Author

I have this dilemma and I want to share it with you.

We want our members to refute heresies and challenge those who are against the scripture so we allow non-believers and heretics to post in the group.

However, I see the pattern in the comments that most of us don’t really defend it. I’m also concerned that our members usually don’t refute it and just show hate on the OP. Most of them will just resort to name calling or one-liner statement like “that’s nonsense, blasphemy!, you’re a heretic, read the bible”.

I’m afraid our group is being used as a channel/medium for the anti-Christs (i cant find another word for it) to sow confusion/doubt to our members who are new to the faith.

My initial thought was to decline those who are against the Christian believe but it will also make us an echo-chamber.

I would love to know your thoughts but please, practice kindness in all your comments. Our admins are looking into this matter seriously and we apologise if we have been soft on this issue.

— your brother in Christ

Discussion

26 comments

  1. Jeff Adolphson says:

    Most of the time they use the same old worn out arguments that has been refuted time after time. They are not here to learn

  2. Luap Iyasi says:

    I agree with you and thank you for that commennt

  3. Jeffry Diaz Abitan says:

    Grace and Truth is the right formula!

  4. Marlene Ferguson says:

    Maybe we can all learn how to be better witnesses and defend our faith. Instead of just going into attack mode when someone challenges us.

    Anger won’t win anyone to Christ. As for righteous anger, let’s leave that to God who is righteous to decide.

  5. Moses Ocholoda says:

    Thanks for the observation. It’s true that atheists find pleasure in trolling a page like this…But if you have been very observant, you would have seen through the ruse of their posts here.

    They present nothing new, other than Old atheistic pseudoscience, fallacious logic and assumptions that are parts and parcel of Atheism. It’s clear that atheists are not really ready for any meaningful discussion, other than regurgitating sayings of “top atheists”.

    Their willful rejection of God and exhibition of abundant Atheistic pride are canards driving their unbeliefs. Atheism is not from men, but from the devil. It’s a spiritual force, a force of evil.

    Ultimately, there are several important things we must continue to do as Christians; we must continue to gather evidence for the faith, defend the faith, praying for the unsaved and unflinching evangelism.

  6. Dan Waenet says:

    I came here to learn to defend my faith. Haha don’t really want to learn how to insult and lose my top.

  7. Eric Jergenson says:

    1 Peter 3:13-17 “Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, BUT in your HEARTS HONOR CHRIST the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; YET do it with GENTLENESS and RESPECT, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” Good apologetics is founded on RESPECTING the unbeliever, sharing truth through the living Word and our actions, and praying for God’s spirit to use us as his evangelists. This is not about our cleverness and intellect sparing with an evil opponent. This is about defending the faith so Christ is glorified and many will come to new life through the seeds of hope and reason God allows us to spread in this world. 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the GROWTH. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but ONLY God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.” May the Holy Spirit guide you during your discernment and may we Christians reflect the Love of Christ as we share the truth and grace he freely gives.

  8. Leonardi Djuhari says:

    fully agreed, we need to argue with a level head. Be civil. Should you fall to anger, perhaps one needs to ask what is it that is offended? Pride? Ego? If we submit to Christ then whatever happens we lay it before our Lord. Victories and losses are not ours. We merely obey and do our best to be ambassadors of Christ.

  9. Doug Taylor says:

    There is good reason to keep certain people from joining or commenting on this group,

    Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
    Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

    Look at what Paul had to deal with when writing to Timothy.

  10. Roberta Jackson says:

    It helps me to discuss other beliefs. It challenges me to actually study and know why I believe what I believe. I learn a lot by talking to others. I don’t think we read for understanding when others post in opposition to our views. Unfortunately, FB isn’t really conducive to really in-depth discussions.

    Personally, I like to be in groups with opposition. Civility is what is often lacking.

  11. Kevin Moldenhauer says:

    When the same person posts essentially the same thing over and over again, which has already been thoroughly discussed, the are simply here to troll rheir viewpoint and not engage in meaningful discussion. Those people dont deserve anything more that a one line response, in a kind manner, IMO.

  12. Barb Salter says:

    Many of us have tried to guide and inform them by use of proof text from Scripture to refute these heresies and the others will not respond to those points, or read into them something that is not there, or make vague comments that day nothing.

    They have no interest in learning just trying to condemn or convert the rest of us at best and simply troll at worst. I give them a chance then will block them when it becomes pointless.

    If they won’t listen to the Holy Spirit in His Word they won’t listen to anyone

  13. James Steve Mazuran says:

    There needs to be answers to questions with scriptural substance. If theres no scripture to back up any of us apologists claims, then we shouldn’t be allowed to post as it cpild be taken as our own interpretations. I am guilty of not listing scripture in my response at times, but everything I say comes from scripture. Yet I must do better and post scripture. We all should it should be compulsory for every apologists answer to a question.

