Tips on explaining and defending Christianity in conversations
I am sorry to tell you this: Most Atheists will be offended at this picture, so do not portray it.
Just who do you think you are talking too?
One of the great pleasures of my work is current anthropology and sociology. My area of work in these studies in practical applied science in the legal framework. Some may know it as Jury Picking or flash profiling. It is so hard to do that it normally takes a team made up of many disciplines. I do it with study and some gut! In this example we spend great time and expense picking who our audience is. What kind of introduction to the subject of discourse in Christianity is this?
Let me explain. In conversation we do not get to pick our audience. Each person has a mindset. In fact most people do not spend the time figuring out that mindset. Most folks don't know themselves that well. Combine that with the modern PC of "do not stereotype" and you find most folks do not think about what makes them unique because that would make them identifiably different, and "we" do not want that. Well, drop those thoughts quick when you are picking the jury to decide a woman's fate. You must do the same when speaking of Christianity and how your message is received. Our Bible is filled with lessons about how we speak differently to different groups, each of Paul's Epistles are examples --- you should act likewise.
Think of this, our greater society thinks that being "weird" is bad. Yet that same society thinks that stereotyping is bad. That is just plain crazy thinking.
I got nothing by way of proof in a scientific sense. Do not go head to head with evil.
Just get that concept straight. You got nothing that proves God exists. Get over it and do not play the fool. The Bible is not proof ----- let that set in. Do not tell someone that the Bible proves something. It is at best circumstantial evidence that someone else believed something. Historical accounts do not prove that the account happened. That is the good news and you should revel in it. Say it; "I do not need proof of God". You are free from that law that requires proof. (now in a highly technical logic sense it is proof --- but until you have really studied the matter, leave it alone lest you become a sophist)
You are God's chosen because he chose you and you chose him! That is marvelous and miraculous, however that is not proof. And that is just great!
Only a highly trained professional can argue with the devil. You may scoff at this. Do not! As soon as your arrogance takes hold you are lost, and I hope you have a lifeline.
If you have been fully trained, like in church since birth, a decade of service, a Masters degree or better and are certain it is your calling do not go head to head with the devil or evil.
Think this way, aside from her training, a preacher lady, spends much time through each week preparing for a sermon and classes, that deal with evil, if you do that for years, you become competent to fight. Until then do not.
You are not transcending. Put your feet on the ground. Listen more than speak, ask more than tell.
All you faithers' get this really straight. The only thing you have got to sell you cannot sell.
Life is so abundant and so beautiful and so full of marvelous things. We need to be like a host in our brand new house, take the visitor on a tour and smile and when something is not perfect explain the possibilities and hope and future. You see that is your pappy's house, that there is the mansion of the Lord. Love, hope, charity,,, and the greatest is love.
We must stand up and extol We have got to explain the glory in our lives. Christians are not to be in the judgment business. They are in the love business. You can not sell it, you have got to give it freely. So do not convince -- show!
What the heck have I got to show for following my Savior?
Relax my friends, you have you, and you are His. No need to look forward or backward. Are you really Happy? Before you open your mouth to a stranger or neighbor, do some inventory. Are you happy? If the answer is no, stay in your home until the answer is yes. I live paycheck to paycheck and sometimes that is missed. I got complicated family issues at the best of times.
But I can have fun talking to any homeless man or Prince. Because I am way happy. I give Love and I get it back so that my cup is always full. If that is not why you argue your faith. Do something else with your time.
If you find yourself, just one little bit, putting your ego into the mix, walk away.
If you find yourself claiming proof of faith, apologize and start over.
If you find yourself with no great wonderment to share, do not share.
If you find yourself with any envy, hate, vanity or impatience. Examine your motives.
If you find yourself being overly preachy and authoritarian like me go find some humble pie and eat of it.