To all Religions: When someone slanders your beliefs do you respond or does this scripture come to mind?

Question

Proverbs 26:4 Do not answer anyone stupid according to his foolishness, that you yourself also may not become equal to him.

Legit questions regarding your faith is ok, but when people start accusing you of say the music you listen to as a whole, or what T-shirts are allowed, that's slander. I just wish those of my faith would get this scripture through some of their thick skulls.

Answer 1

I like the way you applied the scripture to your circumstance. There is actually a scripture for every aspect of our lives. I Truly agree that we should not follow up everyone's question when it seem as though they are being unscrupulous. Answering foolish questions can cause arguments that could have been avoided. Also God encourages that even if we answer foolish questions our answer should be mild because it turns away rage. Also I like the scripture below.



Colossians4:2-6 Let YOUR utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how YOU ought to give an answer to each one.

Answer 2

That is a great scripture, because we will become equal to them if we read their hate. It will slowly erode our faith.

Jesus often did not respond to the Pharisees. I have never read anything in our publications stating to reply to apostates for the benefit of others. We stopped preaching on the steps of Christendom years ago, how much more so should be done with those who are apostates.



Another verse that comes to mind is this, "Further, turn down foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing they produce fights". (2 Timothy 2:23)



If no Witnesses answered their questions, I think it would become real boring to them, and many of them would leave. Who wants to argue with themselves?



I wonder if I sent a question to the branch asking "should I answer apostate questions online?", I wonder what the response would be. I think I know... We have been counseled not to even read their garbage. We have to read it to answer it.

Answer 3

Slander or libel, the outstanding term would not be counted, yet i'm getting what you mean. once you disagree with something it truly is an opinion, yet once you disagree and then make accusations with regard to the guy via claiming they're stupid, insane, evil etc, it truly is slanderous or libellous. unusually it truly is regularly non-theists that say those issues and then deny what they have suggested. i think of they have have been given an awl to grind and no person else will placed up with their tantrums or whining so they arrive on right here and vent their frustration. it truly is a infantile variety of tantrum.

Answer 4

More and more it seems especially the last 3 years Jehovah's love and support in the scriptures I learned come to mind.

Some strengthen, some warn, (not to get involved, drop it, walk or run away)

some that I didn't fully understand before but still obeyed fully, finally have the light shining bright, like bells and whistles, some make me feel loved, educated, protected and peace beyond compare.



But yeah more and more all I have ever learned comes gently back to me. It is amazing.

Answer 5

It may irritate you, but you can't stop it. Recognize that there are some whose consciences are keener in some areas than others, and to them, all 'rap is bad', or all 'rock is bad'. It isn't for all of us, and for anyone to make a statement that 'this is what all JW's believe" is not true. How many times have we been told by THE ONES WHO KNOW that Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe in Jesus, or that we don't dance, or don't believe in doctors. I even heard the other day that we can't accept anything from 'girl guides', whatever that means. YOU know what you believe, and anyone honest hearted will know that these things are lies, and are spun by Satan. If they aren't honest hearted, they will continue to perpetuate the lies, until Jehovah shuts them down.

Take a step back, little bro-take a deep breath, and know that we are all imperfect, and will always get on each others' nerves.

Answer 6

To me my beliefs are not as important as those slandering God and what he stands for and minimizing the effect that he has on his followers is rude and narrow minded, not to mention childish, so yes, I sometimes can not keep my mouth shut but I often wonder why I bother with those who don't even know God.

I enjoyed reading some of your other answers.

Answer 7

Ha ha...funny proverb.



It is not slander, however, if someone is asking if something is allowed or what kind of music you can listen to, etc. It is only slander if they state as a fact that you cannot do that, and if that fact is a known lie. Also, you would have to prove "damages" done to your reputation.

Answer 8

I already read this question *Reo* and I am in full agreement with it.



:0)



Any question that I choose to answer is genuinely for the interest of those who are of sincere hearts... those of the lost sheep. They who are apostates will one day have to answer to Jehovah through Christ himself. However, in harmony with such Scriptures as:



"Therefore they took the stone away. Now Jesus raised his eyes heavenward and said: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. True, I knew that you always hear me; but on account of the crowd standing around I spoke, in order that they might believe that you sent me forth.”

