"So far as it depends on you..."

Although there are a lot of people with access to the internet who aren't very articulate, and some of them are obviously featured in this video, this is certainly telling about how Christians are perceived by hardline atheists. It is beyond me how people who claim to be followers of Christ can justify ignoring all tact and gentility, as some of us have apparently done.

On the other hand, while Mr. Dawkins does not descend into the realm of the tactless, he is very dismissive and insulting towards this Christian, who is attempting to ask Dawkins a straightforward and sincere question. If only those emails had read more like this gentleman's question.



In Romans 12, Paul gives these instructions to the church in Rome:

"Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

We are to speak the truth in love. Yet if we sink into hypocrisy, our words will only be met with hostility and anger.