Defending Christian Values

There are some Bible verses that are universally known and quoted by many people of different faiths and belief systems. Many have become common expressions of speech used by people all over the world.

The most famous verses are sometimes used by non-Christians and even some proclaiming Christians to manipulate Bible believers' actions and attitudes. A general lack of Biblical literacy among Christians combined with the fear of offending someone makes their job all too easy.

Perhaps those that have been guilty of this sort of manipulation will see the error of their ways and seek out a more honest way of trying to prove their points. But the main intent of this article is that Christians will be encouraged to turn to the source itself, the Bible, for answers.

One Example

One of the most common verses that is twisted to fit certain agendas is an idea that is actually found in a couple of different places, phrased differently, in the New Testament: "Judge not lest ye be judged yourself." It has become a mantra for those who oppose Biblical truth and Christian morals. People use this simple statement in an attempt to defend all sorts of sin, even those specifically condemned elsewhere in the Bible.

We won't be going into all of the specifics of this particular catchphrase here but it is sufficient to say that the topic of judgment comes up in other places in the New Testament. Any Christian who actually reads the Bible knows that we are told in other verses to judge in the Spirit, to judge righteously, and to judge for ourselves whether something is right.

The Manipulation

The people who quote these verses may not have to do or say much more in order to get the upper hand in a debate with a Christian. The unlearned Christian may then think to himself, "Wow, he's right. It does say that in there somewhere," and may even begin to doubt the point he had been arguing.

What he should stop and ask himself is why he is allowing one verse, taken out of context and probably being quoted by someone who doesn't even believe the Bible themselves, to change his perspective.

Reasons the Tactic Works

One reason this tactic works so well is that warm fuzzy feeling one gets when they are feeling charitable toward other people. It's similar to the emotion one feels after seeing a serial killer's childhood pictures and realizing that the monster had once been a little child.

The pity that the realization elicits is often followed by a feeling of self-admiration because everyone knows serial killers deserve no pity. Only the most caring and understanding person would be so loving as to feel pity towards someone capable of so much evil. The warm fuzzy feeling can be like a sedative that dulls our senses.

Another reason is the aforementioned lack of Biblical knowledge. Everyone knows all the Bible stories from Sunday School, but it seems that some who claim membership in the social club that is modern American Christianity never bother to read the Bible for themselves.

Instead, they get their information second hand from a motley crew that includes television preachers, Christian radio hosts, professional Christians (those whose elevated positions within the "Christian Club" have enabled them to make a full-time career of it) and politicians. Many of the most outspoken Christian leaders have their own agendas, whether they be political or personal or religious.

The Secret to a Strong Defense

There is no substitution in the Christian's life for the Word of God. No video, best-selling book or even hundreds of sermons delivered by good Christian pastors can take the place of God's instruction book. As you immerse yourself in the Scriptures each day, you will find your understanding growing and will be less susceptible to manipulation that thrives on Biblical ignorance.

Christians who refuse to take their eyes off the world and go directly to the Bible will continue to fall prey to slick-talking enemies of truth. If you want to be prepared to witness for Christ and stand by His commandments, don't worry what so-and-so said about a topic. Open up the good book to see what God has to say about it.