Typically, I use internal critiques when engaging Evangelicals on this site. If you are unfamiliar with the term “internal critique,” Google defines it like this:
An internal critique evaluates an idea, theory, or system using its own rules, assumptions, and standards rather than applying outside values. It temporarily accepts a position to see if it is logical, self-consistent, and works by its own definitions.
Simply put, I assume the Evangelical (or Independent Fundamentalist Baptist) position when critiquing Evangelicalism. This means that I accept their Bible-based theological beliefs at face value. My goal is to determine whether Evangelical beliefs and practices are logical and consistent. Are the beliefs of my interlocutors consistent with the stated theological beliefs of Evangelical Christianity? Are their beliefs consistent with their professed doctrine and interpretations of the Bible; a collection of religious texts Evangelicals believe are inspired, inerrant, and infallible?
Thus, when Evangelicals say “God is Good,” an internal critique looks at whether this claim is logical and consistent with what Evangelicals say they believe and practice. This, of course, requires engaging what the Biblical text says. The Bible is the foundational text of Evangelical Christianity. My internal critiques always focus on the Bible, since it is, allegedly, the standard by which Evangelicals judge their beliefs and live their lives.
While some — not many — Evangelicals might appeal to philosophy or external critiques, discussions are best served by focusing on the Biblical text itself, or, to a lesser degree, church history. The Christian church has a 2,000-year history, so there’s much to glean about Christianity itself. That said, most Evangelicals are not well-informed about church history, and even if they might know a bit of church history, their final court of appeal will be the Bible and the history contained therein.
An internal critique of Evangelicalism requires a basic understanding of Christian/Evangelical beliefs and practices (orthodoxy and orthopraxy). Knowing how to use Hebrew and Greek language tools (dictionaries, interlinears) tools is helpful too. No need to purchase these things. They are readily available on the Internet.
My use of internal critiques often confuses both Evangelicals and atheists alike, but for different reasons. This leads to them not understanding what it is I do on this site. More than a few atheist critics have told me that I’m still a Christian; a secret believer. They totally misunderstand what I am trying to accomplish with my writing. My primary goal is to help those who have deconverted or are thinking about leaving Christianity. Engaging critics helps with that goal.
Many Evangelicals also think I’m still a Christian. They read my writing and find it “Biblical” and compelling. Sometimes, they will send me an email thanking me for my faith in Jesus and my stand on the Word of God. Ten minutes later, another email from them will arrive, stating that they are appalled by the fact that I’m an ex-Evangelical pastor, an atheist, and humanist. How could I possibly write such “powerful”words and be an atheist. I love it when Evangelicals send me a donation, only to find they are supporting a tool of Satan. Sorry, all donations are final.
An internal critique will not work with some Evangelicals. Once they appeal to faith, claim Holy Spirit-given knowledge, or say that the ‘natural man” (all non-Christians) cannot understand the Bible, meaningful discussions end. An internal critique requires both parties in the discussion to play by the same rules. I generally try to focus discussions on the Biblical text itself. Faith claims and personal testimonies have no value when giving an internal critique. All that matters is the Biblical text and how Evangelical Christians interpret it.
I try to keep doors open and bridges unburned when engaging Evangelicals, hoping we will have thoughtful discussions in the future. Sadly, this will not be the case when dealing some believers. When they find their beliefs twisted into a pretzel, they become filled with anger instead of grace. Instead of considering what has been presented, they display what they hilariously call “righteous anger”; which often is no different from impudently losing their temper. When this happens, I try not to return the same, choosing to remember that I was once a devout, Spirit-filled, passionate Evangelical Christian. I understand their anger, which often is actually fear. Fear that they can’t answer my questions and challenges. Often, such people will say, “We will just have to agree to disagree.” No, we don’t. There can’t be two correct answers. Both of us may be wrong, but both of us can’t be right. And I would think, for all of us, truth matters.
Do you use internal critiques when engaging Evangelicals in discussions? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section. Disagree with what I’ve written? Fire away!
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