Why is it that people suck at "defending" their beliefs?

Question

I was just thinking about this...and whether you're for or against Christianity, this means no offense.

I often see people try to discredit the bible by saying "Oh Jesus he would come back before people would die" but they don't list the verse....(although most of us who believe should know the verse....we don't always. So it's more helpful if you provide the reference).

And same for Christians...I often see people "quote" the bible, and although it's close to what is said they don't provide the verse. Now, I am not free of guilt from this, because I've done it...but I have learned from my mistakes to listen verses that back up my claims....

So, just for future courtesy, if you want to discredit something or back up the claim, could you first list the reference verse? I've seen too many people on here claim things that are in the bible when they aren't...it's really upsetting.

Is this how evolutionists feel when people claim we came from monkeys?

Yeah...I got it, and I always HAVE gotten it....did you even read my question?

I guess no one did read my question...because even though some of you referenced the bible(and some the Quran) you didn't list the verse....I just lost 5 points for nothing!

You know, I'm sitting here, reading your answers(waiting for new ones) and I see many people say you have never had to defend your beliefs, because they're yours...not theirs.

And I understand what you're saying(at first I didn't)...but what if someone comes up to you and starts questioning them? Then you'll have to defend them, because if you don't then they'll just assume they're right because you walked away...right?

Answer 1

*sigh* Fundies never get it. WE DID NOT COME FROM MONKEYS!!!! I REPEAT. WE DID NOT COME FROM MONKEYS!!!!! WE DID NOT COME FROM MONKEYS!!!! WE DID NOT COME FROM MONKEYS!!!! Do you get it now? Atheists look at the Christian defense (Bible) so why can't Christians look at the BASICS of evolution?

Answer 2

I feel you are right in a sense but there are two sides to the story, should you have to take the time to find and list the verse if you know it but cant remember exactly where off the top of your head or should the other person have the responsibility of finding the exact reference since it is their question and at least your provided the words to look for so they can see if it is true or not themselves. Many times I think you have to look at the question too, if someone is asking specifically then yes you should but if someone is just spouting some propaganda then I feel you can do as you feel and perhaps let them look for it since it is not the Christians job to just give people all the answers all the time but let them look for themselves as we have to.

Answer 3

You know what? People suck usually (but not always) because others think they suck. If the heart is not willing to believe, it never will, regardless of how eloquent people are. It is the terrible, terrible truth, but true it is.

What we really ought to do is convert the hearts most willing to accept the message, instead of wasting our time on barren ones. Isn't there a verse in the Bible that talks about this?

Or even better, why dont' we take the time we use on Y/A and put it towards reading God's Word and going to church instead, me included. Especially me. After all, the best way to convert is to behave like one - to put it another way, I would be a lot more credible if I showed it in my conduct towards others.

Answer 4

The Word of God doesn't necessarily have to be word for word but must have the elements that make it truth. These elements are:
1) Man has fallen from grace.
2) Man needs God to redeem him back to grace.
3) God has provided his Son Jesus Christ for that job.
4) Jesus Christ is the name that is above all names as he has ascended to the throne of God.
5) God's kingdom will overtake all others and Jesus will rule the earth.
6) There will be a day of judgment. The good rewarded the evil punished.
Many times we are not able to express the whole picture in every conversation so if we bring to light some or one or all the elements to light in the eyes of others we are progressing the truths of scripture.
We do not necessarily have to quote scripture to defend these truths as we know they are true whether we know how to prove these things in scripture or not. They will come to pass no matter what our knowledge of them is since their coming to pass doesn't depend on how we can express them.

Answer 5

Believe it or not, it is impossible to 'defend' a belief.

Belief is totally irrational, and believers admit that. There is no logic in it, no reason to measure against, and no consistent parameters or known constants to work with.

To believe is to accept without proof. Therefore, even full proof to the contrary cannot shake your resolve to accept the belief, and you will hold onto the belief all the more strongly when it is proven to be false or impossible.

So don't worry about 'backing up' beliefs with verses or other references. Since you can offer no objective proof, anything you say after 'I believe' is worthless.

Answer 6

For someone who believes in god your sure attacking your fellow man (evolutionists). I think when someone defends their beliefs and only believe what they think is right then they are stomping all over the other people who believe in the other way. Have an open mind. Love, don't hate.

Answer 7

I ask the same question of most people. I however am pretty good at defending my religion thanks to an awesome Catholic Apologetics book.

Problem is people don't question anymore but just accept what they're told. I can defend my religion without the Bible via logic and reasoning.

I you wouldn't have asked this question, I would have.

Answer 8

Crazydude is right, you know. We didn't come from monkeys. We came from apes.

If I base my beliefs upon a book that everyone says is divine, then quite naturally, I will suck at defending them. Seems simple to me.

Answer 9

My observations on here indicate that a lot of Christians live in relatively sheltered (Christian) communities. As such, neither they themselves nor anyone else has ever really challenged their faith. As a result, they often fumble when asked to back it up with something, anything.

And atheists who quote actual bible verses are perennially accused of taking them "out of context".

Answer 10

kno body knows this cannot be answered vary seldomely do people agree on this kind of subject dont tack things and people so seriously sounds like yer stressin people will screw with you in this realm or area of thesis there is vary inteligent people out there but they are rare

Answer 11

people cannot defend their beliefs because there is no real proof of the existence of their god or prophet or any religious junk. most people just have blind faith where they believe something like the teachings of a god because they think that it is the truth.

i for one am agnostic so this topic doesnt really affect me.