How to defend your Faith

[isilmë]

I posted a thread in the General Theology section about the 'new kind of Christians' I come across from time to time and the discussion that followed made me realize that I could use some advice on how to respond to doubters (and those who don't believe at all).

I tend to stay away from any discussions with people in general when it comes to religion so I'm not very good at it, but it could be useful for me to get some help in how to defend my faith in an informed way if/when I should need to.

So, how do I defend a belief in the supernatural events in the Bible? The Virgin Birth, the Miracles and the Resurrection, for example.

I decided to post this question in TAW because I feel most at home here and you've given me such good advice. I humbly ask for your input once again.

 

[Andrewofthetribe]

I posted a thread in the General Theology section about the 'new kind of Christians' I come across from time to time and the discussion that followed made me realize that I could use some advice on how to respond to doubters (and those who don't believe at all).

I tend to stay away from any discussions with people in general when it comes to religion so I'm not very good at it, but it could be useful for me to get some help in how to defend my faith in an informed way if/when I should need to.

So, how do I defend a belief in the supernatural events in the Bible? The Virgin Birth, the Miracles and the Resurrection, for example.

I decided to post this question in TAW because I feel most at home here and you've given me such good advice. I humbly ask for your input once again.

I'm very new to Christianity, I don't believe we should have to defend our beliefs. Why should I ? There my beliefs if there is no hatred in my beliefs then what business is it of theirs? I say tell them to keep their noses out of my beliefs and let them look into their own, it is obvious who bears good fruits. I believe it's our actions not our words that shows this.

 

[quatona]

I posted a thread in the General Theology section about the 'new kind of Christians' I come across from time to time and the discussion that followed made me realize that I could use some advice on how to respond to doubters (and those who don't believe at all).

I tend to stay away from any discussions with people in general when it comes to religion so I'm not very good at it, but it could be useful for me to get some help in how to defend my faith in an informed way if/when I should need to.

So, how do I defend a belief in the supernatural events in the Bible? The Virgin Birth, the Miracles and the Resurrection, for example.

I decided to post this question in TAW because I feel most at home here and you've given me such good advice. I humbly ask for your input once again.

As a non-Christian, I am wondering why you don´t simply "defend" your faith authentically - i.e. by just being open and honest about what prompts your faith?

 

[GoingByzantine]

I think that your position is far more defensible than someone who just makes up their theology as they go. You have 2 millennia worth of Christian knowledge and experiences to draw on.

 

[ArmyMatt]

So, how do I defend a belief in the supernatural events in the Bible? The Virgin Birth, the Miracles and the Resurrection, for example.

that's the great thing about Christianity, in a sense you can't. yes, we are called to have an answer for what we believe, but our belief is in the experience of the Personal God. we do not have a speculative God of philosophy or reason (not that those don't have their place). it is akin to trying to describe a sunrise to a man born blind, and in some cases, someone who doubts "seeing" is anything more than delusion.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I don't have "the answer" for this question. But I have been asked by non-believers, not in an argumentative way but in cases where they seemed to genuinely want to know.

If that is the case, then I tell them something of my experience, whatever I'm comfortable with sharing. Particular things God has done for me, how it benefited me, perhaps things that couldn't just happen. But I don't know, much of it is intensely personal and not things I share widely, so it would depend on the person asking.

If the person wants to argue - well, I used to do that, but I don't anymore. They aren't going to change my mind. I've experienced too much. And if they aren't interested in changing theirs, what's the point? I will usually give a short answer and leave it at that, but I'm not going to argue.

I used to recommend books like Lee Stroebel's and Letters to a Skeptic, but I'm kind of leery of doing that since it's been so long since I read them, I don't know if I can still do so. I only remember rather logical and historic points, and not much theology in them though, but ... it's been a long time.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

I posted a thread in the General Theology section about the 'new kind of Christians' I come across from time to time and the discussion that followed made me realize that I could use some advice on how to respond to doubters (and those who don't believe at all).

I tend to stay away from any discussions with people in general when it comes to religion so I'm not very good at it, but it could be useful for me to get some help in how to defend my faith in an informed way if/when I should need to.

So, how do I defend a belief in the supernatural events in the Bible? The Virgin Birth, the Miracles and the Resurrection, for example.

I decided to post this question in TAW because I feel most at home here and you've given me such good advice. I humbly ask for your input once again.

I would think that the root worldview others have would determine success. If dealing with folks having a materialistic worldview or secular one that exalts humanism, then the supernatural has no real basis in understanding and they will be more prone to believe that such things were freak occurrences or something that can be explained in strictly biological terms (and that in/of itself is a religious stance they can't see). Praying for you - but also wondering what exactly was it that you came across when encountering others? What was their belief system when questioning you?

