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Defending The Faith

Posted Aug 21 2009 by Jonathan Brink in , , with 8 Comments

questions

Looking for your thoughts.

Many of the arguments that occur on blogs and on the web are based on the idea of defending the faith.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) – But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

I get that.  But is there a difference between defending our reason for the hope that you have, which is ultimately based in the sometimes irrationality of faith, and defending the orthodoxy of what we believe, which sometimes appears to be a larger body of knowledge of the collective elite?

What say you?

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About the Author

Jonathan BrinkI am an business development and communications consultant. I am also the senior editor and publisher for Civitas Press. I recently published, Discovering The God Imagination: Reconstructing A Whole, New Christianity. (Civitas, 2011)View all posts by Jonathan Brink →

  • fredshope

    There is definitely a difference. “Defending the faith” can be done with logical arguments that don't have anything to do with the defender's life. In order to give an answer for the hope that is in us, people have to ask because they see in our life that there is hope within us.

  • fredshope

    There is definitely a difference. “Defending the faith” can be done with logical arguments that don't have anything to do with the defender's life. In order to give an answer for the hope that is in us, people have to ask because they see in our life that there is hope within us.

  • http://www.parablesofaprodigalworld.com Raffi Shahinian

    I say: depends on the reason for the hope that you have. If the reason is a sometimes irrational faith, that's the reason you will give. If your reason is the perceived orthodoxy of your doctrinal beliefs, then that's the reason you will give.

    Grace and Peace,
    Raffi

  • http://www.parablesofaprodigalworld.com Raffi Shahinian

    I say: depends on the reason for the hope that you have. If the reason is a sometimes irrational faith, that's the reason you will give. If your reason is the perceived orthodoxy of your doctrinal beliefs, then that's the reason you will give.

    Grace and Peace,
    Raffi

  • mamacup

    Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. . . .
    1 John 5:10

  • mamacup

    Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. . . .
    1 John 5:10

  • Marian

    I agree with Fred and would add. The reason for defending or answering is to answer those who ASK. They aren’t gonna ask if they aren’t seeing something in our lives. Arguing or defending systems, theology, or as I learned from you Jonathan validating or not validating certain behaviors isn’t going to further relationship with God, or each other. When we hang our hearts and minds on real truth our lives will give a reason for others to ask. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,”

  • Taralinnehan

    I find it odd that the word defend comes up so much with regard to this verse, considering that it is not used in the text. The only times Jesus ever actually used the word defend he’s saying not to worry about defending yourselves because the Holy Spirit will give you the words. If you are right God is your defense and if you are wrong you really don’t have one. I try to remember that God needs me to love Him, not defend Him. He’s capable of defending himself and if Jesus is example an example of his stance on that; He doesn’t feel the need to.nnI also love what fredshope said about living a life that causes people to ask questions. I think that answering the question would be the easy part if you are already living that kind of life.

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