As somebody who enjoys Christian apologetics, I have become quite accustomed to the persecution and negativity when the issue of God is presented in a public forum. I have merely accepted it as a part of the process, as even the first Christian was persecuted into and until His death.
However, I am finding that many Christians are unprepared for the responses that they may receive. Whether our intention is to receive advice, spread the gospel, collect scripture opinions or request prayer, there are many negative people who will produce only negative answers. Before you venture into an online forum, you need to acknowledge that on the internet, many people do not recognize the traditional rule of mutual respect.
When people have a bias against an ideology, they spend time researching the reasons to dislike this ideology. They will often apply their reasoning to everybody who holds these beliefs, and ergo, form radical presuppositions about you before they even know you. In fewer words: many people opposed to Christianity already know the individual Christians, and they don't like them.
As somebody who enjoys creative writing, I will tend to adhere to the 'Show, Don't tell' method. To that end, I present to you a real forum topic and real answers from real people.
Topic: My nephew is a teenager. He was just diagnosed with cancer, and I request everybody reading this to pray on his behalf.
Answer One: Why do you think prayer will make a difference?
Answer Two: No prayer will help your nephew.
Answer Three: I just submitted a prayer to the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Answer Four: Jesus has never helped anyone.
It is quite clear that people are not afraid to state their opinion. I support second opinions, however, not in this context. People forget all tact and maturity when discussing religion. It is a shame that their parents failed them so terribly.
BEWARE OF PUBLIC FORUMS.
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