  14. Jordan Bourke says:

    I think the issue is, this group can’t be for both new Christians and unbelievers.

    It’s either a group with mature Christians and unbelievers.
    Or it’s a group to teach apologetics to those new to the faith.

    Some brothers and sisters in this group, although I love you all deeply, are not well trained in apologetics and often do not actually know how to biblically defend the Christian faith.

    But that’s not as big of an issue unless new Christians are trying to learn apologetics by those who simply say “read your bible”

    I think the group admins should really look closely at the intention of this group and stick to it. Whether it’s for training in apologetics, or practicing apologetics will be up to the admins

  15. Richard Byron Mator says:

    I’m new to this but I see a pattern that occurs with similar sites. There are people that give their opinion and do not have a clue to the truth. This creates a problem pushing against the AntiChrist side of things. That irritates me as much as the blind do.

  16. Herb Van Schoick says:

    I think the goal should be to bring people to faith in christ…praying that you would have wisdom in accomplishing that goal

  17. Martin Burry says:

    There are several obstacles here.

    One is non-Christians rarely present a coherent argument.

    The second is many of the Christians here don’t know how to make an argument any better than those they are trying to refute.

    I don’t know how many might be able to spot a logical fallacy, Christian or not.

    I haven’t the faintest idea how to correct this. A Christian, even in the heat of an argument, has from within them the Spirit and the fruit of His presence, love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, patience, & self control.

    An argument is a conclusion with premises – but it isn’t this groups job to teach its members what an argument is.

  18. Joseph GladFor Grace says:

    First off: This group is a great idea!
    It does bother me that out of the 25 or so comments pertaining to your concern there were only ~4 or so that utilized the scripture in their reasoning. Most of the rest seemed the same as those that are complained about, personal opinions and man’s logic/wisdom.
    3) The way the group is organized right now, merely makes it a playground for those outside the faith that merely desire to be agitators (1 Peter 5:8) – Even in schools, they know the environment must be conducive to learning, so some kids wind in alternative schools while the rest remain under the principles and guidelines of the primary teaching.
    That being said, I merely offer suggestions beginning with,
    Ephesians 4:11-16 (everything always starts with leadership).
    “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” – Ephesians 4:11‭-‬16 NIV
    Our leaders/admins I pray your wisdom for this matter. – You all know their (antiChrist’s) typical arguments, and if not, it’s plenty easy to find their hateful propaganda online. How about you guys choose the topics daily or throughout the day and then let us comment and on the stuff and grow together. – One other thing I notice is that there aren’t many likes on comments in the posts, which says there isn’t “iron sharpening iron,” there’s just a bunch of “look what I know” going on. – Encourage conversation! I’ve found some good pieces from reading others posts. And ppl have let me know about things I’ve said that they like.
    Also, there will always be questions that come from people (believers), babes & mature, for guidance and understanding as there is traversing in the churches and the world today as we know it. – How can they be equipped to be serve or combat in their local church in order to remove frustration and create patience, love, and perseverance?
    Most of that said thus far simply speaks to “the mission of the group.”

    This is your choice:
    There are many verses from Gen. to Rev. that speak to expulsion
    – Romans 16:17*
    – 1 Tim. 5:~22*
    – Job 1& 2/ 2 Peter – satan’s roaming?
    Many others

    Basically, it’s your right to expel troublemakers for the sake of the believers (if you so choose: *Job 1&2 reference)….just pray about it.

    Started typing this earlier today, on and off, so there may have been other comments added. Hopefully this reaches the right people/person.

    Love y’all

  19. Sébastien Gilliand says:

    I think it would be good to have a group where everyone is humble and respectful. I also believe that the moderator should pay much more attention to the quality of the content shared. I also agree with the ones speaking about the question of “what is the real goal of this group ?”. Is it to discuss how to improve our apologetics arguments and technics or to debate what’s right or wrong with non-believers. The ones who are not aligned with the vision (to be defined by the leaders !) have nothing to do here and should leave. That’s my opinion.

  20. John Campbell says:

    This meme will help explain the reason why ppl get ignorant with their remarks when their beliefs are challenged

  21. Daniel Marvin says:

    I confess that I love the idea of this group, but the outcomes are not ideal. Too much emotion and reaction. Too little thought, kindness, humility, work, and logic. Apologetics is difficult work. Very different than venting on a blog. Not sure what the solution is, but I agree with your thoughts.

  22. Ava Reyes says:

    The problem is, apologetics only works to confirm one’s belief.
    It can’t hold up to scrutiny. For what it’s worth Paul, I think the members of your group have been very respectful compared to other groups I debate in.

  23. Paul Vargas says:

    Love for your second sentence 🙂

  24. Al Hendrickson says:

    One thing it should do is motivate us to more study.

  25. Juliette Carter says:

    I look at this group as a safe place for Christians. There are other groups to debate the existence of God. Unfortunately I would start deleting and blocking people.

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