Some people's favorite pastime is having arguments on social media, and/or stereotyping people who oppose their views, and/or fulfilling stereotypes that those of the opposite view hold towards them.
This is an article that I've been wanting to write for some time now, but recent events pushed me to finally do it.
When controversial topics come up, whom are typically criticized? Christians.
Not that Christians are usually the target subject of these controversial topics, but if a Christian voices his or her opinion on the subject, criticism from people of opposite views is inevitable. It's just going to happen.
Bear with me, because this article is for Christians and non-Christians and how we approach these controversial issues.
So first of all, if you call yourself a Christian, and you want to voice your opinion, you just have to accept that fact. Either avoid arguments that may stem from these criticisms, or be prepared to approach these discussions with grace and understanding. And make sure they're just that--discussions. Not arguments.
Whatever you do, you can't get angry. You have no reason to. Why? Because if you're a true, Bible-believing Christian, then you should be imitating Christ, who is full of grace and truth (John 1:14). Jesus is the epitome of showing grace while also exemplifying truth. He never sacrificed one for the other. So we shouldn't either, and I know far too well that that is easier said than done.
But why can't you get angry? Because if you are a Bible-believing Christian, someone who has put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, knowing that He provided the only way for forgiveness of sins and for a restored relationship with God, and you therefore have a desire to follow the Word of God, the written expression of holiness, sanctification, and love--then you can't be mad at people for holding different views than you do.
If they don't know Christ as their Savior, then why in the world would they submit themselves to the Bible? They have no reason to do so. If they thought the Bible was true and valid and the ultimate authority, then they would be Christians.
You might run into disagreements with other Christians. The same policy should apply. And yes, there are controversies even between Christians. The most important thing you can do is read your Bible and pray, to make sure that what you believe isn't just based on opinions, but based on God's holiness and love.
Here's the other thing: Don't fulfill every stereotype of Conservative Christians that there is. Because let's be real, some of them are true. Especially if you let them be. Let's be clear though: if the stereotype goes along with something the Bible actually says is sinful or if it's something the Bible agrees with, then wear that stereotype loud and proud.
There are great ways to argue, and there are terrible ways to argue. Read here about 5 things we need to stop doing while arguing. And again, it's foolish to think that either side is going to be effective at changing minds. Beliefs aren't typically simply based on logical reasoning, but on an already-rooted value system. And you can't change value systems with mere words. That's why Christians can't use reasoning from the Bible to change the minds of non-Christians, and that's why non-Christians can't use (or really, shouldn't be able to use) an unbiblical worldview to change the minds of Christians.
Even as I'm writing this, I see places in my article where non-Christians or liberals whom I know and love, would be frustrated. I beg you, never think for a second that I don't see where you're coming from. In fact, that's the problem. Most Christians I talk to would agree that if you take the Bible out of any political or social issue, we would have no foundation for our argument.
We need to get one thing clear though: the original purpose of the separation of church and state was for the state to stay out of the church.
I'm not saying that argument, you know, the "But separation of church and state!!" one, is invalid, but it is thrown around all the time.
And the truth is, as a Christian, I can't separate any of my other views from my identity in Christ. It's not just about living a "Christian life," it's about living Christ. Sorry, I can't "separate church and state" if that means compromising my submission to Christ and His Word for the sake of "political correctness" or because my religious beliefs conflict with your political ones.
This is where my previous point really becomes relevant, though, for both sides. Recognize that Christians should be taking the Bible for what it says, being their ultimate authority, and Christians need to realize that non-Christians don't hold the same standards for morality. And guess what? Those two things are facts that we just have to deal with.
Does it make sense that each person has their own standard for morality? It makes sense why each person has their own, based on culture and experiences, but in practice, conflicting standards lead to more conflict because we don't meet each other's expectations, and because we simply cannot understand how someone would have different views than us.
In order to have an effective discussion, you must consider where someone is coming from. Don't disregard an article or a viewpoint just because it goes against all you believe in. Don't you think there is some reason that leads your opponent to believe in what they do? Never mind the fact that they believe it strongly enough to have even put it out on social media or to say it verbally, knowing that it is controversial?
When you think about Hindus and Buddhists, it's easy to admire their beliefs and practices, because they are both ways of thinking, and we don't feel nearly as impacted by them. At the very least, recognize Christianity as such. As I previously stated, that's not all it is. But if you can at least acknowledge that, then any problems you have with Christianity shouldn't be against the person, but against the belief system. You can't argue with Christians anymore if you recognize their views as part of their belief system, just like you would with Hindus or Buddhists. Our belief system is connected to our value system, and neither are changed by a mere word war.
Stop confusing love with acceptance.
Christians believe in a God who is love, correct? So how can they judge people's lifestyles when they aren't affected by them? Fair enough. Let's address that. First of all, there are many Christians who are hateful and judgmental, and this does not align with the Bible at all.
On the one hand, don't judge a book by the one who claims to hold to its standards. On the other hand, a Christian who doesn't look like Christ is by definition, not a Christian. The literal translation of Christian is a "Christ follower," a title given to the apostles and new believers by unbelievers. As previously discussed, Jesus is full of grace and truth. So if our words do not reflect that, we are fulfilling the awful stereotypes surrounding Christians. We might be saved, having an eternity with God to look forward to, but if we don't look like Christ, we can't technically call ourselves "Christians." Believers? Yes. But "Christian" means more than that.
A relationship with Jesus should look as awesome as it is. Full of grace and truth. So Christians, get your act together. First of all, who are we to rate the sinfulness of the sin? It's sin or it's not. Secondly, your discussions with people--and your opinions on everything--should reflect Christ.
Jesus never once disregarded people's sin.
But Jesus never once disregarded sinners, either.
Christ was not an overly liked person. So being like Christ has nothing to do with how much people will like you. But if you want to win people to Christ, present them with who Christ is, and who He's making you to be. No Christian is perfect, nor should one every claim to be, but the Holy Spirit can speak grace and truth through us at all times, if we let Him.
A friend of mine can be doing something that hurts them (physically, emotionally, mentally, etc.), but it doesn't hurt me. For example, alcoholism or drug addiction. I may not be affected by it, but is it not possible to love them and not accept their lifestyle simultaneously? I know that is a faulty example on some accounts, but think about children that are born addicted to drugs or have alcoholism in their blood. Is that their fault? No. Does it hurt me? No. Is it due to a line of corruption and suffering? Yes. Would it be unloving to tell them that what their addiction is sinful, and to help them overcome it with grace and truth? Absolutely not. In fact, as a Christian, it is my duty to show them grace and truth in every area.
All this to say, to both non-Christians and Christians: it is vital to consider the context from which every person brings their views. We can learn so much from each other when we acknowledge each others' perspectives and recognize what causes us to form those views.
To Christians: Act like Christ, whether you get in a social media debate or ignore controversy. Grace and truth. Stop expecting non-Christians to think like you do.
To non-Christians: Stop using the separation of church and state as a reason for Christians to subdue their religious beliefs. Everything that we are is in Christ, so we can't (or shouldn't be able to) separate our religious views from our political ones. Stop expecting Christians to think like you do. Acceptance is a passive, surface-level version of love.
No one is invalid. Don't attack the person instead of their argument. Don't belittle someone's argument, misrepresenting it so that it is easier to attack. Don't make false comparisons. Don't look down on someone because of their religion, age, experience, sexuality, or gender. Yes, these things affect the way they think. Acknowledge that and learn from it. Their view is more valid because of their context--not necessarily more correct, but more valid--not less valid.
