1 Peter 3:15 is a popular verse for many evangelicals with a whiff of interest in apologetics. In a world where many ideas confront us in our living rooms, the apologia Peter calls Christians to has become crucial.
However, while many thoughtful apologetics implore us not to forget the next verse (as well as the beginning of verse 15, an instruction to ‘sanctify Christ as Lord of your life’), our witness on the digital streets faces the risk of forgetting.
With adrenaline and the zeal to win, we eagerly match the hostility of the irreligious internet troll, using dismissive statements that follow a “Christianized” approach of Dawkins.
We may “win” the debate, but we often lose the war.
Yes, internet users can be annoying, and any Christian would feel the temper when posts denigrating God come up. Yet, our Saviour commands us to love our enemies, without making an exception for impertinent scoffers. How we defend the faith is important, especially for silent users who may be watching.
Here are some ways we can do apologetics online without losing our temper.
Remember Who Your Lord Is
Before attempting breathing techniques and counting to ten, the foundation must remain in place. Every content we engage, comment we drop, and thoughts we have must flow from one standpoint: Jesus is our Lord.
Jesus’ Lordship is not constrained within church walls and family prayers. He reigns over our digital platforms, algorithms, and mindless scrolling. As His representatives, we either honor His name or engender slander.
This accountability is not conditional on the other party. We don’t get a pass because ‘they called me dumb first’. Following the footsteps of our Lord, we don’t counter evil with evil, lest we become evildoers as well.
Remember Why You Are Defending
Furthermore, we don’t defend the faith to display our knowledge of fine-tuning or the ontological argument for God. Rather, we defend the faith with the goal of reconciling sinners to God.
Apologetics is a friend of evangelism. It clears doubt, breaks down strongholds, and clears away debris so the gospel can flow through. In fact, it could be considered a part of evangelism. Early Christians like Paul did not separate the two. We shouldn’t either.
The knowledge, debate skills, and persuasion are all signposts pointing to Jesus. Winning is not the point. Salvation is.
Expect the Hate
Peter’s audience knew trolls worse than your average X cyberbully. As a marginalized community, they faced mockery, threats, and even death. Thus, we mustn’t expect a cultural embrace. While some will see our good deeds and glorify God, others will insult, persecute, and say all kinds of evil. (Matthew 5:11, 14-16).
Jesus foretold this animosity during his earthly ministry when he said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18, NIV). When scoffers rage against God and Christianity, they fulfill Scripture.
John also echoes Jesus’ words in a concise manner, “Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13, NIV).
Could it be that we get mad because we expect otherwise? It’s easier to navigate the tension when you are ready.
Avoid Triggers and Rage Bait
Not every question is genuine. Not every argument is made in good faith. Not every piece of content is made by a “seeker.” Social media thrives on antagonism, and many individuals farm engagement using provoking statements.
Content that generalizes, uses extreme words, or throws slurs is often ragebait. The poster is not interested in positive discussions and may pull more triggers for fun. Your temper plays into their hands, and your engagement rewards them. Avoid these and signal your lack of interest so the algorithm will filter out these posts. It’s the digital equivalent of dusting your feet. (Matthew 10:14, Mark 6:11, Luke 9:5).
Respond with Gentleness
As Peter instructs us, we are to respond with gentleness and respect to anyone who asks for our hope, even if their tone is combative. Gentleness does not necessarily mean niceness, but it does include restraint of power. The power to retaliate, give an effective retort, employ denigrating sarcasm, or launch an outright verbal battle.
Gentleness means treating them with dignity when they claim you are deluded. It involves responding with clarity and politeness, regardless of their rude approach. It includes patience and the willingness to weigh your words.
God can use your gentleness to win other viewers you may not know about.
Know When to Stop (and not start)
In digital conversations, resist the compulsive urge to have the last say. It is wise to set limits in a conversation and stop when it is either going nowhere or the other intends to trample on the pearl (Matthew 7:6).
As said above, it is sometimes better to dust your feet and not engage. Ragebaits fall under this section alongside incomprehensible content, inappropriate visuals, and more.
Pray For the Person and Bless Them
When confronted by someone’s comment or content, literally pray for that person. Take a pause, a deep breath, then bring them to God. Typing “God bless you” in place of a counter is both biblical and diffuses the resentment forming in you.
It is difficult to hate someone and still pray for them.
It is Better…
What better way to end than with the encouraging words of Peter?
“Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” (1 Peter 3:13-14 NIV)
The scoffers will never stop. They will storm our comment sections, insult God, and continually seek to diminish the worth of all who follow Jesus. But God defines our worth, and we have been bought with the most expensive price of all. We do not need to crave the approval of the world.
