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Kangaruex4Ewe
Ignore it.
It doesn't need a counter point at all. Just ignore it. I know it is hard and I have failed on a handful of occasions myself... but that is my fault alone. It isn't the thread starter's fault that I couldn't resist the temptation to jump in. It is mine, because I am obviously lacking in self control if I cave into giving explanations THAT I KNOW, they already know.
There is nobody on this forum that does NOT know most of the basic beliefs of most Christians. So depending on the questions asked, and the particular topic... one can safely assume (99% of the time) that the thread starter is not genuinely curious, but simply looking to troll, stir the pot, poke with a stick, etc. people who believe in God . . . .
I do run across some who seem to ask questions out of genuine curiosity and those are generally the threads I will reply in.
That's about all you can do... Both sides. You can see a thread started (for or against) and know right away what is coming down the pike.
Both sides need to ignore it. It does neither side any good and only seems to strengthen the stereotypes both sides have concerning each other.
Just walk away is about the best advice I could give. I wish there was a better solution but the fact remains that fault lies on both sides and until both sides quit falling for any excuse to jump into the frenzy.... we are just adding fuel to the fire.
ccseagull
Dear Bio Xian - anytime I start to get upset or feel attacked I try to think how Jesus would behave. He's all about love and that's how I try to live my life. That doesn't mean I have to be open to abuse.
Basically I remind myself I can't explain my beliefs to the point of understanding to others who aren't genuinely interested and/or open to having an open mind about our beliefs. I do not comprehend why so many attackers and those who are so hateful towards Christianity have to come onto the Christian threads.
But then again I do like to think that the topics they attack may reveal God's existence at some time in their future lives - and that there is still hope of them coming to God.
I also have to remind myself that Satan is working all out to deceive all people and we should be gentle and answer those who have questions.
Those that are just baiting and always asking why, why, why who I realize aren't really interested in any answers and just stirring the pot - I just let them carry on and eventually keep quiet. I do feel sorry for them because I do get the feeling they are wanting a magic answer, that maybe they want the answers but just are too afraid to admit to it, or don't want to hear how it is, but they want something that lets them off the hook - but God doesn't fit into our ideas, we fit into His. My heart goes out to them.
In my heart I fear for those who are so anti-Christian and those who really don't know any better as the end times are coming and they will be beyond any human comprehension of how bad it really will be. So in the end I pray for them.
I really enjoy your posts and comments in threads.
Cinrad
Its all good practice for when defending the faith to people who aren't so bitter or completely crazy with their theories as to who/what Jesus was or said and did.
jimmyx
Cinrad
Its all good practice for when defending the faith to people who aren't so bitter or completely crazy with their theories as to who/what Jesus was or said and did.
why would you have to..."defend the faith"?? either you have the "faith" or you don't...no one can take it from you, there is nothing to defend. and if it is "faith"...why would you call the people that question it "bitter and completely crazy"...you obviously don't have any knowledge of that, you simply want to separate them into something less human, and therefore easier to condemn....it's called propaganda 101.
BO XIAN
in an average week, there are 3-5 or so brazenly baiting hostile to Christians/Christianity threads posted.
DISRAELI
It could be argued that the common use of baiting tactics in reigious discussion is a conspiracy.
edit on 11-1-2014 by DISRAELI because: (no reason given)