So, what are you views on meeting the attacks of those who are anti-christian. Is it better to leave them to it, or should we be proactive in countering the lies, nonsense and word-twisting?

I'm wondering partly for what is on this forum but also in the world at large (especially after watching "The Big Questions" today on BBC, which was stuffed with Nicky Campbell anti-christian clique as they supposedly debated what evidence there is for God.

But anyway, should we brave the slings and arrows of outrageous atheists, or take up arms against them and by so doing....

Ooh, a tricky one, that! I do attempt to answer the "haters" back, sometimes, but often I just walk away - it depends on how strong I'm feeling! I think it's important to stand up for our faith, (without slinging insults, of course!) but there are a few "antis" on here who will NEVER change their minds, or even open them to the vague possibility that they may be wrong, just because of something we post. For those, I think it's best to pray for them, then leave them to God.

Mandy

I tend to agree there Mandy. It's important to remember that, despite the fact that we dont like our religion misrepresented, this site is a small puddle on the net, not even a pond really, its not going to help if we try to counter every lunatic point raised by whichever anti-of-the-moment poster.

A mixture of not putting pearls before swine....and having to watch them yet again smear sh*te up the walls of something sacred.

I'm like Mandy, some days I feel stronger to deal with it. And some things, well I just can't keep my mouth shut but I do try - try - to be polite. There was some twisted scripture on here a couple of weeks ago about "baby bashing" and I got very upset. Logos got accused of sticking up for me and not letting me speak for myself, some personal things got said and it got embarrassing for me, as all of a sudden the thread became about ME. So I am going to try - again try - to not take things so personally. You are right, Knight, we are a very small puddle on the Internet but I think there are a lot of people on this forum who are "on the fence" so you never know who you may inspire.

"there are a lot of people on this forum who are "on the fence" so you never know who you may inspire"

This is the thing that gets me; I don't like leaving people at the mercy of the haters. I realise in part that I have a responsibility to stand against such. But at the same time I have to remember to trust to God and not fall into the trap of seeing myself as the "saviour" with whom the buck stops. There is a higher authority than me, and I'm not the last line of defence and when I forget that and instead think that I AM the last line of defence...that is pride not faith.

I must confess to being a bit of an "innocent" in some ways - I've met plenty of perfectly reasonable, nice people who don't believe in God, but are happy for others to do so. I hadn't, however, before joining the DIF met anyone filled with the frightening degree of bile and hatred against Christianity that I've seen displayed here, and I must confess I didn't (and largely still don't) know how to deal with it as it's outside my experience.

Mandy

Y'all have raised some good points, and I agree it is a fine line to walk between defending the faith, and, at the same time knowing when to let it go. I try to always be polite, but it doesn't always work out that way. Scripture says that some won't receive the message, so just move on. But, there may be some ppl reading along that are undecided, like knight said, gotta leave it up to G-d...that is hard sometimes though.

@chrys - I was also accused of "getting in the way of your healing"...sheesh. Sorry that got so out of hand there.

Logos, you do not have to apologize because you did absolutely nothing wrong. It was a misinterpretation and not on your part, at all. You got caught in the middle.
And by the way, when I am fumbling for answers on the forum, I very much appreciate it when one of you comes on and lends a hand.
I think there are a lot of people looking for answers on here. Some of them sound tough, but I don't think they really are. There are a lot of hurting people, wishing they had some faith and hoping to find it. I think we should keep on keepin' on. If someone is really getting to you, just ignore them.

On the forum, I prefer the Ignore button. I'll defend my faith, but I'm not going to get drawn into debating with the 'wise'.

It's not Chrys needs healing.