During a Christian Believer Bible study a question posed was “Why do you believe?” Maybe a better way to phrase the question would have been “Why are you a Christian?” The one answer participants were not allowed to give was “The Bible says so.” Can you describe the foundation of our faith? Is your foundation based on compassion and grace or because the Bible says so?
I met Ryan years ago while working for Southern Wines. I was a field sales supervisor and he worked for a supplier whose product line was represented by Southern Wines. I had met Ryan before but had never worked with him. On occasions suppliers or winery representatives would come into the market hoping to obtain extra business. Ryan was scheduled to ride with me. Any time two people spend long periods in close quarters with each other general conversations turn more personal. Before I knew it we were talking about the “blue” laws in the state of South Carolina versus the west coast. Ryan’s next comment stunned me. There was, at that time, for him to buy a bottle of wine on a Sunday. He disagreed with the Judeo-Christian foundation for the laws in this country. Now I was insulted. The more Ryan carried on the more I got upset. At one point I thought about stopping my car, letting him out on the side of the road in the middle of the country, and calling someone at my office to come pick him up. I’m glad I didn’t do that for two reasons. First, what would that have said about my claims of being a Christian. It might reinforce the notion by some Christianity is judgmental and uncaring. Second, Ryan is Jewish, his Sabbath is on Saturday. Sunday is just another day to him.
In an article from Christianity Today magazine Drew Dyck addresses the issues surrounding the exodus, especially among the 20-30 year olds, from the church. After reading the article one fact comes to the front, no one really knows because the issues vary widely. Drew, however, makes a good point. Rather than focus on the cause of the issues how do we as Christians respond to objections to the church by others. He generalized two basic responses with one being Christians go on the offensive. It is true, we do that as Christians. Think of how I almost responded to Ryan. Had there been a “come-to-Jesus-meeting” between us, had he not accepted my point of view, then I was ready to put him on the side of the road. The second basic response by Christians is brain freeze. They can’t offer any intellectual dialogue with a doubter. About all they can say is “The Bible says so!”
Let me say now that we as Christians need to show compassion and grace in the same way Jesus offered compassion and grace to us. The Christian faith is a matter of the heart but God has also given us the ability to reason. Since we are capable of carrying intelligent conversations lets make use of it. How would you respond to a doubter? As we enter into the New Year we can reexamine how we as a church and as individuals who profess a belief in Christ are presenting the message. Maybe we can start by listening intently to others. It is possible they are seeking answers. If we let our selves be offended we will never be able to present Jesus in a positive light. Take advantage of Bible studies, Sunday school classes, or study on your own. The more we study the better equipped we are. If we don’t know the answer, then say so, don’t utter “Because the Bible says so”. Admit we don’t know it then research the subject matter. Doubters and non-Christians may gain a deeper respect for Christians. By the way, Ryan and I had a great day, sold a lot of wine, and we became good friends.
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