WHEN CHRISTIANS SWITCH from talking about football to talking about Christ, they often kick into a “religious twang” or a “stained-glass voice…”

It doesn’t help.  Sometimes they flip their argument switch when the subject touches religion, as though evangelism were an intellectual wrestling match.  We argue as though Jesus needed defending.  We do it, I think, because our ego is at stake, and we must engage and defeat the adversary at all costs.  We wind up shooting ourselves in the foot.

Generally speaking, a highly argumentative non-believer isn’t anywhere near the Cross.  Entering into heated debate with him will drive him further away.

There’s a basic principle of communication interwoven in this discussion.  The louder the noise, the weaker the argument.  That’s why a confident, gentle spirit can be so powerful.  It exasperates the opposition.  Your opponent wants you to join him in the shout and shove match.  Don’t!  You both lose.  Wives who have spiritually indifferent husbands are told they can win them without a word (1 Peter 3:1-4).  The supernatural wardrobe of a “meek and quiet spirit” can do what nothing else can do.  Joseph C. Aldrich, “Scouting the Other Team,” Gentle Persuasion, 76-77

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.”  1 Peter 3:15

Mike Benson