Conversing About the Truth
Some Things to Consider
As I have watched, listened and participated in discussions regarding the Truth, especially Biblical truth, I have noticed the following. Most of these conversations are actually about religion. If one person speaks of genuine Truth, the other speaks of religion. Thus, both participants talk past each other, as they are conversing about two distinctly different subjects. Such a conversation is in conflict regardless of the content. It is important when speaking the Truth in love to discern how the audience interprets what is said - they may need to remove their "religious eye-glasses". The next few sections are shared to illustrate how easy it is to begin a conversation about the Truth, and then end up talking about anything but the Truth.
The "God Question"
Almost everyone knows the "God" question; it is somewhat of a cultural icon. Most already have an instinctive response to it. When this question is asked, the mind is propelled into a predictable, conditioned reaction. A ritual of rhetoric begins which excludes genuine, critical thought and meaningful discussion.
As has been observed, the "God" question is really about philosophy, religion, and religious doctrine; "God" has nothing to do with the question. When the rhetorical ritual is finished, we have learned about philosophical and religious positions as well as the debating abilities of those involved. This ritual has provided a cloak of darkness for the participants to hide behind to avoid discussing the real question.
The REAL Question
If you have not guessed by now, the iconic "God" question is, "Do you believe in God?". Here is the real question that can be asked of all, which could prompt a more honest, thoughtful response: "Who or what do you worship?", or, "Who or what do you serve?" Without exception, everyone worships someone or something; everyone serves someone or something. Even the professing Christian serves someone or something. Even the professing atheist serves someone or something. Everyone has a personal god that they worship and serve. Usually it is multiple gods that are held in reverent, loving esteem. These are gods such as money, self, appetite, fame, social status, and family. There are too many to list here.
Discovering an Idol
When I became aware of some of these ideas, especially about the idea of religion being a form of idolatry, I visited with a friend who was an avowed, staunch, "atheist". Other than that, he was an intelligent and ethical friend. I asked him "When you hear the word "god", what comes to mind?" His reply was exclusively about religion, religious officials and religious trappings.
I don't know how many time I have heard, "Oh, you don't believe in god? So, you don't go to church?" In our culture, these two words "church" and "god" are essentially synonyms. Thus my conclusion that religion itself is an idol, a god.
Different World Views
At the core of disagreements there can be a difference in world views. This is especially pronounced between elders and the children who have been recently indoctrinated by academia. The world views of many do not permit or accommodate the existence of God, his son Jesus Christ, or the Truth. This is all just superstitious nonsense to their world view and belief system.
Other indoctrination has been produced by those I have named "the god makers" AKA "sons of belial"(1) Although they recognize the existence of A god, these authoritative leaders assume the right to control exactly what this god is. It is their goal to influence people to exchange the truth of God for a lie. It is their goal to rob the worship due to the Living God and Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and direct it to the creation.
What To Do?
I have been through courses that try to introduce strategies and techniques to help believers effectively converse with others about the Truth. The results were mixed, at best. Nothing substitutes for listening closely, caring about the other person, and heeding any guidance from the Lord - walking by the spirit.
I try to be mindful of my goals, when I speak with someone about the Truth.
Meeting this person will be life-changing for them. They get to choose whether it is a positive or negative impact.
God is glorified, which ultimately happens when His power goes into operation to accomplish His will. When you speak as inspired, or when you listen as inspired, it is glorifying to God. Of course we desire to see HIS words and power have a positive, delivering effect for the listeners!
Other Advice
Don't get drawn into an argument or debate that must be won or lost.
Every question asked does not have to be answered. You can redirect the conversation back to the subject at hand.
When you are personally accused or mentioned by the other person, try to redirect the conversation back to the real subject - it isn't about YOU. Conversely, as much as possible, try not to allow the conversation to center on the other person. This is much easier to do in writing than in real-time, face to face.
Responses
We speak the Truth in Love regardless of the response. It is our love for God which is the motivation, not acclaim from the audience. Acts 17:32 - 34 lists the basic 3 responses that you will experience.
Mockery
Deference - "…we will visit again about this sometime."
Belief
Conclusion
I am far from perfect in this work, but I keep working to improve. It is one of these skills that we may be working on for a life time!
Acts 4:20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (ESV)
2023 Keith Radcliffe
(1) Deuteronomy 13:13 (Wyclif)
13 The sons of Belial went out from the midst of thee, and turned away the dwellers of the city, and said, Go we, and serve alien gods, which ye knew not, (The sons of Belial went out from thy midst, and turned away that city’s inhabitants, for they said, Let us go, and serve foreign, or other, gods, which ye knew not,)
Well said Keith.
Great post Keith, you made so many good points.