July 20, 2011
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The Problem With Trolling
Unlike a lot of Christians online, I don’t believe in getting nasty and resorting to name-calling when I’m challenged by a non-believer. I try to show Christ’s love in all I do, and that includes debates.
The truth is, I’m not interested in debates. I’m not much of an apologist. I’ve come to the conclusion that I can’t prove the existence of God, and there is a reason for that. What is spiritual can not be seen, but only witnessed. I do believe that what is metaphysical can cross into the physical, and this is what we call “a miracle”. It’s a miracle because it’s out of the ordinary- out side of the physical world that see, feel, and know. So proving the existence of God will come to a moot conclusion. Now, I’ve witnessed enough to know that the God I worship is the One and True God. But I won’t force others to believe it. The awesome thing about God is that, he is forcing no one to believe. He let’s us draw our own conclusions. This freewill he’s given us really expresses how much he loves us- that he won’t force his creation to love him, but to make their own decisions.
Despite the fact that I don’t like to get into debates or arguments, often times, I am looped in because someone has a question for me, so I answer it. That leads to another question and another question, then come accusations. Half the time when this happens, misunderstandings and false conclusions arise. This is why I choose to try to stay out of debates because there comes a time when it has to stop because neither party understands each other, nor wants to in most situations. This is a big problem online.
Recently, this happened to me. I went back and forth with a certain Xangan (whom, out of respect, I will not name), and I got to the point where I just wanted to stop the argument. I knew he wouldn’t be stopping anytime soon. After he wrote a lengthy essay on why I was wrong about my point (by the way, I was defending something I don’t necessarily agree with, just a theory I enjoy), I respectfully turned down my chance to respond- because I knew I’d prove nothing to this individual. He didn’t want to learn. He was more interested in trying to trap me… and I don’t appreciate this kind of conversation… When a person has this mindset, the argument to be given will always fall on deaf ears.
After kindly and gently responding, I thought that would be the end. However, he came back a few days later to say I just quit the debate because I had nothing else to say… that I knew I was wrong and didn’t want to admit it (keep in mind, the subject was about something I didn’t really agree with to begin with).
It is this very idea that keeps arguments going. People are afraid that someone will respond with a “You just know I’m right, so you don’t want to answer!”
I want everyone to know that I love answering your questions… if they are genuine, I’d love to answer from my point of view. But if arguing is on your agenda, you’ve come to the wrong place. My blog is a peaceful environment. When I visit other blogs, I’d like to respond in calm, gentle way. I’m not into finger-pointing. I’m not into name calling. I’m not into arguing. I’m into the love of Christ, whether you believe in Him or not.
Lastly, I love you! Peace to you. Thanks for reading
Comments (20)
I used to read your blog a few years ago, before you were married. I left and started over, etc., but this is something I remember about you. You passionately responded to questions, but you have always been respectful and kind in your responses. It’s nice to see that is an unchanging trait with you.
preach on
@BenelliMan - I can’t help it! It’s what I do!
@Prolixity_Split - Now I’m a bit curious as to who you are! But thank you for the affirmation. It’s something that I like to believe, I’ve gotten better at. Of course, we can all lose our cool at times. Thanks!
@jmallory - I used to be known as Automaton_Emotion. You rarely lose your cool, from what I’ve seen. You also possess extraordinary patience when dealing with folks others would find difficult.
I’m trolling.
@t_sheffield - You would… but you’re my troll
I know who you were arguing with and I try to not argue much with him either. If I do, I try to keep it short.
aah I feel the same way too recently lol. I’m actually not a debate person (: (: (: but if someone preaching me with no real reason or starting a certain trouble with me personally, I’d defend myself. LOL I know what I’m doing now doesn’t make sense at all.. but this troll claimed that me; as a Muslim woman do not act like a real Muslim woman. I just slightly can’t accept that. Yeah I guess you know what I mean (: (: (:
I like your style!
Such a great post, and I completely agree with everything you said.
I really like what you said here, and I completely agree with you about trolling. Well said!
Even though I don’t particularly share your beliefs I do share this particular point of view. I follow a pagan path which most people have no respect for, and I get frustrated by people trying to change my beliefs or argue with me about why they’re wrong; I wish more people chose your point of view. I’m sick of being told I’m a bad person because I’m not a christian. I grew up Catholic, and I believe that should I ever be proven wrong about my own beliefs, whatever deity is out there would forgive me because I am still a good person.
eventhough my own perspective is quite the opposite of many details being mentioned in here, but i do get the overall point of the post… you’re a cool guy, most definitely =)
One thing that I keep hearing from both sides of debate (most any debate) is the idea of “forcing someone to believe.” Can you think of anything quite so ludicrous as that?
One of my favorite quotes (though I don’t know the author) is: “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”
What about next entry on the problems of excessive time stamping?
@Celestial_Teapot - YOU ARE GOING TO HELL, TEAPOT
@ShimmerBodyCream - You just gave me an idea. I’m going to organize a Xanga meetup in hell; and you can’t attend. *glare*
@Celestial_Teapot - GOD REALLY DOES LOVE ME. And nikbv too apparently. Nikbv keeps hanging up random religious icons. It is starting to disturb me.
@ShimmerBodyCream - I have Saint George on my desk, and the archangel Michael on my bookcase!
@Celestial_Teapot - I timestamp every two-three hours during the day. I do this for two days. But I feel like it makes up for my lack of posting.