Care to dance?

wayoutsidethebox · Jan 6, 2006

Im old fashioned, old school, whatever you care to say but what is about Christians these days that an increasing number of them/us turn tail and run at the slightest sign of confrontation? Have a look at Matt. 10:34.
Not running around picking fights or vadalizing other organizations tha claim to be religions. Heres an example of what Im talking about:
I'm reading my Bible on the bus heading to work. This dude comes up and starts claiming that God is real and that Jesus was just a man. He went on to say that some eastern religion, Toaism or something, is the only true religion. To add stink to the crap he was talking, he also adds that Christianity is 'the white man's religion" used to futher subjigate slaves back in the day.
I resisted my imediate urge to knock his teeth loose and engaged him about the truth of God and Jesus. After we wrestled a bit he got off and went on his way.
Then another dude comes up and asks me why I responded like I did. "You shouldnt have fired back like you did. We are suppossed to show peace and love."

Question: does showing peace and love equate to being a punk?

pjalford · Jan 6, 2006

I think I would have engaged him using the Evangelism Explosion training I have. I don't know that it would've worked in the situation, but at least I would be able to say I tried.

HeartFullaLove · Jan 6, 2006

Be led of the Spirit. Sometimes:

Proverbs 26:4
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.

Other times:

Proverbs 26:5
5 Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.

Selznak · Jan 6, 2006

Based on the information you provided in your post, I don't necessarily think you really did anything wrong. I'm not certain if this gentelman you spoke with was just some blabbermouth trying to get a rise out of you or if he was seeking an honest exchange of ideas with you. If he was just some loudmouth looking to run you and your faith down, I think HeartFullaLove has the right perspective.

LovesToRead · Jan 14, 2006

Well, you said the person who spoke to you afterwards said you shouldn't "have fired back the way you did". Perhaps was he speaking about the "way" you spoke, such as disposition, tone of voice, choice of words?

I'm not good on my feet, so to speak. Many times I think of something to say that is great...but I think of it 3 days later.

I do agree that situations have to be dealt with each in it's own circumstance. I do think we can speak up, but I would agree with not always. Afterall, Jesus Himself remained silent at times.

Hard to say since none of us were present at the time, and even if we had been, each of us may have given you a different take on the situation.

Interesting thread, thanks for writing.

amx · Jan 16, 2006

wayoutsidethebox said:
Im old fashioned, old school, whatever you care to say but what is about Christians these days that an increasing number of them/us turn tail and run at the slightest sign of confrontation? Have a look at Matt. 10:34.
Not running around picking fights or vadalizing other organizations tha claim to be religions. Heres an example of what Im talking about:
I'm reading my Bible on the bus heading to work. This dude comes up and starts claiming that God is real and that Jesus was just a man. He went on to say that some eastern religion, Toaism or something, is the only true religion. To add stink to the crap he was talking, he also adds that Christianity is 'the white man's religion" used to futher subjigate slaves back in the day.
I resisted my imediate urge to knock his teeth loose and engaged him about the truth of God and Jesus. After we wrestled a bit he got off and went on his way.
Then another dude comes up and asks me why I responded like I did. "You shouldnt have fired back like you did. We are suppossed to show peace and love."

Question: does showing peace and love equate to being a punk?

Did you make any headway with the Taoist?

JulySheMustFly · Jan 16, 2006

If your words exposed your initial desire to punch his teeth out then you may have been in the wrong. However, if someone comes up and challenges my beliefs then I clearly state why I believe it. how else are some people going to hear the truth? As for the white man's religion, Jesus was not white or blue eyed or blonde haired.

wayoutsidethebox · Jan 17, 2006

In response to the last three ladies:
First, thanks for the input.
Second, I think Mr. Taoist left with the notion that I am a firm believer in God, His Son Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Whether he took any of it to heart, I cant say. But I pray that out interaction impacts his life.
Third, I made sure not to speak in an aggressive manner and without any annoyed or angry tone. I did speak with certainty and conviction. Maybe that came across as brash but that falls on the other guys perception.

Now, I'd like to ask a different question: if someone else approaches and wants to sell me their religion and bash God at the same time is a swift, consice defense and offering of God a bad thing?

amx · Jan 17, 2006

wayoutsidethebox said:
In response to the last three ladies:
First, thanks for the input.
Second, I think Mr. Taoist left with the notion that I am a firm believer in God, His Son Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Whether he took any of it to heart, I cant say. But I pray that out interaction impacts his life.
Third, I made sure not to speak in an aggressive manner and without any annoyed or angry tone. I did speak with certainty and conviction. Maybe that came across as brash but that falls on the other guys perception.

Now, I'd like to ask a different question: if someone else approaches and wants to sell me their religion and bash God at the same time is a swift, consice defense and offering of God a bad thing?

I think the second guy that approached you was just wrong. It's good to be ready to give a defense of the gospel.
A side considerationid you point out that his white man's religion was an inaccurate adhom attack against the person of Christ? When you consider Christ's lineage He wasn't "white". The jews are considered an asiatic race and there were some african persons in His lineage also. I also wonder which religion is supposed to be the "black man's religion" or the "chinese guy's religion". Hey, in his strange categorization of religions I noticed women were left out entirely. Does he feel we get one religion or do those also break down by race? Really socioeconomic status is creates more homogenous groups. I would want to ask him to tell me what the religion of a female middle-class pacific islander born to white parents should be.

