Responding to Non-Religious People About Christianity
Responding to Non-Religious People About Christianity
Christians are called to engage with non-religious individuals in a manner that is both sincere and wise. The apostle Paul sets a precedent for this engagement, emphasizing the importance of sincerity in one's speech [1]. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul distinguishes himself and his fellow ministers from those who "peddle the word of God for profit," highlighting their own sincerity and divine commission (2 Corinthians 2:17) [1].
When interacting with non-believers, Christians are advised to be mindful of their conduct and speech. The apostle Peter exhorts believers to maintain "honest" or upright behavior among Gentiles, ensuring that their actions do not bring reproach upon their faith [5]. This involves providing "things honest in the sight of men" and living in a manner that is right and becoming before both God and humanity (1 Peter 2:11-12) [5].
The manner in which Christians communicate with non-believers is also crucial. The apostle Paul encourages believers to "walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time" (Colossians 4:5) [6]. This involves being prepared to engage with others in a gracious and thoughtful way. Calvin interprets this as speaking "with grace, seasoned with salt," enabling believers to respond appropriately to every individual [6]. The goal is to be prepared to give an account of one's faith while being sensitive to the context and audience.
In dealing with unbelievers, Christians must also be aware of the potential for misunderstanding and prejudice. Matthew Henry advises believers to be cautious in their interactions, avoiding behaviors that might be misconstrued or give offense to those outside the faith [2]. At the same time, Christians are encouraged to show hospitality and kindness, even to those who may not share their beliefs, as this can be a powerful witness to the love of Christ (1 Peter 4:9; Romans 12:13) [4].
The early Christian fathers and reformers offer additional insights into how Christians should engage with non-believers. John Chrysostom, for example, emphasizes the importance of preaching and the role of the preacher in communicating the Gospel to those who have not heard it [3]. This underscores the need for Christians to be actively engaged in sharing their faith with others.
In summary, responding to non-religious people about Christianity involves a combination of sincerity, wisdom, and graciousness. By being mindful of their conduct and speech, Christians can provide a positive witness to their faith and engage effectively with those who do not share their beliefs. The biblical emphasis on living a life that is "honest among the Gentiles" and communicating with "grace, seasoned with salt" provides a foundation for these interactions [5, 6].
The historical and biblical context thus provides a rich framework for understanding how Christians can engage with non-religious individuals. By following the examples and teachings found in Scripture and the writings of early Christian interpreters, believers can navigate these interactions with confidence and sensitivity.
The practice of hospitality, as noted by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, is an important aspect of Christian witness, demonstrating the love of Christ through practical acts of kindness and generosity [4]. As Christians engage with non-believers, they are called to embody the teachings of Scripture, providing a compelling and gracious representation of their faith.
The early Christian practice of engaging with the broader culture, as seen in the apostle Paul's interactions with various audiences, serves as a model for contemporary believers. By being aware of their audience and adapting their approach accordingly, Christians can effectively communicate the Gospel in diverse contexts.
Sources
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 2:17 (BSB) — For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.”
- Colossians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Colossians 4:5: The apostle exhorts them further to a prudent and decent conduct towards all those with whom they conversed, towards the heathen world, or those out of the Christian church among whom they lived (Col 4:5): Walk in wisdom towards those who are without. Be careful, in all your converse with them, to get no hurt by them, or contract any of their customs; for evil communications corrupt good manners; and to do not hurt to them, or increase their prejudices against religion, and give them an occasion of dislike. Yea, do them all the good you can, and by all the fitt”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts & Romans: Rom. X. 14, 15 478 Homily XVIII. “How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in Him of Whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach except they be sent? as it is written.” Here again he takes from them all excuse. For since he had said, “I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge,” and that “being ignorant of God’s righteousness, they submitted not themselves” to it: he next shows, that for this ignorance itself they”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 4:9: (Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2.) Not the spurious hospitality which passes current in the world, but the entertaining of those needing it, especially those exiled for the faith, as the representatives of Christ, and all hospitality to whomsoever exercised from genuine Christian love. without grudging--Greek, "murmuring." "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity," that is open-hearted sincerity; with cordiality. Not secretly speaking against the person whom we entertain, or upbraiding him with the favor we have conferred in him.”
- 1 Peter (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 1 Peter 2:11: Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles,.... To have the conversation honest, is to provide things honest in the sight of men; to live and walk honestly before all; to do those things which are right and honest in the sight of God, and among men; to order the conversation aright, according to the law of God, which is a rule of walk and conversation, and as becomes the Gospel of Christ; and which was the more, and rather to be attended to, because these converted Jews were "among the Gentiles", that knew not God; idolaters, and unbelievers, profane sinners,”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 42.1: Colossians 4:5-9 5. Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 5. Sapienter ambulate erga extraneos, tempus redimentes. 6. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. 6. Sermo vester semper in gratia sit sale conditus: ut sciatis quomodo oporteat vos unicuique respondere. 7. All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord: 7. Res meas omnes patefaciet vo”