- John 11:41, 42



and also:



"Hence the crowd that stood about and heard it began to say that it had thundered. Others began to say: “An angel has spoken to him.” In answer Jesus said: “This voice has occurred, not for my sake, but for YOUR sakes."

- John 12:29, 30



Read also John 8:33 - 59. However, I also am extremely careful and mindful to heed the Master's words where it is written:



"Do not give what is holy to dogs, neither throw YOUR pearls before swine, that they may never trample them under their feet and turn around and rip YOU open"

- Matthew 7:6





Thereby in imitation of our Lord and Master (1 Peter 2:21), I pick and choose *very* carefully whom I answer. Many times, my answer is not for and or directed to the *asker* at all (whether they realize it or not is not my focal point) but rather for any who may be of the lost sheep, which none of us knows who they can turn out to be for it is Jehovah who leads such like ones to His Son.



However, I sincerely thank you for your loving concern and the helpful and true Scripture of Proverbs 26:4. Keep up the good work.





Sincerely,



Myro



P.S: I sincerely believe that YOU will find the brief Bible based article located in the 1st weblink of my "sources" section to be extremely encouraging and enlightening. Read it along with your Bible, as I am well aware that you do. Keep moving forward you soldier in training of Christ (1 Timothy 1:18; 2 Timothy 2:3, 4, 23 - 26).







1. We have a song to sing for Jehovah God;

We have a song of his reign and glory.

We have a message clear for all men to hear

And a commission to tell the story.

(Chorus)



2. Warriors of God, arise, join the fighting force

Under the Captain of God’s free nation.

Take up the shield of faith and the spirit’s sword;

Put on the helmet of his salvation.

(Chorus)



3. Not in our own might can we be conquerors;

Not of ourselves can we be victorious.

But in the strength of God can we all prevail,

Making the name of Jehovah glorious.

(CHORUS)



Forward go! (Yes, go!)

Fearlessly go! (Fearlessly go!)

As an army, let us go

To combat the wicked foe;

Follow the Warrior King, who can never fail.

Following him, we shall prevail!



- Song 209 Follow the Warrior King!

(Based on Ephesians 6:16, 17)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8DSsMiHwF0





;0)

Answer 9

Yes, I do respond. It's another flaw I have. I have a problem with people who don't belief what I belief insulting my beliefs when I haven't done that to them. I find all beliefs, and non-belief, interesting and like open and frank discussions, but there's no room for disrespect and insults.

Answer 10

If you were of The True Christian Faith(The True Church) you would not listen to certain music and you would take care what words were on your T-shirt.... and you would know that it is The Word of God that anyone of The True Church is to bring to your attention any such inappropriate behavior... That is God's Word.... The Word and Will of God is not to be imposed upon any one who is not already in willing submission to God... if you are not of The Church then you are free to get away with any thing you can under the laws of the society in which you live... and it is the right of that society to limit your activities and expression of your faith... if you do not like it, move

Answer 11

Well, since we're over the internet I normally just read them and laugh!!!



But if someone were to slander what I believe in to my face or in public. I'll probably ignore them or probably ***** SLAP THEM then confess for forgiveness.





(Christians aren't perfect either)

Answer 12

Scripture comes to mind.



Psalms 109 1:5



Be not silent, O God of my praise!

For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me,

speaking against me with lying tongues.

They beset me with words of hate,

and attack me without cause.

In return for my love they accuse me,

even as I make prayer for them.

So they reward me evil for good,

and hatred for my love.

Answer 13

That's a good verse.

When trinitarians condemn those who don't believe in the "trinity" to eternal torment in hell, I just consider the source.

Answer 14

Jesus' words 'They Hated Me. They Will Hate You Too!'

Answer 15

Sometimes I respond, sometimes I don't.

Answer 16

I like heavy metal. peace.

Answer 17

What is Real cannot be threatened.

Answer 18

Uh... this question made my brain hurt