Dealing with religious bullies.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18. Over the last ten years there has been an observance of increased aggression and intolerance by atheists who dogmatically verbally bully and go after Christians and Christian institutions that teach God’s Word. These secularists, at every turn and opportunity impose their anti-God religion using verbal bullying tactics. When we hear the term bullying, the first thing comes to mind is physical bullying. However, bullying comes in many forms going beyond the common physical act and includes the verbal form as well.
Atheist attempt to draw Christians into a debate by humiliating and belittling God and his existence and those who follow him with vile malicious insults and foolish questions while raging in wrath against those who attempt to answer them.
No matter what answer is given in defense of God they evade and ignore what is being said maintaining their anti-God and anti-Christ logic. For a group who claims not to believe in our God they are always pursuing conversation about him.
In social media platforms it is not uncommon to see Atheist habitually stalking Christian post commenting with ruthless name-calling or vile and malicious levels of expressed hatred a common tactic used to coerce conversation and debates.
What is so mind-boggling is despite the fact that Atheist admit they are anti- God and anti- Christ many Christians attempt to reason with them, attempt to explain the faith, attempt to explain the existence of God, attempt to have a peaceful conversation with them, attempt to answer their foolish question and attempt to evangelize them. Don’t we as adults advise our children to not to engage bullies but ignore them? So, why are we not taking our own advice? Question: Should Christians engage in debates, or try to reason and explain our faith to Atheist?
To answer this question we must look at how Jesus dealt with those who rejected him. A good place to start would be in his home town. Nazareth is well-known for one reason, and one reason only: it was the home town of Jesus. The three Synoptic gospels (Matthew 13:53-58, Mark 6:1-6 and Luke 4:16-30) record an incident where Jesus, who now had a reputation as a teacher and miracle worker, returned home. At some point and time during his visit he went to the synagogue and begin to teach. Having read the passages of Isaiah prophecy about his coming he closed the book and then provided a dialog to the meaning of those passages. He made several points: that Isaiah's prophecy had finally manifested that he was anointed by the Spirit to teach and that God's salvation had arrived. After teaching, those listening were astonished and said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Where then did this man get all this?" And they took offense at him. (Matthew 13) Jesus answered saying, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house" (Matthew 13:56) When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with wrath. They were filled with anger and asking debatable questions in an attempt to understand how Jesus had obtain his wisdom and was able to do great works outside of normal human ability coming from an ordinary life. Jesus staying true to his Gospel of free will choice after hearing their questions did not allow himself to be coerced into a debate, or attempted to persuade or reason with them. Jesus ministered to those who believed him which was not many as the bible said, “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58, Mark 6:5). We never read anywhere that Jesus debated, reasoned with or explained to those who opposed and reject him about God’s existence or his role as his Son. He taught God’s word and allow those who heard his message to decide for themselves whether to accept or reject him. Jesus stay true to his calling and did not entertain naysayers even when questioned by the governing authority. Jesus stood before the governor, who questioned Him: “Are You the King of the Jews?” “You have said so,” Jesus answered. And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He gave no answer (Matthew 27:11-12). Jesus showed that the best way to deal with those of opposition and mockers, is to not answer them. Why? In the unbelievers minds, the Holy Scripture holds no value and if they are offered truth, they reject it, trampling it under their feet in mockery along with ripping up the believer with attacks of vile verbal bullying. “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you” (Matthew 7:6). Jesus sent the Holy Spirit saying, "And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness."
While I agree we are Not to give up on the lost we must also be mindful that we are not called to convict the world of sin and God’s righteousness that is the Holy Spirit’s work and it is too much for us to handle. Stay in your calling you have been called to. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14) The Church of Jesus Christ is a visible society and the world already know what we believe and who we believe in.
They have studied our God and in many cases are more versed in scripture than most saints. I like what Paul said, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Sometimes others will not allow us to pursue mutual peace and will become angry and wrathful against those who believe in God and his Son. Do we answer those who are hateful and spiteful? No. When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest”. So, “Don't answer a fool according to his foolishness, or you will be just like him” (Proverbs 26:4, Proverbs 29:9).
Do not lower yourself to the atheist level, be like Jesus and answer them not a word. That is how any bully should be handled. Life is too short to deal with evil contentious people. I choose peace over strife, conflict, and foolishness any day. My prayer always is that we continue to grow in grace, truth, wisdom and walk in love towards one another. Help others benefit from this truth by sharing this message. God bless you.