I would like to ask a simple question. Well maybe it isn't simple but here it goes. If you were attacked online or face to face for being a christian, whether its for believing in "fairy tales" or if its just out of dislike for the bible, how would you respond. I have been attacked quite a bit, and it has taught me a lot. It has taught me patience above all. I have learned to give a more refined and patient response. And without as much aggression as I used to. Anyway, what are your thoughts?

Maybe you need to define "attack". If it is a disagreement or a heated debate, it's not an attack. A disagreement is a disagreement. Can it be upsetting? Yes, but I wouldn't go into saying it's an attack. The only things that Christians can do is to listen what others have to say, understand where they are at, and reason with them about Christianity. Prayer is important too, for them and for yourself.

Think about those who are outside of a "freedom to practice religion" location, where Christians are persecuted, arrested, or even killed for their faith, and forcing churches to go underground. They encounter attacks for their faith that we Christians in the US are not even close of encountering.

Also, remember that as Christians, we have the fruits of the spirit, which are love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, kindness, gentleness, and self control. We should show that in our conversations with both believers and nonbelievers. Remember what the Book of James reminded us:

"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;" (James 1:19)

Attack in the context of being sworn at or demeaned and insulted because because of belief

Hoochman, I think it's great that you've learned from and how to handle those situations. I personally respond to such situations with as much scripture as I can.

Hoochman :     No one can hender my faith.  I will worship God no matter the cause.  Throw me in jail and I'll praise God.  People can say all they want, but the Bible says do not touch God's anointed.  God is keeping me in His arms so I have nothing to fear.

As far as I know, I have never been "attacked" for my faith in a face-to-face setting. If it were to happen, I would simply try to diffuse the situation as quickly as possible without sacrificing truth. I have heard that if someone asks me about my faith only to find excuses with the Bible, then they are not worth spending my time talking to.

I often have trouble knowing when someone is attacking me for my faith online. If I figure it is happening, I simply "walk away" from the conversation and report them to the moderators/staff as necessary.

I have to agree wholeheartedly with play4fun.  I'm not much into the debate scene, but my husband is.  He has received hate mail that could easily make someone grow pale.

That being said, I think it's absolutely crucial that we follow God's advice to us.  One of my favorite chapters is Matthew 5, and at the end are the following verses: 

44 But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
45 That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
46 For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? do not even the publicans the same?
47 And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? do not even the publicans so?

This is not the only part of the Bible which gives such advice, either.  It is easy to love your brothers and sisters and friends.  Even sinners and those who hate God love their friends and relatives. Jesus urges us to love our enemies also and implies that to do so is a greater feat.  Why should we?

I think many Christians do not understand fully the purpose of these verses and also verses 38-42:

38 You have heard that it has been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.
39 But I say to you, That you resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloak also.
41 And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two.
42 Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not away

Though the versus may not seem related to your question, I think they fit well in what I am trying to say.  Many seem to think that these verses are about being meek and having a giving heart and serving spirit.  They fail to understand that we are instructed to do these things for a much deeper reason: to show Christ's love and thus be open to witnessing opportunities.  One of our most crucial goals as Christian should be to bring others into salvation.  I do not desire that anyone burn in hell.  You never know how your show of Christ's love may affect someone.  After witnessing His love and forgiveness through us, sinners may be more easily led to that relationship of salvation.  You may not even see the results, but by being careful in your responses to hate and spite, you might just plant a few seeds.

play4fun :

I like your response! And I agree.


We should respond with love and patience. If that person is literally insulting you, I think the best is just ignore.  You cannot force someone to have a peaceful conversation with you. Do not  throw your pearls before swine.(Matthew 7:6)