Anyway, don't the taoists believe that there are many paths. If he believes that he shouldn't be bothering a Christian. Unless he feels there are many paths, he knows them all and Christianity isn't one of them.
In response to Mr. peace and love. You could ask him if he thinks we should be Christ like. Christ was willing to set people straight. Sometimes He even called people names "you brood of vipers". He took a whip to a bunch of people defiling the temple. You can't always be sweetness and light sometimes we are forced to show tough love.
Sometimes well intentioned Christians can get the wrong ideas about what it means to love our neighbors. You showed Christ's love by being brave enough to engage the first guy in conversation. He was probably more reachable than the second.
Oh well, as you can tell I like to dance

CyberPaladin · Jan 18, 2006

wayoutsidethebox said:
In response to the last three ladies:
First, thanks for the input.
Second, I think Mr. Taoist left with the notion that I am a firm believer in God, His Son Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Whether he took any of it to heart, I cant say. But I pray that out interaction impacts his life.
Third, I made sure not to speak in an aggressive manner and without any annoyed or angry tone. I did speak with certainty and conviction. Maybe that came across as brash but that falls on the other guys perception.

Now, I'd like to ask a different question: if someone else approaches and wants to sell me their religion and bash God at the same time is a swift, consice defense and offering of God a bad thing?

The second guy was wrong the thing you have to remember is as Christians we shouldn't be world's door mat while Jesus does speak of restraint in the Bible he also tipped over the money changers tables in the temple. My point is that while you do need to have a patient heart with the nonbelievers remember that doesn't mean you have to sit silently and take abuse from a random loud mouth. Also considering the given the context you weren't doing anything to anyone.

wayoutsidethebox · Jan 18, 2006

amx, CyberPaladin, thank you both. Really, all I can say is thank you.
(oh great, my eyes are watering...)

amx · Jan 18, 2006

wayoutsidethebox said:
amx, CyberPaladin, thank you both. Really, all I can say is thank you.
(oh great, my eyes are watering...)

jak · Jan 22, 2006

Was thinking about your question ...I can understand and appreciate the loyalty that made you stand up for Christ, so don't feel bad! But since you're obviously a little upset over the way the whole thing happened, perhaps another time someone starts an attack like that, you could just listen and let him have his rant out. Then tell him something like, "well, its good we're both interested in spiritual things. Why don't you come over to ....( your place, or a friend's, someone who can help you) next Saturday amd we'll discuss this properly. Maybe we can look up the Bible, and see some things about Christ, and you can tell us something about taoism, too".

Thats the approach people in pluralistic societies have found best. Focus on Christ, but avoid getting into comparisions about your religion, my religion
(unless he asks directly, and insistently)...because that just degenerates into a wrestling match as you said.

God bless you!

JulySheMustFly · Jan 22, 2006

jak said:
Was thinking about your question ...I can understand and appreciate the loyalty that made you stand up for Christ, so don't feel bad! But since you're obviously a little upset over the way the whole thing happened, perhaps another time someone starts an attack like that, you could just listen and let him have his rant out. Then tell him something like, "well, its good we're both interested in spiritual things. Why don't you come over to ....( your place, or a friend's, someone who can help you) next Saturday amd we'll discuss this properly. Maybe we can look up the Bible, and see some things about Christ, and you can tell us something about taoism, too".

Thats the approach people in pluralistic societies have found best. Focus on Christ, but avoid getting into comparisions about your religion, my religion
(unless he asks directly, and insistently)...because that just degenerates into a wrestling match as you said.

God bless you!

I like that suggestion. Never thought of it like that. Thanks.

Kitangel · Apr 5, 2006

i say good on u. we cant just sit back like meek rabbits if we have belief in someything, esopecially if its our Lord. personally, my tongues so sharp i woulda verbally sliced him into pieces without really meaning to. you kept your cool and defended in what you believe in.

Izzy23 · Apr 6, 2006

The Truth is The Truth, no matter what tone it's in.

I do agree with some of the other posters on the board, though. If it comes down to getting in a fight, of course, it's best to avoid that situation.

Be Encouraged!

5stringJeff · Apr 13, 2006

wayoutsidethebox said:
Im old fashioned, old school, whatever you care to say but what is about Christians these days that an increasing number of them/us turn tail and run at the slightest sign of confrontation? Have a look at Matt. 10:34.
Not running around picking fights or vadalizing other organizations tha claim to be religions. Heres an example of what Im talking about:
I'm reading my Bible on the bus heading to work. This dude comes up and starts claiming that God is real and that Jesus was just a man. He went on to say that some eastern religion, Toaism or something, is the only true religion. To add stink to the crap he was talking, he also adds that Christianity is 'the white man's religion" used to futher subjigate slaves back in the day.
I resisted my imediate urge to knock his teeth loose and engaged him about the truth of God and Jesus. After we wrestled a bit he got off and went on his way.
Then another dude comes up and asks me why I responded like I did. "You shouldnt have fired back like you did. We are suppossed to show peace and love."

Question: does showing peace and love equate to being a punk?

You did the right thing. Good for you!

Care to dance?

Regular Member

Active Member

Active Member

No King But Jesus

My peace I give you. Don't be afraid.

Well-Known Member

Legend

Regular Member

Well-Known Member

Veteran

Regular Member

Well-Known Member

Regular Member

Legend

Radical lefty

Let Love Rule

Well-Known Member

Similar threads

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency