My guess a sketch from Monty Python’s Flying Circus from 50 years ago is unexpected for this space today.
A man enters an “Argument Clinic”:
Man: Is this the right room for an argument?
Other Man: I’ve told you once.
Man: No you haven’t!
Other Man: Yes I have.
M: When?
O: Just now.
M: No you didn’t!
O: Yes I did!
M: You didn’t!
O: I did!
M: You didn’t!
O: I’m telling you, I did!
M: You did not!
O: Oh I’m sorry, is this a five-minute argument, or the full half hour?
M: Ah! (taking out his wallet and paying) Just the five minutes.
O: Just the five minutes. Thank you. Anyway, I did.
M: You most certainly did not!
O: Now let’s get one thing quite clear: I most definitely told you!
M: Oh no you didn’t!
O: Oh yes I did!
M: Oh no you didn’t!
O: Oh yes I did!
M: Oh no you didn’t!
O: Oh yes I did!
M: Oh no you didn’t!
O: Oh yes I did!
M: Oh no you didn’t!
O: Oh yes I did!
And for several minutes, the sketch goes on like that. A classic.
Unfortunately, this ping-pong approach to arguments is fairly common, which is why the above sketch was so funny. For every intelligent, informed debate on important issues affecting the world today are thousands or millions of Monty Python argument-clinic sketches.
Many Christian writers desire to write to those who are not Christ-followers and craft a reasonable, logical presentation of the hope, which is in them. But the nonbelieving world will likely respond with a confident “No, it’s not” to each truthful assertion about the Bible and God.
And to be blunt, simply being contrary is all they’ve got. It’s their only defense mechanism.
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles (Romans 1:18-23, NIV).
It seems somewhat logical: Writing in spiritual generalities or a nonoffensive manner would be the best way to write to “Bible Deniers,” but reality reveals just the opposite.
The Christian books that have been used most effectively in drawing interest from the unbelieving world left little doubt about the author’s perspective, their source of wisdom, and who receives praise for salvation.
So, you want to write to Bible Deniers? Write well, make your perspective clear, rely heavily on Scripture, and let the Holy Spirit do the work of opening the heart of the unbeliever. It’s that simple.
How They Got Their Agent
They would deny the Word of God
with a premise I find funky
and not just a little flawed,
that my grandad was a monkey.
We have seen adaptation
out in the created world,
but in the rodent population,
say, a squirrel is always still a squirrel,
and though in fact I might look like
a sonnetizing chimpanzee,
with a well-trimmed beard (Vandyke),
the monkey really isn’t me,
and a simian’s rage would rise, ascendant
if told that I was his descendant.
Love this!
Thanks, Rebecca!
Thank you for that clarity Bob. That’s a debate I’ve had in my heart and mind for years. But speaking the truth always appeared the better path. Whenever I try not to offend, I feel like I’m also telling people I’m not that confident in my beliefs. More honestly, that I care more about what they think of me than leading them to salvation. And thanks for the laugh. Such a great sketch. So simple, yet so funny.
My apologies Dan. I have no idea why I wrote “Bob,” even after rereading what I wrote a thousand times.
Never a bad thing to be called the name of someone smarter and better at everything than I am!
Ha! That’s why I often call myself Dan.
Yet Bob did not write this, you did. Yes, you did.
Hi Dan. Loved your blog because it’s true – we’re not called to start a fight. The Lord mentioned to me once (after engaging in said fight) that it’s our job to put the info out there, it’s His job to convict people of the truth of it. And, He added, we only have to mention it once; He’s perfectly capable of reminding people of what they’ve heard or read when it will most impact them. Frankly, that’s a relief.
Oh so true, Cindi!
BAHAHAHAHA!! I remember that Monty Python skit!
Good words. Wise words. Thanks for the encouragement!
Can I throw a question out to the room? Many writing coaches/blogs warn budding, authors not to “sermonize.“ But, in my life as a Christian, some of the most profound changes came when I heard a sermon or read a devotional or was studying the Bible. If my intended/target audience is Christian, why wouldn’t I include references to scripture or even sermons? Could someone help me understand this? I’m genuinely baffled. Thanks in advance, friends!
Dang it! Does anybody else get the feeling that Siri and her cousin Otto Correct got a bulk rate discount on commas these days? I find that no matter how carefully I type, random commas show up in my post. Forgive me!
Many times Otto Correct
has my backside bitten,
deciding that he would reject
that which I had written.
He worked his venom on the sly,
while I had gone on ahead,
and it did not catch my eye
’till the words were put to bed,
and I had just hit submit,
but his laughing presence, still on screen
made me regretfully admit
that my proofread wasn’t keen,
but I know I’m not alone
with an enemy in my phone.
Hi Karen,
What you’ve said here is obviously true. As Christians, we’ve all been inspired by a sermon, or writer who effectively quotes scripture. But what about those who don’t know Christ? Should we write them off? Mark 16:15 (NCV) Jesus said to his followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone.” There’s more than one way to “tell the Good News.” Are we superior to our audience because we know scripture? Is preaching the only way to affect change? Being gentle with non-believers isn’t denying our faith, it’s acknowledging that some of our readers haven’t come to believe…yet. If we trust in the power of the Holy Spirit, we simply need to inspire, and quoting scripture isn’t the only way to inspire. Preaching turns a lot of people off. I believe evangelism is better accomplished through empathy, understanding, and personal conduct. Christ was gentle and patient with those who struggled to get His message. That’s why he used parables.
I disagree with Dan’s premise. Let’s convert by demonstrating how Christ has blessed us using, “a reasonable, logical presentation of the hope” that is in us. My readers don’t respond by saying, “no it’s not.” They don’t reject the Christian principles I write about. More often they say, “thanks for not preaching.”
Hi, Charlie! I totally agree with you! I’m not referring to writing off non-Christians, sorry for any confusion. I’m writing fiction and I’m nearly 100% sure that the theme (returning to one’s first love) would be confusing (at best) and off-putting (at worst) to non-believers. I’m writing this for the slumbering Church (the frozen chosen, if you will). There are so many wonderful novels out there written to help non-believers understand more about Jesus, but my target audience are those who came to know Him in their early lives but have since fallen or backslidden from their first love. Does that make more sense? Warmly in Him, Karen
Perfectly. All praise to Him.
Just a quick thought…
All Christians are not well versed in the Bible and are not in a close relationship to God. Nor do they have the books of the Bible memorized. Christians may want to SEE the verses in the Bible for themselves…thus, they get what you may be saying better.
Thanks for your question!
Thanks for the chuckle. I think that’s why fiction and fantasy are wonderful ways to stir the senses of naysayers.
You had me at, “I’ve told you once!”
No you didn’t.
As someone who is in full-time ministry, working with all ages but especially teens, I have found that honesty, compassion, and a truly listening ear are the best ways to connect with others about scripture. Non-believing teens are happy to discuss God … as long as you are not just talking to them to make a point, win an argument, or put a tally mark on your gun for another soul won over. Respect, my friends. God respects our right to reject Him, we should do the same for others. Be honest about our beliefs, always! But in the midst of that honesty, do not sin. Show the grace and compassion God in all His wisdom has shown to us and the conversation is much less likely to end up like a Monty Python skit.
Amen!!!
I loved all of your comments. Thank you. I kept thinking about Psalm 19, and I will be praying for discernment and understanding.
Jesus said, I only do what I have seen my Father do. What if you can show that Creation includes a prophecy of the Life of the Son of God. You can! And it will establish that the Bible is immeasurably more than you think it is.