What do you say to someone who you are having a discussion about Christianity with and they have an entirely different beliefe than what you do? I was talking to a guy a few minutes ago and I could tell that he didn't know a lot about the Bible when he said "I'm reading the book of Moses "...and yet he had the nerve to tell me that the pastor I listen to "is completely out of it"..I acted as Godly as I could and changed the subject and got away from him.
2006-06-23 05:58:45 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Other - Arts & Humanities
Just pray and ask God to give you wisdom and the right words to give to these people.
2006-06-23 06:02:59 · answer #1 · answered by BAnne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, it's good that you were able to recognize when you and the guy were not coming to the table with similar assumptions, so it would be hard to communicate with each other.
One thing, I think, is that many Christians (not saying you, I'm just saying Christians in general) see a conversation with a non-Christian as an opportunity to debate God and challenge secular viewpoints.
I think we'd do better just enjoying their company, getting to know them, learning what matters to them, and being there for them -- and the opportunities to talk about faith will come up as part of that process. The first style is living the Faith, the second is merely talking about the Faith.
Jesus had the benefit of being considered a teacher, so he could preach all he wanted; most of the time, though, he would simply spend time eating with, talking to, and helping people. He lived his life.
When religious conversations occur, there is often the sense we have to prove/defend God and/or shoot down any ideas we disagree with. This usually leads to a conflict and bad feelings with the other person.
It's funny how many people have strong reactions against Christianity even in the forums, yet when they open their mouths reveal that they don't even know basic facts about the Bible or the faith and are just repeating cliches they've heard from others.
That's just par for the course, though, and part of learning how to deal with people where they are at.
How you react depends on the context of the conversation and how open to discussion you perceive the other guy's heart to be.
If I determined the guy was open to discussion or challenge, I might have calmly said, "Well, it's not called the book of Moses, although he's credited with writing them; you're probably referring to Genesis or Deuteronomy (or whatever). Which part are you reading? What did you learn? What did you like or dislike?"
I might ask him to explain why your pastor was "out of it," and just put in a general pitch about how your pastor seems to be a good person and has a graduate degree (plus more, probably) under his belt, so he's more knowledgeable than either of you and you trust him as much as you'd trust any teacher with his credentials.
In general, though, if the person feels resistant, they won't really listen to what you try to say and any attempts to correct anything will just irritate them. In that case, your solution was best: Keep things civil and back out without causing any damage.
If God wants you to talk to them again, you'll get an opportunity.
Meanwhile, if you have the option, just be his friend and enjoy his company.
2006-06-23 13:14:53 · answer #2 · answered by Jennywocky 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses often speak with householders who purport to be "Christian" yet have almost no bible knowledge or formal system of worship.
Self-described "Christians" are to be commended for recognizing their spiritual need:
(Matthew 5:3) Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need, since the kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.
Agreement might be reached regarding how good it feels to be among those who truly respect the bible and Jesus' teachings. A Christian preacher might ask the self-described "Christian" if he believes there is more to true worship than just goodwill and zeal.
If it seems indicated, the Christian preacher could open the bible:
(Romans 10:1-2) Brothers, the goodwill of my heart and my supplication to God for them are, indeed, for their salvation. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge
So clearly a Christian must have ACCURATE knowledge, which comes from studying the bible.
The Christian preacher might ask the self-described "Christian" if he has considered having a personal home bible study. He could use one or more of the dozens of different bible-based publications of Jehovah's Witnesses to help teach the bible.
It is not difficult to preach and teach from the bible, *IF* one has the help of the holy spirit, which Jehovah's Witnesses do. Even Witness schoolchildren are able to defend and discuss their faith from the Scriptures, but then they are working every week and month to obey Jesus' instructions to his congregation:
(Matthew 28:19,20) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”
Incidentally, the Torah / Pentateuch (Genesis through Deuteronomy) is occasionally referred to as "the book(s) of Moses".
2006-06-23 13:41:29 · answer #3 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like how some christians have never read the bible and don't actually follow Jesus' teachings. Hell there are whole books of the bible left out because they have too much of Jesus' actual teachings and they only left in the parables and third party accounts.
Try this one on for size, does this sound like the christian morals of our politicians?
Matthew 5:38-48 (New International Version)
An Eye for an Eye
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
edit: I'm not sure where it says "make sure you invade them first." or "Make sure you get back at them" in the Christian faith but our country sure beleives that for all its "OOh gays are BAD because of the bible" posturing
2006-06-23 13:01:56 · answer #4 · answered by QuestionWyrm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you did the right thing! If anything and was this person as good a christian as he pertained to be ... He wouldn't have been discussing 'The book of Moses ??? Instead remembered the 10 commandments "Thou shalt not judge". To criticize your Pastor was in brach of this commandment!
2006-06-23 13:04:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The books of Moses are the first five books in the old testament, gen, exodus, levit, number, deut. on the other hand, if he's demonizing your pastor, then he shouldn't be doing that. Christians are here to help others come to Christianity, not take the time to criticize others. you responded the way I would. of course it would bother me, but life is too short to always stoop to someone else's level. just don't let his comments get to you and pray for him instead of getting angry.
2006-06-23 13:09:16 · answer #6 · answered by islandgrl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's always best to test the spirits. The devil comes in sheeps clothing seeking whom he may devour. Many people listen to pastors and speakers rather than crack the Book open themselves. I want to be like a Berean. Check in the New Testament for that one. They double checked EVERYTHING that Paul taught! Also, many consider the Torah the book of Moses.
Also: Oops, my bad. I can't seem to pull up Berean in the KJV text. See? The book is so big, you have to double check everything, even on yourself!
2006-06-23 13:03:39 · answer #7 · answered by Mommymonster 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