Answering a question --

A question from Cole -

Cole asks: "Lisa, I go to college with friends and classmates that think Christianity is arrogant because it makes an exclusive claim on truth. Any ideas how I share Jesus with them when they are sure reject me for this reason?"

Hi Cole! Thanks for writing. First it's important to realize that the idea of neutral ground is a myth. Everyone believes their ideas about reality, or truth, are not false ideas, or they wouldn't believe them. If they are willing to say someone else's ideas are arrogant, that means they are claiming a superior way themselves. They believe in a preferable path, and this is arrogant too. Everyone does the same sort of thing. Kindly pointing out that we all have a belief preference may help to level out the playing field a little when you are trying to state what your position is. It's okay to have an opinion. They will (probably) realize this.

What sharing your faith (Christian apologetics) boils down to is something more than just preaching and defending the Good News. Humans are in rebellion against God in their hearts. The bible points this out in the narrative story of God's interaction with people. Many thirst for something missing --which is the missing reconciliation with God. They long for peace, but also many are in opposition to God. And some (basically) hate him. We have to know this when we talk to people who don't believe. Spiritually it boils down to submission, doing things God's way....for you and for those opposed to God. Submission is never easy-- and not very cool in a society that prizes freedom, independence, and choice. Paradoxically, it is God's authority that brings comfort, clarity, and relief.

I want to encourage you to really love your friends who believe and those who don't. Bit by bit, you can introduce a worldview to them that includes God as the centerpiece. Some may reject you, (they killed Jesus after all) but others may see that your centered life and reality makes sense and is real, and not just for you. It's a blessing to see your love for Jesus, Cole.