Just the other day, it happened to me again. You have probably had the same experience. I am referring to that person who is willing to talk about religion, but what follows is his or her version of religious history where sincere people do terrible things in the name of God, or at least their story confronts you with a bewildering patchwork of conflicting groups each claiming to follow God. Then comes the inevitable question or perhaps it is a statement. "How can you know who is right?" or "Why should I think you are any different?" or perhaps even "Because of organized religion's track record, I can't accept any of it." How can we respond to this? Are there any responses beyond standing there silently with your hands in your pockets or insisting to deaf ears that you are different?
Perhaps you have had more success than I in arguing the merits of serving Christ based upon playing their game of sorting out their selective recounting of religious history. I prefer a different approach. I am not suggesting that what follows is a magic recipe, but perhaps the Lord will be able to use it in your hands.
First of all, be aware of what is happening. Method is extremely important because it sets up "how the game is played." Unfortunately, your friend is using an inadequate method. He or she is starting with humanity (perhaps even every version of religious humanity) in order to arrive at an understanding about God and His people. What is needed is to start with God and His message and allow this to define what His message is and who represents His will on earth.
Perhaps the Lord can use one of these bulleted items in your conversation to lead into a study of what God intends His people to believe and do.
Correct Method is Important - But The Reality Is We Still Have Responsibility
Although people need to study God's Word to understand God's will, most frequently they will formulate their religious opinions based upon those who claim to follow Him. It is extremely important for God's people to live the transformed lives God desires of us and not merely worship Him on Sunday.
If we curse, use foul language, give the next guy "what's coming to him," hold grudges, slander, gossip, am driven by greed and self-centered concerns, etc. We are driving others away from God. Quoting Isaiah, Paul wrote that God's name was blasphemed among the Gentiles because of the Jews. Romans 2:24 Any individual or group of people who claim to worship God, but who fall woefully short in their faithfulness will bring reproach upon God's name.
Conversely, showing genuine fruits of serving God such as love and being unified validates our claims as being His followers. John 13:35; 17:21 If we are who wea are supposed to be, then perhaps we can gain a hearing with the skeptic so that he will consider what the scriptures teach regarding God's will for His people. The alternative is to play his game on a field where many have unfortunately disgraced God's name.
Barry Newton, Copyright © 2001
Other Articles Which Might Be of Interest
Resisting the Tide (Postmodernism: When Tolerance, Affirmation and Inclusion Become Everything)
On A Road to Jericho (A Parable on Evangelism)
Invisible Messages (On Methodology)