Published on Monday, January 09, 2012
Are you offended when your religious views are attacked?
Anger is oftentimes the Christian’s response when his views are mocked and attacked. The Christian is offended. Why is that? Could it be because the Christian does not really think his views are actually true?
When we are told that our opinion is worthless and silly, we get offended. When I am told that I have awful taste in cars or that my opinion on a matter is worthless, then I get offended.
When our opinions, our preferences or subjective views of the world, are under fire, we take it personally. As if the truth or falsity of the matter resides in us — the individuals. Because when it is our opinion it does reside within us, the subject.
But Christianity isn’t a matter of personal preference. It’s a system of beliefs about the way the world really is. The truth or falsity of it has nothing to do with us, rather it has everything to do with what we discover and learn about reality.
When we are told that our beliefs about reality are wrong, we don’t take it personally — we are driven to evaluate. We correct where we are mistaken or we demonstrate that we are in fact correct in our original notion. If someone claims that marshmallows are a cure for obesity, I would not be offended. I would simply think that the person is wrong, misinformed, or delusional.
In fact, if a person genuinely believed something like that, wouldn’t your heart would go out to them? ... If they genuinely thought that the world was one way when in actuality it is completely the opposite. And if they operated in accordance with their beliefs then their very actions would result in a perilous end.
Do you, Christian, really think Christianity is an accurate view of the world? If not, then why do you hang around? There are plenty of other “religions” that would be much more fun.
If you do think Christianity is true and not merely your personal opinion, then why are you offended when your views are attacked? Should you not be heartbroken?
This completely changes the way we Christians engage non-believers doesn’t it? The very person who is mocking your religious views faces a perilous end from which they need a rescue.
Brothers and sisters, pray that God will change the heart of your “opponent.” Look for opportunities to show them where their view on reality is mistaken and to point that person to – the Truth – the only one who can rescue them – Jesus.
Pastor Tripp
