On Defending your religion on the internet.

Starberry · #1 (**permalink**) 12-27-2009, 11:56 PM

If I see someone bashing the LDS faith, or spreading falsehood about jesus, should I try to defend it or just keep away from it?

This is what confuses me, I know that I'll neer really change most of their minds but I just dont know what to do when I come into this situation. I'm a heavy internet surfer and I spend hors on it and I see a lot of crap about our religion, and / or jesus. Sometimes I feel like I should defend it and sometimes I feel like I should just keep away, get away from it as soon as possible.

Is it more harm than good to defend what I believe in on the internet? I know just reading someones anti-mormom thoughts can have bad cnsequences but I just get so angry and disturbed when I read stuff like that.

RanMan · #2 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 12:39 AM

Speaking as one of several LDS that participated in a religious debate forum that came over here to escape the conflict and hatred that results from it, I would advise to avoid it. It may start out as a need to educate or defend our doctrines, but I think it too easily draws a person into conflict and leaves them feeling the incredible negativity that goes with it.

Those who I have seen most successfully seen participate and not get dragged into the pit participate infrequently. Although I would counsel against any participation at all.

pam · #3 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 12:51 AM

The majority of the time I would avoid. I've learned many will post things just to get the reaction out of you. When you react, that's exactly what they have wanted.

Starberry · #4 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 02:37 AM

I'm glad I asked, looks like my instincts were correct.

Mahone · #5 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 05:00 AM

On the other side of the coin, if someone posts fictitious or misleading information, if no-one tried to correct this information in a place where they could have done so, they may take the fictitious information to be true. Unfortunately when a person looks up a company or organisation online, they are usually looking for negative information; therefore this holds more weight than any positive information they may find. I'm not saying it's necessarily right to argue, just playing devils advocate for a second.

sleepless3977 · #6 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 05:15 AM

Mahone makes a valid point. I'd say that the scriptures give us some excellent guidance on contentious matters:

3 Nephi 11:29
For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

it might be wise to say your piece, correct the doctrine where it is seen to be untrue and then leave it at that and allow the people to seek out the truth for themselves through the spirit if they so wish to.

dazed-and-confused · #7 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 05:34 AM

let's not forget that we ARE engaged in warfare..........good (the love and salvation of Jesus and HF's plan) and the efforts of the opponent to disrupt that plan (evil).
the battlelines are not always clearly defined (we must all interpret and live out and learn from experience what might constitute a line of defense).
sometimes a direct confrontation is needed....and sometimes it is best to ignore nonsense.
where that line exists will differ from person to person.
for my own perspective...i like what sleepless quoted.....3Nephi 11:29.

it's one thing to question from a point of learning.....and another to question from a point of distraction or disruption.

lol...and there again we are presented with a lesson to grow from....

it is still warfare..........the trail is ladened with all sorts of traps .......and we all need to navigate them for the greater good...truth of spirit...however you wish to interpret it.

pam · #8 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 07:02 AM

I would agree that it would be best to correct the incorrect information and move on if the other side only wants to continue to debate.

OmahaLDS · #9 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 07:13 AM

There are several things to consider...

1. Prejudice is the refuge of the ignorant. Most of the time ignorance is the preferred position to knowledge. There is no point arguing with someone who has no interest in education, and likely has the intellectual capacity of a cabbage anyway.

2. It has already been done. LDS Apologetics is actually a very developed field. People who are actually interested in learning would be open to reading many of these books and articles.

I would recommend familiarizing yourself with LDS apologetics, and simply referring someone to one of those books or articles if they have a question.

Hemidakota · #10 (**permalink**) 12-28-2009, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Starberry

If I see someone bashing the LDS faith, or spreading falsehood about jesus, should I try to defend it or just keep away from it?

This is what confuses me, I know that I'll neer really change most of their minds but I just dont know what to do when I come into this situation. I'm a heavy internet surfer and I spend hors on it and I see a lot of crap about our religion, and / or jesus. Sometimes I feel like I should defend it and sometimes I feel like I should just keep away, get away from it as soon as possible.

Is it more harm than good to defend what I believe in on the internet? I know just reading someones anti-mormom thoughts can have bad cnsequences but I just get so angry and disturbed when I read stuff like that.

Yes! It is human nature for us to defend something if we know it is right. Even the Savior in His own ministry would laboured among those who seek the same contentious spirit. What did He do? I think you know the answer.

State your case and if the Spirit commands it, leave a testimony. It would be damnation to the false bearer and those who have a contentious spirit unless they return with a repented heart as the Savior spoke of in 3rd Nephi. Your testimony will be recorded in the Book of Life and will be remembered here after.