When confronted with an opposing viewpoint... this type may appear to be indignant and aloof. They use eye contact with others to indicate their disgust. Perhaps they have been taught religious beliefs that they do not understand and can't discuss (for lack of understanding) so... they may quote a line of scripture... hopefully, to show you (and bystanders) they are superior in their knowledge... Hoping to appear far too superior to even engage in an intellectual debate. I have seen them turn red in the face while their knuckles turn white. You can bet you will not be invited back for dinner. You can further bet they have conveyed their disgust and displeasure with any and all who will listen to them... Of course this is done in your absence, because they surely don't want to be challenged by one who knows.

This type is usually beyond help from humans. There is no way to establish a line of communication or dialogue. The less knowledgeable bystanders are usually hoodwinked and fooled by the act. Ain't Satan cool?

Jesus never rammed His knowledge down their throat and I won't either!

You may state your opinion in a very tasteful manner and perhaps plant a seed for future growth but don't count on it. This type enjoys playing hard-to-get and he is confident that you will keep after him... he has played the game many times. When I am confronted by this type I keep it brief and play it cool, aloof, matter-of-fact, preoccupied... the idea here is to make it hard for him to get inside your head... I just leave the truth at his feet. Jesus would have been brief, honest, direct and Jesus knew that unless HIS Father had prepared him for your message it was of no use anyway... State the truth, lay it at his feet, shake the dust and go on.

I am not proud to confess this but I wonder; "their name probably isn't written in The Lamb's Book of Life anyway" I'm sorry if that sounds arrogant... How you handle this type is between you and The Holy Spirit.

2. "OH COME-ON NOW, YOU DON'T REALLY BELIEVE THAT STUFF"
These guys are aggressive, overbearing and are afraid to be made a fool of. They were probably VERY upset when they learned there was no Santa, no Easter Bunny, no Tooth Fairy and they are not going to be fooled again!

By the way, these aggressive bullies won't pull this on someone who truly knows the scriptures. They are afraid of the person who has good understanding and can articulate that knowledge... Because their knowledge is shallow, shaky and limited, they are really afraid that this representative of God will reverse the thing and make them look foolish. They are not after an exchange of dialogue for learning. Only the opportunity to throw insults and look knowledgeable. Jesus said; "The road is narrow and few will find that road." I remind myself; "Who am I to argue with The Son of God?"

3. THE SCHOLARLY, INTELLECTUAL TYPE...
Jesus had a lot to say about this type... Human intellect won't help the subject understand. The person must have the wisdom of The Holy Spirit... Jesus used the following phrase many times; "Those who have ears, let him hear." Jesus is referring to SPIRITUAL EARS, not flesh ears on either side of the head. Jesus even gave thanks to HIS Father in heaven that HIS Father chose to do it this way: Matthew:11. 25 At that time Jesus prayed this prayer: “O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. 26 Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way!

Summation...

Usually these folks all have one thing in common...
Their lives are very uneventful and boring. They really don't believe anything can be as exciting as all this! This has to be why Christians are not supposed to marry non-Christians... Non-Christians are too boring... it is hard to share a life with a person who has no understanding or appreciation of the finer things.

You can talk till you're blue in the face... Or you can take up golf! I can't find in the scriptures where Jesus EVER badgered someone or tried to force His truths on anyone!

Just my thoughts...

Your Friend,

John