nonsequitur

Here’s something a little different.
It's a thread from an online conversation I was involved in about a criminal being put to death. I don’t get into arguments, but I also don’t shy away from engaging. Initially, it can be hard to get used to sticking it out in these sort of conversations as people are obviously trying to belittle or upset you with provoking words, but over time, it does get easier and you appreciate it for what it is. A tool for growth.

So this is my initial comment about the story -
As much as people tend to discount and discredit The Bible, it's the only religious book that has accurately described the depraved heart of man and its general worsening as time goes on. Yes, the Romans were horrible, but they, like the Huns, Hitler and other "Power Play" political groups, were all simply exacting their rule - what we're seeing now is 'the common man" …and it's quite disheartening.

Someone responded with –
Every religion, every god is a fabrication to control the masses. I doubt there are really that many gods to suit everyone's belief. Go team Agnostic. If less people cared about living for something else, they might learn to get along better.

So I say –
Yep, all the way up until the day of reckoning.

Then, they say –
Oh cute, is that a threat. Because you believe what you believe for the reward at the end. cute. My cats follow me around because I feed them. Did you really think I was going to go tattoo a cross on my neck because you threatened me? Day of Reckoning? Really, you in charge of enforcing that now. So funny.

So I say –
Why would it have to be a threat?....AT ALL. If I say that driving fast is SUPER fun...until you get a speeding ticket or worse...a suspended license for reckless driving, does that automatically make it a threat? That’s a common use of "non-sequitur" logic (which basically refers to a statement that supports an illogical conclusion). Some people really do have good arguments, but you'd be surprised how uncommon it is. You'd be surprised at the number of arguments based on logical fallacies that are easily exposed.

I encourage Christians to engage in dialogue with our culture and the Internet is rich with opportunity. It’s like the gym; go, work out, lift what you can handle and when it gets too hard, walk away. Simple.
But it helps shape and firm up the foundations of our belief and helps us to get better at vocalizing it in the face of more common misconceptions. The more you involve yourself in the intricacies of how people rationalize their belief system, you’ll see just how valid the following quote is.

Few persons care to study logic, because everybody conceives himself to be proficient enough in the art of reasoning already. But I observe that this satisfaction is limited to one's own ratiocination and does not extend to that of other men. ~ Charles Sanders Peirce

Here’s The Word:

Proverbs 26:16 The sluggard is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason.

Hebrews 5:14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

We're not to threaten anyone, but according to Colossians 1:28, we DO warn people as we preach Christ.
The 17th chapter Acts talks about Paul's engagements in dialogue with people; discussions and persuasion. First, I encourage that you consider your own thought processes and be honest about exposing your own logical fallacies. Then, to be about building the ability to stand soundly and consistently on God's Word.
And finally, to seek opportunity to engage the culture as a strengthening and refining of your faith and its verbal expression.

In Him,
Cros