In Christianity, we find there are a lot of different opinions and factions. I'm not going to list my personal convictions on any of them in this post, nor look at the 'why' or 'what' of what we defend in our faith, but rather take a look at the 'how'.
We see there are basically three types of defenses for our beliefs. The frightened pacifist, who doesn't defend what he believes because he doesn't know or doesn't think he knows enough to defend what he believes. These are usually weak Christians, either for lack of discipline/conviction or personal conflict in their own lives. These people can also be they type who believe everything is right or no one can know or condemn.
Next, we have the all out assault. This is typically what we would call a Fundamentalist approach. They believe everything is vital, nothing can be disagreed upon, and if we disagree, one of us is a heretic. Now, it is very true that some things are essentials to the Christian faith; however, not all of our personal convictions are things that others are forced to follow. We find that these people are dissenters and quarrelers. They are usually very willing to argue a point, but will refuse to listen to anyone else's ideas or beliefs. These are, sadly enough, often the loudest voices in Christianity. They condemn all who disagree with them and are a poor example of Christ. They are the very ones Paul was talking about when he said that we are to have nothing to do with these types of people. (2 Timothy 3:2-5) These people often sway other weak or fearful Christians with their powerful arguments and reasoning. Often it is done through fear, as those who follow said 'leader' are afraid of condemnation from that person. So they jump through the proverbial hoops to win the accolades of their ideological leader. This type of person is quick to condemn, often being very verbal with their convictions and will have lots of verses (often out of context) to support their stance. This is by far the most damaging example of Christianity.
Lastly, we also have the true examples of Christ. This is a hard path to stay on. It requires us to be in fellowship with God, in prayer about not only our convictions, but how to share these convictions. These are to be solid pillars of the Church, not condemning for the sake of condemning; but leading with love. These people will often have an answer for the Assault-type Christian, but need to be in prayer about wether or not this will actually help. They are to bear the burden of the weak (Romans 15), they are to do so in love (I Peter 4, I Cor. 13), and they are to correct false teaching (Gal. 5).
That's a lot of work. What can we do with this? How can we ever balance love, bearing burdens, and also exposing those who are wrong? The first thing we need to do is turn our attention away from them, and toward Christ. Then, after our priorities are in line with Christ, (more complex and time consuming than it sounds, in fact it takes all of our very existance) we turn our focus on ourselves. This focus on ourselves is not to please ourselves, but to purify ourselves through Christ. After that, we are to help others. Remember, we are not to correct or argue for our own selves, but to further Christ and to help those who are in error. Its not about destroying other peoples arguments, being the smartest person in the room, or even making sure people know we are right or not ignorant. We are not to defend ourselves, but strive to help others become more like Christ.
In conclusion, we often see ourselves falling into one of the first two groups, either lax or attacking. When this happens, we need to turn our focus back on Christ, in fellowship and prayer, then work on the log in our own eye before worrying about the splinter in our neighbors.
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