skynes wrote:What is so hard about taking the Bible and believing it? Ppl believe conspiracy theories, stories, rumours, myths and legends despite any and all evidence against them but when it comes to the Bible, supported by History and Archaeology and Geography, ppl disbelieve it.....
It is hard, because when you believe the Bible, you can't help but accept the truth of the claim that Jesus Christ is the one and only divine savior of the world. That is a rather difficult claim to accept for many people, since it necessitates a radical lifestyle change.
I tried the link, and it didn't work. I suppose that means that the post was deleted, which is probably for the best.
For me, the type of response to outrageously anti-Christian claims depends on the rules of the forum. If no debate is allowed, then I simply post a polite response in order to get the correct view out there, and then ask that any further discussion be taken to PMs. The way I see it, if someone breaks the rules and posts an inflammatory and obviously incorrect opinion, it is only right that the alternate viewpoint should be given a change to present itself. If you feel that you can adequately answer the claim in a respectful manner, then by all means do so.
However, if the forum does allow debate, then you should answer them as far as it goes while still being respectful. The point about factions is irrelevant. Do you think that Paul felt bad that he created a "faction" of Christians out of the unbelievers of his day? Not at all! Besides, if the person is offended by your beliefs, it does no good to hide them. Would you want to be friends with someone who finds your most cherised beliefs offensive? It would be better to be honest, sharing the gospel with all of it's controversy, rather than keep things civil and send your friend to hell without ever hearing the gospel.