 

[isilmë]

I agree with what you guys are saying; the best way to explain your faith to someone would be to speak from personal experience. The problem with that is that I'm such a private person and the way I've come to believe is due to some very profound experiences. Although they might seem quite ordinary to some, they had such a deep impact on me that I would, therefore, only share them with someone I considered to be a close friend.

There're people in my circle of friends that are staunch atheists - they mock people of faith, think that they are simple-minded for believing in 'superstition'. I've yet to talk to them about religion because it gets so tiresome, but I would very much like to be able to defend myself from their hurtful comments. Oftentimes when people are like that, so sure of themselves and almost cruel in their assessment of believers, I shrink back and then I feel bad for not defending myself.

Generally I simply ignore people like that and mind my own business, but from time to time I feel it would be nice to be able to say something. Either way, it's their loss in the end.

I haven't heard of Lee Strobel, but I will look him up. I've come across Atheist Delusions by David Bentley Hart, has anyone read it? If so what did you think of it? I've read other things by him and I think he's rather good.

 

[Gxg (G²)]

I used to recommend books like Lee Stroebel's and Letters to a Skeptic, but I'm kind of leery of doing that since it's been so long since I read them, I don't know if I can still do so. I only remember rather logical and historic points, and not much theology in them though, but ... it's been a long time.

I actually went back through it vicariously after a presentation by another Orthodox brother who was teaching apologetics with others in the secular world. It had a lot of historical points that I was glad to be reminded of since I bought the book in college and was glad for it giving basic facts on the Resurrection. Others in Orthodoxy have been referencing it but not at the expense of staying limited to that - and for reference, one can investigate things such as the Think 360: Biological Apologetics Intro -(Think 360: Biological Apologetics - 4 Part Series - THINK360 ) and anyone can see all the videos from the 2015 Think360 Biological Apologetics Weekend Summit with speaker Dr. George Tadros

• 2016 Apologetics Summit: "Can We Trust The Bible?" - THINK360

 

[isilmë]

I would think that the root worldview others have would determine success. If dealing with folks having a materialistic worldview or secular one that exalts humanism, then the supernatural has no real basis in understanding and they will be more prone to believe that such things were freak occurrences or something that can be explained in strictly biological terms (and that in/of itself is a religious stance they can't see). Praying for you - but also wondering what exactly was it that you came across when encountering others? What was their belief system when questioning you?

Most people I've come across have a materialistic/secular worldview, for sure - their view is; if you can't prove it, then it didn't happen/don't exist.

Others still considers themselves Christian but are so influenced by that worldview that they can't bring themselves to believe in certain aspects of the Bible (quite a few of them!) and are left with very little to actually believe in.

Prayers are appreciated, besides my family I'm feeling lonely in my faith at the moment. That's why I'm so happy to be here.

 

[~Anastasia~]

I actually went back through it vicariously after a presentation by another Orthodox brother who was teaching apologetics with others in the secular world. It had a lot of historical points that I was glad to be reminded of since I bought the book in college and was glad for it giving basic facts on the Resurrection. Others in Orthodoxy have been referencing it but not at the expense of staying limited to that - and for reference, one can investigate things such as the Think 360: Biological Apologetics Intro - and anyone can see all the videos from the 2015 Think360 Biological Apologetics Weekend Summit ( http://think360.copticchurch.org/sermon/think-360-biological-apologetics-4-part-series/ ) with speaker Dr. George Tadros: THINK360 2015 - Quick Feedback Form To See All Videos - THINK360

• 2016 Apologetics Summit: "Can We Trust The Bible?" - THINK360

Thanks, GxG. I should still have the books, when I have time (that could take a while!) I will try to go over them. (Stroebel's I mean, Letters was something I got from the library.) I appreciate your perspective though. I could really only remember history and logic being used.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I've come across Atheist Delusions by David Bentley Hart, has anyone read it? If so what did you think of it? I've read other things by him and I think he's rather good.

I will say, I hear that is a great apologetic work against modern atheism. gotta give credit where credit is due.

 

[Chesterton]

There're people in my circle of friends that are staunch atheists - they mock people of faith, think that they are simple-minded for believing in 'superstition'. I've yet to talk to them about religion because it gets so tiresome, but I would very much like to be able to defend myself from their hurtful comments. Oftentimes when people are like that, so sure of themselves and almost cruel in their assessment of a Christian like me, I shrink back and then I feel bad for not defending myself.

