The darkness of Apologetics...

yeah i usually stay out of there seeing that when i get in there i get in a big argument and get a thread locked or something

 yeah, i get lost

Yeah, it can get really tuff, and especially when it is face to face

It is rough. The Lord still loves them, though. Instead of trying to do everything ourselves, I think we need to place things in God's hands more often, and remember that he is in control.

Hebrews 12:1-3
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

yeah i agree

I'm sorry to argue in this forum, but sometimes these comments just too much. I understand everybody has their own way of explaining why the other side won't come around, but sometimes those explanations get a bit arrogant. If you don't like it when atheists call you ignorant or superstitious, then you might want to think twice about making similarly better-than-them comments yourself.

When I read comments like some of these, I can't help but think that part of the darkness you are talking about is what you bring into those debates yourself by assuming bad things about your opposition. It really doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience.

It is just as frustrating from the other side, btw, and the temptation to retreat to some safe ground where you can declare the other guy wrong without backing it up is quite strong. It does help if you try to remember you are dealing with actual people rather than darkness, paper tigers, vipers, and abstractions like 'atheism' (or for that matter 'Christianity'). And the 'spiritual warfare' metaphor is one thign, so long as the enemy is not actual people, but if you take it too literally, we become actual enemies. We may never agree on much, but if you show some respect you may get some in return (and if someone does mistreat you, you'll generally get out with your own dignity intact).

Thanks Brimshack, but she wants a breather thats all, you are trying to debate her in the fellowship forum. All she said it was dark and there is hard hearts, there is no need to lecture her on conduct, at least here in the fellowship forum.

Remember this is a christian forum, and fellowship of Christians is what it's all about. This is a ministry. The word of God reigns supreme here.

Ladylove, as a representative of Christian Forums, I commend you on defending your faith and you have conducted yourself fine as far as I can see.

But if you are bothered by Apologetics take a breather, and just revel in the word, it is good to fight the good fight, but it is also important to concentrate on your walk with the Lord.

God Bless

Thats the thing, you can show them and you can be a beacon, but only God can soften their hearts to accept the word. And for all you know someone has been changed and now believe or are considering the possibility by something you said.

It is hard to convince and witness on a messageboard, there is lots to learn, and some are listening, but do not let it affect your walk.

God Bless!

Brimshack needs NO defense from me I assure you. But, in all fairness I must say I read that post differently. Brimshack was only calling for mutual respect.

I agree apologetics is tough and most so-called Atheists are not worth the breath to talk to. Most are extremely hostile and have no respect for even themsleves. But go read what Brimshack posts and you will see you have an honest man of integrity. THIS is the kind of man we are here to commnicate the Gospel to. THIS is the kind of man that we as Christians are commanded to love and pray for.

Brimshck has never agreed on anything I have posted theologically but he has disagreed with the utmost respect.

I call on all Christians to love and respect this man and to PRAY for him. I want to see him saved more than anyone I have ever seen in my life.

I earnestly and repectfully ask that you show him courteousy and Christian love and earnestly pray for him. Jesus loves him as much as he loves any of us. Let's show him the true nature of a Christian. Please.

I agree Gerry, please don't take my post to Brimshack wrong.

I will say that Brimshack is very well mannered and very respectful and is a model member on our forum. And as a man I have respect for him.

Remember Gerry Ladylove is a fellow Christian who obviously came here to take a breather with fellow Christians.

This thread is not the place for anyone to plead for mutual respect, the author is asking for advice from fellow Christians. This thread is not about showing mutual respect to atheists.

If there are anymore plea's for mutual respect or rebuttals to my post that are not consistent with the authors request, I will split the thread and take our posts and start a new thread. To be fair to the Author, lets not turn this into a debate on mutual respect or ethics.

In fact I know you guys will answer and a debate will ensue, I implore Ladylove to PM me if she feels her thread has gone off topic and is not the kind of discussion she is looking for. So Ladylove, what do you think?

I will say only, You need not split anything on my account. I apologize for the post, in all due respect for you and Ladylove as well. I meant nothing against anyone. Indeed fellowship and a break are good things and I am in favor.

Thats nice thanks, and before we say anymore maybe we should wait for the author to make a remark.

This is an interesting discussion, we could start a discussion on this seperate from this thread.

I too apologize for posting off topic, my intentions were to only keep the authors thread on topic. Things like this do have a way of sparking debate though.

Respectfully submitted, as an administrator and fellow Christian, I would like to add a warning that this thread is dangerously close to the line.

We all know how tiresome it can be trying to give the Truth to people who don't or won't listen. However, calling them names is not the way to deal with it. If an Atheist came into this forum and called us Christians vipers,etc, the thread would be closed so fast that your heads would spin. All I am saying is, regardless of what Brimshack or anyone else is saying, is that the forum rules apply to us too.

I welcome anyone to "take a breather" in this forum. Tell a joke, sing a song, be goofy, just BE NICE. Thanks.

Thank you Gerry and E-Beth. Ladylove, I will see you in Apologetics (and I promise not to spit like a viper).