Arguing Something You’ve Never Read

The other day, a couple of my friends and coworkers found ourselves engaged in a discussion about Christianity and the Bible with one of our guests.

He was vehement in his arguments against the Christian view of God, Christians and Christianity, church, and the Bible. He stood firmly cemented in his convictions.

Turns out, as we learned through several additional conversations, he had actually never read the Bible.

Yet, this did not prevent him from vehemently attacking its validity.

What does a Christian do when they find themselves arguing with someone about the Bible they have never read?

First, as believer, it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve actually read it yourself. Even better, it’s super helpful if you’ve spent time with God’s word, studied it and prayed on it.

Otherwise, it’s like a battle of two people who see themselves as gladiators but are in reality unprepared combatants wildly swinging raging chainsaws.

Secondly, I’ve found it’s not unusual for people to debate me about God and His Holy Word who have actually never cracked open the pages of a Bible.

There exists an abundance of alleged theologians who have failed to actually study God, let alone His word. They think, therefore it must be. People can be sincere.

And people can be sincerely wrong.

Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me that a professed nonbeliever hasn’t read the Bible anymore than it surprises me that a nonbeliever has read the Good Book.

But, it does puzzle me how many people who say they are Christians haven’t read God’s word. Especially given we live in a time when the Bible is more accessible than ever before.

Oh. Wait. You didn’t realize it was going to be that kind of a post. You thought I was going to focus on the other guy.

Nah.

I don’t expect nonbelievers to read God’s word—unless they are planning to argue for it or against it.

On the other hand, if you profess to be a believer, why wouldn’t you read the Bible?

As a professing Christian, reading and understanding the Bible is a journey of faith for me. It is a way to know God more intimately and deeply. If I want to know God and understand His will, I need to invest time in reading and studying God’s word. This isn’t just true for me; it’s true for you, too—if you profess to believe in Jesus.

Scripture calls us to live according to the teachings of Jesus. We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, and to be equipped for every good work.

Engaging with the Bible is also a communal journey, meant to be shared with and supported by the body of Christ, the church. That’s why we have Sunday schools, Bible studies, small groups, community groups, and other corporate gatherings. It’s why we have preachers preach sermons—to edify, equip, and educate us in God’s ways through His word.

It all starts with opening our Bible and reading it.

Whenever we find ourselves engaged in deep conversations regarding Scripture and the Christian faith, it’s critical to recall the teachings of Jesus and maintain a spirit of grace, gentleness, understanding, and patience. The Bible is rich with examples of individuals challenging or disputing its teachings. In each case, Scripture emphasizes the importance of responding with love and gentleness.

This is an area I find myself working on because I am passionate about God’s word. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 2:24-25, “A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.”

Engaging with people who have strong opinions against the Bible, yet have not personally explored its contents, presents an opportunity for open, respectful dialogue.

It’s a chance to share the core messages of the Bible—love, redemption, forgiveness, and hope—in a manner reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ.

This can be hard and is not without its challenges. Thankfully, we don’t need to rely on ourselves. We have the benefit of being indwelled by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus provides us with examples of engaging with those who were skeptical or critical of His teachings.

He didn’t lash out and respond with hostility or disdain. Rather, Jesus answered critics and skeptics with parables, questions, and compassion. He invited His listeners to reflect and discover the truth for themselves.

Consider the approach Jesus took in His interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Despite cultural and religious barriers, Jesus engaged her in a conversation that led to her having profound revelations about her life and the truth of His identity.

In discussing Christianity and the Bible with others, especially those holding opposing views, it’s beneficial to:

1. Listen: Understand their perspective, what drives their opinions, and any specific objections they have. Seek first to understand, before seeking to be understood.
2. Share: Gently share your own experiences and understanding of the Bible. Personal testimonies can be powerful in illustrating the Bible’s impact. It’s why God gave you a story.
3. Be Informed: Do your homework. Familiarize yourself with common questions or criticisms about Christianity and the Bible, so you can address them thoughtfully. Study God’s word.
4. Offer Resources: Be prepared. For someone who hasn’t read the Bible but is open to learning, suggest starting with one of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John—to encounter the life and teachings of Jesus.
5. Pray: Be prayerful. Ultimately, the understanding and acceptance of the Bible’s message is a work of the Holy Spirit. Pray for guidance, wisdom, and open hearts.

Try to approach engaging people in conversations about the Bible from the perspective of bearing witness to the love, grace, and truth found in the Scriptures.

Remember, it’s not all up to you, if it’s up to you at all.

How can you take a step today to deepen your relationship with Jesus?

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 119:105 (NIV)

Dear reader: I urge you to dive into the Word, study its teachings, and to mediate on its meaning for your life and those whom you love. I pray that by doing so you might grow in wisdom and understanding.

Praying for us. We are all works in progress.

You are loved.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™