Responding to online skeptics who call God evil and Christianity irrational: focus on one argument, watch for dumping tactics
Q9 from Dora Ashby: Skeptics say belief in God is irrational, that Christians must approve of rape and torture, and that God is evil. How to respond?
Winger notes that online skeptics often distort Scripture to make Christianity look as ugly as possible — not from genuine curiosity but to weaponize it. This is comparable to how the church in the previous question misused Proverbs 22 and Matthew 18. A key apologetic tactic Winger recommends: when a skeptic "dumps" (throws out 10+ objections without engaging any), pick one and stay focused on it. Ask them: "What is your single biggest issue with Christianity?" Refuse to let the conversation scatter. An unfruitful debate is one where the person is not engaging the answers — only producing more questions. Winger also notes the value of audience: even if you can't reach the person you're debating, there are often onlookers who benefit. Experience helps you recognize when to disengage.
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