Accused

[Marc]

I’ve never personally been challenged this way, but I always fear it would happen. What should we do if we are accused of having an agenda? Or are accused of being close-minded bigots? Our opponents usually do this from a distance but suppose it came up in a face-to-face argument. I’d think it would be a very lousy ad hominem attack but I usually panic just thinking of what would happen. I could probably explain away why I’m not a bigot but I fear that would take a long time and we’d probably stray from the subject at hand. Sometimes I even fear that I may actually be a bigot. This sounds a lot like the Screwtape Letters where the Devil discourages you. But if anyone could say what would be a good response to an accusation, that’d be nice.

 

[davidv]

Marc,
It seems that this scripture may be an answer:
When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not %between%worry about how you are to defend yourselves or what you are to %between%say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that very hour what you ought to say."
Luke 12:11-12 (NRSV)
How can you be assured the Holy Spirit will help you? By always growing in your love for the Lord and your neighbors.
David

 

[Edwin1961]

We haven’t changed the society has changed.
To many PC-correct people and not enough people who are not afraid to speak the truth with Charity.

The only PC I know of is my computer!

go with God!
Edwin

 

[Scout]

If Jesus or the original twelve were on earth today, they’d probably be accused of being closed-minded bigots, too. If we’re accused of being bigots it’s probably because we’re speaking the truth and others don’t want to hear the truth-they want to continue to live their own way and not God’s.

However, I know being called something you’re not can really hurt. I’d encourage you to pray for those who speak ill of you and offer your suffering up to Jesus for their conversion. Praying for someone who’s hurt you can be very difficult, but it’s worth it because it really softens your heart towards people.

As far as an actual response, people who call Catholics and other religious people are often religious bigots themselves. They’re usually also hypocrites because they can tell us that our believes are wrong, but we’re not allowed to tell them that theirs is wrong.

I’d try saying something to that affect.
Scout :tiphat: