Apologetics: Cautionary words in offering one's testimony

When it comes to presenting/defending the faith, have you ever heard a Christian teacher say, "You can always offer your testimony. After all, nobody can argue with your testimony!"

I don't think that's strictly true, and in this video, I explain why. In addition, I offer some cautionary words regarding the limitations and pitfalls of offering one's testimony as a defense of the faith.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• apologetics
• testimony
• Christianity
• Bible

[MetaphysicsAddict]

do you work out? you look like you're in good shape! not meant to be creepy or anything. I have a gf!

[grammastola]

Yes, I do. I'm glad to hear that you have a girlfriend, 'cuz... well, you're not my type, dude. :)

[DaveJonesBSNews]

The simplest reason I don't accept anyones testimony is people aren't always honest and who's would you accept anyway.

Why should I believe anyones personal story. Apprantly people consult psychics and talk to dead loved one, so they never feel bad as the person isn't gone. Homeopathy cures cancer apprantly even though all tests show it doesn't, Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddists, Scientologists, Reflexologists all seem to have wonderful testimonies, even though they are often incompatible.

[grammastola]

"The simplest reason I don't accept anyones testimony is people aren't always honest..."

I appreciate your sharing that, and I think it's something that believers need to be aware of. I do think you're being overly skeptical in dismissing all testimony, but I am glad that you chose to share your perspective.

When it comes to personal testimony, I choose to look for signs of authenticity. That's another discussion in itself, but philosopher C. Behan McCullagh offers some useful guidelines.

[leehec]

i dont like u you make me think too much grammastola lol jk thinking is good

[patrox247]

Man you are once again on the money. Great points.

[preciousfeet]

This is awesome and I'm glad to hear someone has the same line of thought I do about it. My testimony is also complicated, as a nother poster put it, and I know that even after I became a Christian I still struggled with certain "big" sins.... Haha so much for a convincing testimony! Praise God I have repented of these sins, but it just goes to show that after you become a Christian doesnt mean your life will be perfect and we shouldnt portray it as such to unbelievers!

[AwokenSpirit]

Once again, very good points!

[SeraphsWitness]

Keep going! These are great, brother.

[MirageRC3]

I love this video. I always hear people talk about the peace of God and how they're so blessed as they drive away in their fancy car. Well, what about the people in Muslim and China that are being persecuted for their faith? It's not a fair way to present yourself. We have it great over here in America and other countries. I wonder if the same people would be saying some of these things if they were in Iraq. It's not to say they aren't blessed, but don't make it seem as if you hit God's lottery.

[fouleyefountainfly]

Thought provoking stuff thank you. I actually think that the original question "Why is Christianity worth believing?" is a man-centered question and needs to be debunked from the start.

The pitfalls you highlight are good and can be avoided by carefully preparation.

We deliver man-centred testimonies in response to man-centred questions at our peril.

[daafith]

It would be audacious to believe that your or my testimony would be more than the Word itself. And indeed, there are so many "testimonies" that it is very hard to tell which one is genuine. The Word of God however never changes.

[jbbremerton]

my testimony is so complicated, i sometimes don't understand it. i'm glad you made this video.