If you are attacked because you believe what God says to you through Scripture
Stay Calm and Professional.
Why: Emotional responses can make you appear defensive or less credible.
How: Take a deep breath and maintain a tone of reason and respect, even when the criticism is harsh and unfair. Respond to the argument, not the emotion behind it.
Important: Look for any truth in the attack or any area where it points out that you could improve. Admit your faults right away and look to God to find out what you should do about them.
Refocus on Evidence and Logic.
Why: Grounding your argument in evidence makes it harder for others to dismiss you as irrational or unscientific. Remember that logic must be based on truth or it is unsound. Point out that the human mind can’t reason to truth. Typically, godless thinkers try to find some argument against this fact, but there is no rational argument against it. At a certain point, they are just making up stuff and calling the made-up stuff true. When they are talking about “evidence,” they are generally talking about a certain interpretation of an observation or Scripture. That interpretation is based on certain unprovable assumptions, so their claim of “evidence” is actually a claim that their unprovable assumptions are true. There is nothing irrational about divine revelation. God speaks through the Bible and every means of divine revelation mentioned in the Bible. In fact, the only certain way to know the Bible is God’s word without error is the fact that the Holy Spirit testifies to its reliability whenever you ask God about it.
How: Ask questions like, “That’s an interesting perspective. Obviously, you have a reason for saying that. Do you mind if I ask you what it is?” You are gently and respectfully asking them how they know what they are claiming. And you are digging down to the root. They may be thinking this through for the first time in their lives, so be kind and understanding but persistent to get down to the root. You will have to be patient and continue to ask how they know each of their statements are true. They may shut down the conversation as they realize they have no true basis for what they’re saying. If they are wrong, the root will be, “I guess I’m just making the whole thing up.” The other option is divine revelation. You may be talking to a Christian who feels he or she has received direct divine revelation. In that case, if you don’t receive a confirmation from the Holy Spirit, it’s best to agree that you will both continue to pray about it and ask God to give clear leading. Don’t assume you are right. Otherwise, you can emphasize the scientific basis or logical inconsistencies in the axioms being questioned. For example: “I’m wondering whether these assumptions can stand up to the same level of scrutiny applied to other scientific theories.”
Point Out the Fallacy.
Why: Exposing flaws in the argument of your opponent can make them question baseless attacks.
How: If you’re being attacked for dogmatism, calmly point out the projection or double standard without being accusatory.
“It’s ironic that those who value open inquiry would label dissent as anti-science instead of engaging with the evidence. Can you provide evidence that God doesn’t act on the material world?”
Ask Thoughtful Questions, and when they answer, ask thoughtful questions about their answers.
Why: Shifting the burden of proof forces others to reflect on their assumptions.
How: Politely ask questions like:
“What is the evidence supporting the claim that these axioms must not be questioned?”
“If science is about testing assumptions, why shouldn’t these be tested too?”
Caution: Shifting the burden of proof becomes a foolish game if you imply that you don’t also have the burden of proof. Both people always have the burden of proof. However, no one can really prove anything to another person. Ultimately, God must prove the truth to all of us.
Find Allies.
Why: Being part of a supportive community can strengthen your position and credibility.
How: Connect with others who share your concerns or who value intellectual diversity, whether within scientific circles, faith-based groups, or interdisciplinary discussions. If necessary, you would stand alone with God against the whole world, but it’s good to have at least one friend who agrees with you. That’s one of the reasons for the church.
Disarm with Humility.
Why: Acknowledging uncertainties shows you’re committed to truth, not an agenda.
How: You can say:
“I’m open to revising my perspective as new evidence emerges. My goal is to pursue truth, wherever that leads. In fact, God is constantly correcting me, so I’m in a constant condition of transformation.”
Expose the Circular Reasoning.
Why: Revealing the self-reinforcing logic of their claims can be a powerful counter.
How: Show how their argument depends on assuming the very thing in question.
“If the rules of science assume God cannot be involved, how can we honestly evaluate evidence that might suggest otherwise?”
“If we say the Flood recorded in the Bible couldn’t have happened because there isn’t enough water to cover the whole earth, we would be assuming the Flood didn’t happen the way it’s recorded in the Bible to prove that the Flood didn’t happen the way it’s recorded in the Bible. Let me explain. The Bible says that the water for the flood came from inside the earth. It says that the mountains raised up and the valleys, the bottom of the oceans, dropped down at the end of the Flood. That would mean that the mountains were much lower and the oceans weren’t as deep before the flood, so it would take much less water to cover the whole earth. When the mountains raised up and the oceans got deeper, the water ran off into the oceans. Can you see how that changes the entire perspective?”
Document and Respond Publicly if the Attacks Are Public.
Why: A written or public response ensures your argument is clear and accessible.
How: If appropriate, publish articles, blog posts, or social media updates where you clearly explain your position and counter the attacks. Ensure your tone is respectful and constructive.
Highlight the Bigger Picture.
Why: Reminding others of the core principles of science (or faith) reframes the conversation.
How: Say something like:
“Science is about following the evidence wherever it leads. Shouldn’t we embrace that spirit, even when it challenges deeply held assumptions?”
Trust in God’s Guidance.
Why: As a person of faith, leaning on prayer and discernment ensures your response aligns with God’s will.
How: Pray for wisdom, grace, and the ability to respond with love, even in the face of hostility. Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Seek to speak only the words He speaks through you by His authority and power. Let His glory and essence in you flow out in all the fruit of the Spirit beginning with love.
Ask God to answer these questions:
What does it mean to stay calm and professional?
Why is it important for you to use evidence and logic when talking to someone?
What is a fallacy?
Why should you ask thoughtful questions when talking to someone?
How do you find people who agree with you?
Bonus questions:
What does it mean for you to disarm with humility?
What is circular reasoning?
Why should you write or talk about what you believe publicly?
What is the bigger picture in science or faith?
How do you trust in God’s guidance when talking to others?
FREE Book: “Encyclopedia of Logical Fallacies”
https://realreality.org/download-encyclopedia-of-logical-fallacies/
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