First of all, don't let it get to you too much. We should be able to give some answer if we are asked, but we are not required to argue 'til we're blue in the face, especially against people who are not sincerely asking, but just seeking to ridicule.

Also, sometimes the best defense is a good offense. If they think our picture of reality is ridiculous, ask them what their's is. Atheists, by definition, don't have one. Their's is a shoulder-shrugging position of "I don't know". They will tell you that we have a burden of proof to prove what we believe, but actually the burden is on them come up with an alternative belief (which is not stranger than ours), otherwise they have no right to ridicule.

It would be as if I were building a house, and a man was watching me and always telling me that I'm doing it wrong. So I ask him, "What am I doing wrong? What's the right way?" He responds "I have no idea, but you're just doing it wrong." I have to conclude that man is some kind of fool and I wouldn't pay him much mind.

 

[isilmë]

Many thanks to everyone for your advice, I really value your opinions.

 

[ArmyMatt]

They will tell you that we have a burden of proof to prove what we believe, but actually the burden is on them come up with an alternative belief (which is not stranger than ours), otherwise they have no right to ridicule.

they also approach Christianity wrong. the whole burden of proof argument is bunk from the get go, since God is a person to be known, not a concept to be argued. it's just as silly as if an atheist tells you he loves his wife, and then you question that he loves her and tell him the burden of proof is on him. that kinda stuff works for philosophy and most religion, but not Christianity.

it's just dumb.

 

[victorinus]

So, how do I defend a belief in the supernatural events in the Bible?

maybe you should think more about sharing instead of defending your beliefs
-
you will get questions you can't answer
-and-
that will get you thinking and possibly doing some research

 

[truefiction1]

Most people I've come across have a materialistic/secular worldview, for sure - their view is; if you can't prove it, then it didn't happen/don't exist.

Others still considers themselves Christian but are so influenced by that worldview that they can't bring themselves to believe in certain aspects of the Bible (quite a few of them!) and are left with very little to actually believe in.

Prayers are appreciated, besides my family I'm feeling lonely in my faith at the moment. That's why I'm so happy to be here.

Hi Isilme, many of us can relate to your feeling like you're all by yourself in your faith these days.

What really separates us from them is that we know that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and has ascended into heaven, from whence He will come again to raise and judge all of the living and the dead.

So, when unbelievers ask me why I do the things I do or believe things I believe, I often tell them the Truth: Because Jesus, Who is the Word of God in human flesh, and Who was crucified by those who hate the Truth, IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD! He IS coming back and will raise all of us. Death is not the end.

I ask them if they believe this. If they are non-believers they usually say no. Then I tell them that I DO believe it and that this is because my own supernatural experiences give me plenty of reason to know that it's true. If they ask about these experiences (which they usually don't care to know about) then I will sometimes talk about them, but usually only to those who are genuinely interested in them.

If speaking with someone who professes to be a Christian but doesn't believe in the miracles, I tell them the same thing about the Resurrection of Christ. If they don't believe in this greatest of miracles, they aren't really a believer in Christ or in the True God, and I plainly tell them so. If they do claim to believe, then I say, "If you believe this, then how is it that you can't accept all the other supernatural events depicted in the Bible and in the Tradition of the Church?" Conversations usually don't go much further than this, unless we're conversing with like-minded persons.

 

[isilmë]

[Edit: need to think about this some more]

 

[quatona]

I hold some very uncommon personal convictions and beliefs. Interestingly enough, I am never asked to prove them (not even to provide intersubjective evidence), am never challenged or ridiculed about them.
I suspect the reason for that is: I am not particularly vocal about them, and I am not trying to have them implemented in society or politics.
They are personal convictions, I am treating them accordingly, and consequently so do others.

 

[Chesterton]

I hold some very uncommon personal convictions and beliefs. Interestingly enough, I am never asked to prove them (not even to provide intersubjective evidence), am never challenged or ridiculed about them.
I suspect the reason for that is: I am not particularly vocal about them, and I am not trying to have them implemented in society or politics.
They are personal convictions, I am treating them accordingly, and consequently so do others.

Unless I'm missing your point, it seems like you're saying you're not challenged on your beliefs because you keep them private? Obviously, that would work that way. I don't think I've ever seen you say anything on CF. Would you want to share your personal beliefs here?

The OP's just talking about conversation, not political activism, but it seems you're saying her Christian beliefs are subject to scrutiny because they could be grounds for making rules which affect others? Rules will come from some belief, whatever it is, so that's not a particular reason to need to critique Christianity more than atheism or anything else.