I am not a Christian but please let me ask a question here! Is it not possible that when we stand in strong defence of our beliefs we have just shut the door.
I just saw this thread today and wanted to comment. As a Christian, I don't "stand in strong defense" of my beliefs. I
express my beliefs on occasion when I feel led to. But more than that, as a follower of Christ, I believe it's more important to "model" the peace and joy I have in my life. Then someone may want to know how to get that, and I can tell them. If they don't want it, that's ok. If they do, I'll help them learn more. Absolutely nothing is accomplished with hatred or hostility. You catch more bees with honey, as the saying goes.
Standing in defense of my faith means, personally, to me, I don't compromise my moral values when it would be easier to do so. For instance, the Bible says the number one law for us, that we MUST uphold, is loving your neighbor as yourself. We can't compromise on that. Jesus didn't say it was a "suggestion," but law! He didn't say, only if your neighbor is a fellow Christian. When I don't follow that law, I've not stood in defense of my beliefs.
Regarding what was said about shutting "the door" when you stand for your beliefs, I don't agree with that. Not to say a lot of Christians don't do that, because they do. Also nonChristians do it too. But not every Christian does it. However, there are some things that are true, core values for me as a Christian, and that door is not open. It would be, to me, like closing the door on breathing. I have to breathe to stay alive, and I have to believe.
But I can "listen" to other viewpoints and not give up my faith. I have to do that a lot with my husband, who is a Christian but has different ideas on certain subjects.
Good thread. The world needs more dialog on this topic. Might mean less war.