that I was offended by the way they were speaking (I know they are entitled to their opinions and free speech).
I wouldn't say they are stupid... but certainly ignorant.

My response was just to state that everybody believes what they read... whether it is scientific, on social media or the Bible. Which didn't do much good..

My question is... what is the best way to justify your religion and the existence of God? Or should we at all or just leave people to their own thoughts?

I did go home from there and pray for them that night...

It is well worth remembering to ask questions like,'Why do you believe that?'
And 'What evidence do you have for that belief/view?'

Do be sure that you can answer these same questions about what you believe.
A few web sites to be acquainted with.
Coldcasechristianity, wintery knight, answersingenesis and reasonablefaith.

 

[Sketcher]

Firstly, thank you all for your contributions and I have taken these all on board. In that moment I was frustrated and unsure how to justify myself and God but I believe many of you are correct in suggesting that you don't necessarily need to.

My educational background... I am currently studying my Masters degree in the UK.
I started the Bible this summer from the beginning but have since read different passages and chapters that have been recommended. I intend to continue to do so accordingly. If you could recommend some other books about Christianity, I would certainly appreciate it

If you haven't read through Proverbs yet, do so. It has essential wisdom for dealing with people. Doubtless these principles were on Daniel's mind in Daniel 2:12-18.
You're studying for a Master's, so I'm sure you have had some introduction to logic and fallacies. Though the situation may or may not dictate that you vocalize this, you can use this training to deconstruct objections to Christianity. You mentioned the bit about reading - do you see the glaring hole in the statement you quoted, "how can there be a God when evolution has been proved?" That's a pretty easy one to knock down. The key from Proverbs is doing it gracefully.

 

[tturt]

Mary Madeleine you might want to check out Josh Mcdowell's "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" (As a young man, Josh McDowell considered himself an agnostic. He truly believed that Christianity was worthless. However, when challenged to intellectually examine the claims of Christianity, Josh discovered compelling and overwhelming evidence for the reliability of the Christian faith. After trusting in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, Josh's life changed dramatically as he experienced the power of God's love. After his conversion, Josh committed his life to telling a doubting world ..." Josh McDowell Books New, Rare & Used Books - Alibris

Ravi Zacharias "In a time of helplessness and unbelief—when he was on a bed of suicide—the truth of Scripture brought hope to Zacharias, and he committed his life to Christ, ..."
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

 

[ToBeLoved]

Firstly, thank you all for your contributions and I have taken these all on board. In that moment I was frustrated and unsure how to justify myself and God but I believe many of you are correct in suggesting that you don't necessarily need to.

My educational background... I am currently studying my Masters degree in the UK.
I started the Bible this summer from the beginning but have since read different passages and chapters that have been recommended. I intend to continue to do so accordingly. If you could recommend some other books about Christianity, I would certainly appreciate it

Book recommendations

*. The Case for Christ
*. Mere Christianity

 

[MaryMadeleine]

God bless you all for all of your help! I have read Proverbs and try to deliver my thoughts with grace but at times I still find this a little challenging.
I will certainly read your recommendations - many thanks!

 

[ToBeLoved]

God bless you all for all of your help! I have read Proverbs and try to deliver my thoughts with grace but at times I still find this a little challenging.
I will certainly read your recommendations - many thanks!

God only asks for our best at any specific time.

Your doing wonderfully for a new believer.

Be encouraged.

 

[PROPHECYKID]

Hi!

I have been asking many questions here recently as I am a New Christian so I hope you do not mind!

So, to explain a little for those who may not have read my prior posts - none of my family are Christian and neither is my husband. Although, since I have started praying and including him in my prayers in the hope he would find his faith, he has been speaking more openly about God and Heaven so I think he may also be finding his!

This particular incident occurred on Sunday but I am also preparing myself for many more to come...

My family - in - law (who were raised Catholic and are now very anti religion) were speaking very derogatorily about religion and Christianity and Catholicism in particular. Statements such as 'people must be stupid to still believe something they read' and 'how can there be a God when evolution has been proved' were amongst the many thoughts they were telling everybody.

I have to add that they have never asked if I am religious in any way... and I haven't told them that I have found my faith yet.
My husband and I didn't have a church wedding as at this time, I hadn't found my faith.

And... in that moment... I didn't really know what to say. I didn't know whether to tell them that I was in fact Christian or that I was offended by the way they were speaking (I know they are entitled to their opinions and free speech).
I wouldn't say they are stupid... but certainly ignorant.

My response was just to state that everybody believes what they read... whether it is scientific, on social media or the Bible. Which didn't do much good..

My question is... what is the best way to justify your religion and the existence of God? Or should we at all or just leave people to their own thoughts?

I did go home from there and pray for them that night...

Well you need to be able to meet them where they are. The believe evolution has been proved. You need to prove to them that it actually has not been. Usually for people on that side, you have to use science to read them because science actually proves creation instead of evolution. So you might be wondering how can you do that. Well you need to educate yourself on it. Professor Walter Veith is someone who has good presentations on this. He is a former scientist and university professor who taught and believe evolution and after doing deeper objective study realized evolution was not a possibility to explain the origin of the species. His series called "The Genesis Conflict" will give you the information you need. if they will be willing to watch it that will be great but I doubt it. You just can just type the genesis conflict by walter veith in youube or google and you will get it. Its a series of 6 videos.

 

[MaryMadeleine]

Thank you all so much! I have ordered all the books you have recommended and will watch those videos, PROPHECYKID!