
My question of the day
November 20, 2006Do you think it’s right for someone who does not have the same spiritual beliefs as you to try to point out holes in your beliefs that could potentially destroy your spiritual foundation? Here’s what happened to me the other day that makes me ask this question. I have a friend in college who is really unique and just can’t help but debate with people (remember I said debate). She happens to be a Wiccan, and while I have witnessed to her in the past (she seemed to be very receptive at the time) she has decided to stay Wiccan. So it’s gotten to the point where we are both accepting of each other and realize that we are different in our beliefs. So after class I updated her about what was going on with the new bible study I was attending and etc. I was really excited and really wanted to share this with people. She is completely involved in what I’m telling her and she’s telling me just how happy she is for me. Then it gets ugly! She decides to tell me about this movie that she had watched. I guess this movie or documentary had this guy asking questions about the christian faith. Why is there so much time that is historically unaccounted for? Saul turned into Paul! Why are people speaking of things in the first testament that had to of happened in the second testament? Why can’t christians answer these questions? Why does Jesus model other gods from Greece and ancient times? So most of these things she is saying are going in one ear and out the other because I’ve already established that she is trying to get into a debate with me. But the question that gets me is this one (and the smile on her face still makes me mad). Why don’t christians question and think for themselves? Ok, I realize by this time that I can’t stop this argument that is brewing and I begin to try to diffuse the situation by telling her that I have my beliefs, I don’t have all the answers, and I’m really not listening to her. Yes, I did tell her that I wasn’t really listening. Anyhow, I begin to realize a pattern here with her and I. She says these types of things about my faith every time I am excited and energized to be a christian. So I call her on it. I tell her that I am feeling attacked and don’t appreciate it. She then informs that she is testing my faith to see just how much of it I have. EXCUSE ME?!?!?! I’m aware of only one person who has the right to test my faith and that’s God. She asks me if I like not thinking because that’s exactly what I’m doing by just accepting what I’m told. I told her that of course I have questions that neither I nor anyone else I know can answer. But, the important thing is to have faith and believe. She is still not accepting this though. So I tell her that as of right now, I’m completely comfortable with what I do know, and I don’t NEED to have all these questions answered just to believe. Well basically that is the gyst of what happened. A little more heated though because I honestly felt attacked and a little persecuted for having these beliefs. I guess I don’t feel that someone should come at me like that and deliberately point out every hole there may be in my spiritual foundation. I don’t go up to her and tell her that her Wiccan beliefs have all these holes in the foundation and she is setting herself up for a visit to hell. But the whole thing made me think. Is that what christians do while they are ministering to people? Do we point out holes in other people’s foundations? I can honestly say that I have never attacked another person’s belief. I have only spoken with them about the wonders of God and my faith. What they hear about my faith is what leads them to disbelieve their current spirituality. So no, I don’t believe it’s right to maliciously destroy someone’s spiritual foundation. I don’t believe that ministering to someone is doing that. I am not calling out there faith and pointing out the holes. I’m only telling them about mine! So what do you think?
I think everybody is entitled to believe what they want to. And obviously this is NOT a person you should be discussing your beliefs with – it’s just not worth the arguing.
Because my favorite person to quote is Jesus Christ, I’ll use some of his attitudes & words….. He tells us that we will have challengers & those who actually hate & despise us because of our belief in Jesus. He instructs us to love our enemies, pray for those who misuse us, treat kindly those who persecute us. We ARE to have an answer for what & why we believe to any who would ask. We are to study the Word of God so we can know God’s heart & attitude & instructions for life. Jesus gives us 2 commandments: Love God with all our hearts, minds, and souls and love others as God loves us. Christians are to be known by their love. We no longer respond as our nature tells us to nor as the world would respond, but we take on the mind & attitude of Jesus and let His responses be our own. We can trust Him to defend Himself & His Word. And He looks out for us; He says He is our defender. We have the Spirit of God living in us; when we need the right response, we have simply to ask His Spirit to give us the word & attitude that is needed at that moment. He never fails. Bloody & beaten, with nails & thorns piercing his body, Jesus looked at those who had done this & said, “Father, forgive them…” and He loved them. We must do the same and we CAN”T, without the help of God’s Spirit in us. Let go of your rights and let God live through you. I hope this has given you some encouragement & instruction.
This person sounds like they are just being argumentative for the sake of it. There are a few people in my life who try to persuade or shake the foundations on which your faith stands, but don’t let them. There are some people that you just shouldn’t bother with. “Do not throw your pearls to swine.” …
I think you did the right thing. The reason why it’s called FAITH is because some things you can’t see, and you have to TRUST in God, which is why we use the word “Faith” we have faith that the father shall provide.