Facebook situation

[learningasigo]

Lately, I've seen "anti-Christian" posts by some of my fb friends. One was my brother "humanist/atheist" (his description of himself) another is a life-long friend (atheist). They both posted very general "I'm sick of Christians...blah blah" type complaints.

I found them very offensive, of course!

I'd like some opinions on how to handle it. So far, I've ignored their posts, prayed for them and "unsubscribed" from their feeds but they're not people I feel I should totally block or remove as friends.

I'd like to stand up and fight but knowing these people like I do, I think they're just looking for someone to defy them and "prove" how "bad" Christians are. It's so infuriating!!

[pants]

Usually when people do that they are kinda looking for a fight. I would resist the temptation to post anything onto their wall. When I see that happen, I stop and pray for those people, then read a verse or two of encouragement, and I just post that bible verses on my wall.
But I agree it is so frustrating. Especially when the attack is a blanket statement that is false. That's why having Christian friends is so important. You need the encouragement and support from those that are of like faith. Look at the world we live in.

[JJorn]

I generally also block those people from my feed for a bit - I still periodically check up on them by going to their page. After a break, I usually put them back on my feed. I also find it incredibly frustrating when people put that type of stuff as their status update. They really are trying to pick a fight. You can also individually hide posts but you do still have to read them at least once that way.

[caligirl07]

I ignore it or block it, honestly I believe their hearts are hard when they say (post) things like that so it would be a waste of your words and to me whats the point... I usually doesn't make me feel any better. Like Brenda suggested I'd surround yourself with other believers and not worry about the posts.

[misfit]

Just ignore it. It's their Facebook and their outlet. You can hide their posts from your feed while still remaining friends with them. Anytime someone is too much drama or whatever, I usually hide their feeds. For me personally, I try to avoid talking much about religion since I have so many friends of a variety of religions and I don't want to debate with anyone because I believe it is everyone's right to believe what they want to believe regardless of whether it differs from my beliefs. I can just silently disagree.

[KC's wifey]

That is really frustrating, and hurtful. Especially coming from people who are close to you.

One thing to remember is that Christians are not perfect, and sometimes our approach CAN be frustrating or offensive to nonchristians. I don't know what sparked their comments, but they might have had something happen where Christians were not a good witness and it was hurtful or annoying to them. The other thing is that the Gospel in and of itself is offensive to those who don't understand. So even without US being the offense (which we should be striving not to be) what we believe will be inherently offensive to nonbelievers. And you are right, some people do just want a fight.

But the Bible tells us ""Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone," Col 4:5-6

Admittedly, I am far from perfect at this (REALLY far). Its hard when someone says something hurtful not to respond in kind. There is a time to defend our beliefs, correct misinformation or lies, etc. We are not supposed to stay silent doormats all the time. We should be ready to give answer to what we believe and WHY... which means being knowledgeable about the Bible and our faith. But when it is just them venting about their emotions toward Christians or Christianity, its not really something that needs to be defended against, kwim? Ultimately the goal is for them to see the love of Christ through us, and we can't do that if we are fighting with them out of hurt or anger.

Sorry you are dealing with this.

[Suja]

From the perspective of a non-believer. You are *entirely* within your rights to call someone on it when they are painting with a broad brushstroke. And point out the hypocrisy when it exists. If it is a matter of philosophical differences though, I would either let it go, or explain your POV, but completely expect that it will not be well received or won't make a difference one way or the other.

[Rae_1478]

In the spirit of Christianity, offer the other cheek so to speak. I think the best thing is to ignore it. It sounds like they're looking for a fight. And maybe the thing to do is to unfriend them. They are being un-friend-like. If they loved you as a friend is supposed to love a friend, they wouldn't write such things.

If they call you on an unfriending, you can explain it simply that "You're my friend/brother and I love you, but lately you've posted some things that are very hurtful to me. I know Christians aren't perfect, I know I'm not, but I would prefer not to be put down by people who are supposed to love me." But that is only if they call you out on why.

Sorry you have to deal with this. It's a tough one.

[Sakura]

When I get an unsavory or offensive update or picture in my feed, I just hide that particular post. If it becomes habit, I either unsubscribe or delete if I don't know that person that well.

Sometimes, and you'll have to be discerning, it's just not worth it to cast pearls when they may be trampled underfoot, you know?

[learningasigo]

Thank you everyone for your kind comments and understanding. (Also for sharing that verse, Polly)
I blocked them from my feeds and will probably keep it that way for a while. I pray for them, especially my brother, that they find inner-peace. They're both "troubled" to say the least, which is why I want to try my best to be patient with them both. Luckily, I do have good Christian friends both on fb and on this board to guide me thru.

[shopping_is_fun]

I also try to ignore it but haven't been very successful. One friend or someone I knew from church posted something that I thought was just so stupid and judgmental. I figured she just must have a lot of bitterness in her heart so I tried ignoring it.... But honestly after a few days I went back and reread it and just had to comment. I don't know!