Which truth, yours or mine?

Have you had an opportunity to discuss religion with an atheist? I have. It’s impossible to prove any point with the bible, simply because the other person doesn't believe in it. You would actually have a better luck sharing God's message with a Muslim, because there are some common points between the bible and the quran. How about discussions between Christians? I'm sure at some point of your life as a mature Christian you've had a chance to express your views and disagree with someone else's.

I wonder why it is so difficult for us to listen. It seems like we block this sense all together and automatically reject the other person, just because they belong to another church. We get so wrapped up in our own teachings that we’re unable to hear and to think outside of certain guidelines. I’ve seen a special publication by a certain well known denomination, distributed among their own members and intended to teach them how to reason with scripture. It gives specific instructions on how to answer certain questions and how to respond to questions as well. It’s very detailed, almost like a training manual for a salesperson.

I’ve had my share for “banging heads” with other Christians when it comes to theology. Everyone seems to be right and they tend to pay very little attention to the scripture. I don’t care how many bible verses you point to, in support of what you’re saying, let me assure you at the end of the day, everyone will walk away with the same beliefs they came, only with a bitter taste in their mouth and a sense of being rejected. The result of such discussions is never positive. Part of the reason is, when we get in a defensive mode, it’s hard to snap out of it, and we’re all guilty of this…

The point I’m trying to make here is, perhaps the best way to share a message is by non-invasive approach, such as writing a paper. When the reader comes to a point they don’t understand or disagree with, they have time first of all to think, which makes them more likely to research this particular point. In a conversation where response has to come fast, the natural answer would be the one they are “trained” to give, which is guaranteed to reflect their denominational views. Other words there would be very little thinking involved.

Even though it takes more time, my plan is to express some biblical points in writing. This way there will be no pressure on the reader and they will have plenty of time to consider, research and finally make a decision to agree or disagree. Deep down we all desire to find the truth, sometimes we can’t see it and sometimes we know it, but we’re afraid to face it. Let us pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

George