Questions

Does being defensive and trying to defend Christianity's traditions diminish missional opportunity? If we are to focus (as Jesus did primarily) on loving our neighbour and our neighbourhood as a vivid reflection of our love for God, then does not turning people off (and thus away) because of a heavy-handed promotion of certain views deplete possible missional connections? Is not bringing the good news of hope and peace our most important function? Do we wear certain badges which actually work toward the defeat of our (and God's) own cause?