I Will Not Apologize For The Bible
Bible = truth
Since last week’s blog post, 10 Truths for the Atheist Who Said I’m Brainwashed, the tweets have poured in.
A few supportive followers have retweeted and confirmed belief in God’s truth. My case for truth—in every scenario on this earth—comes from Scripture. I won’t apologize for it.
Over the past week, the atheists have been relentless in calling me out. Bashing remarks about my belief system and the Bible as “poppycock.” Loaded questions and words as tweets:
- “With your brainwashing experience, do you think that children should be brainwashed into accepting evolution, and why/why not?” ~ Straw Atheist
- “You do know Jesus Christ is a fictional character, right?” ~ Douglas
- “Did you include Exodus 21 (gods rules on slavery) and Numbers 31 god has babies killed (boys only). You pray to a baby killer.” ~ Chris
- “Your ‘truths’ = opinion.” ~ Mark
This comment came in on my blog post (reference to podcast by John Piper), “Tried listening to ‘how do we know the bible is true.’ At no time was there anything compelling to show how we can know the bible is true. Classic pseudo babble. Circular nonsense. Do better or stop wasting my time with lies.” ~ Robb, Heathen-Guru.
And more. A dozen more comments and questions on Twitter trying to get a rise out of me. I’ve continued to post the article and convey truth. Yet, I have remained silent in my direct response to them. Why?
God doesn’t need me to defend Him.
He’s the great I AM.
A communication major in college, I’ve had my share of the debate team experience. Some
would say I’m a master disputer. Just ask my husband. In the past, I’ve jumped in too soon—with sword in hand—to go to battle.
The disputes, on a public forum, turned into a lose-lose situation. One wrangle with an atheist, the other with a satanist. Nothing was resolved or gained.
Then there’s friendly fire. We may harm the cause of Christianity within our own ranks. Yesterday, another believer chimed in on the conversation about my 10 Bible truths, “These are all good, but Christianity is falsifiable. It’s historical & reasonable to believe in.” #apologetics (Lisa Q., I agree wholeheartedly.)
However, consider these thoughts.
Christian apologetics, arguments based on reasoning, is valuable and good. “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” 1 Peter 3:15 ESV.
Interesting history with Peter. At Jesus’ arrest, Peter’s knee-jerk reaction cut off a soldier’s ear. Then later he regretfully fulfilled the words of Christ by denying he knew the Lord.
Now, in Peter’s writings, he admonishes believers to be prepared with answers of defense and hope but with gentleness and respect. If we go on the defense in an attack-mode, we’ll add fuel to the fire. The enemy will be the only one who gains any ground. (This is also true in debates with believers, our loved ones, and online.)
There is a time to give an answer for the hope that is within us. Yet, I make a lousy defense attorney for the Highest Court in all the land. The Lord ’s not only His own defender, He’s my defender. Your defender. (See Psalm 35.)
The best reaction isn’t a knee-jerk response, but a response on our knees.
Pray their blinders are removed.
The Spirit is the only being that draws men and souls to God.
Pray they call upon the name of the Lord.
God will have the last word.
I have not, nor will I, engage the other side directly.
Still, I continue to post tweets, praying the Lord uses the words and His Word to draw men unto Him:
- “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16 ESV. ~ God
- “If I’m wrong about God then I’ve wasted my life. If you’re wrong about God then you’ve wasted your eternity.” ~ Lecrae
- “Guess who has the last word? God!” ~ Karen Girl Friday
- “A writer and speaker, but my highest calling? Pastor’s Wife. Making Christ known. KarenGirlFriday.com” ~ Karen Girl Friday
There’s no wiggle room. The Bible is the truth. I won’t apologize for using God’s Word as the basis for truth. Historical and Literary authenticity provide the undergirding. But truth remains truth. I’m not wrong about that. No apology needed.
Bible = truth
*Bible and Cross images are courtesy of Pixabay.com
*Dog image courtesy of Pexels.com
© 2016 by Karen Friday, All rights reserved
Sorry you’re dealing with backlash… we sort of sign up for it I guess. Praying that it’s not something you dwell on. Agreed that you don’t need to defend God, but that doesn’t mean negative comments don’t still hurt.
Thank you, John. And it’s true we did sign up for it. The apostle Peter goes on in his letter, “do not be surprised by the fiery trial.” Rejoice to share in Christ’s sufferings. “If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”(1 Peter 4:12-14) Now that’s a powerful word. Yes, it does still hurt, but I rejoice in exposing the darkness to light. Blessings!
Praise God for His goodness and faithfulness. What a joy it is when God is the defender of our faith and the sustainer of our life. Thank you for boldly speaking the word of the Lord and living your faith out loud dear friend.
Marcie, thank you friend for commenting with encouragement. My prayer is to boldly proclaim the name of Jesus as it storms the very gates of hell. I won’t ever back down in speaking and writing about my Lord. Love this from C.S. Lewis, “When you argue against Him you are arguing against the very power that makes you able to argue at all.” Blessings, sweet lady.
Karen, I’ve run into this group on twitter also. I tried to love them to death 😉 and they didn’t know what to do with it! And I prayed fervently for them. A few of them, I thought, were actually seekers hiding behind the excuse of atheism, and I tried really hard to reach in through the darkness. But as soon as I discerned their game, I called them out on it and even told them how much they had hurt me. One apologized and, in some ways, we became twitter friends. I was surprised at the level of anger that rose in me with some of the things they would say to me! AAaauuurrrrggghhhh! But then I would think, “how sad! How sad to be so unsure of everything in life that I would have to spend my days tearing down others because they ARE sure of Truth.” I told them that too :/
Wow, Nan. Not surprised. Glad at least one did offer an apology. It is sad. I’ve only had to block one person. Their tweet was very offensive and used vile language. That is something I will not tolerate. With the others, I’ve endured their bashing remarks quietly hoping truth would win over their veiled hearts. Just this afternoon, a former atheist who’s now a Christian and blogs about God, retweeted my article. It’s a definite affirmation to see the living hope of grace at work. So, we pray on. Thanks for sharing your experience and I’m sorry that happened to you. Blessings!
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