The Paradox of Silence

The best way to put out a fire is to take away the oxygen it uses as fuel! And many times the best way to witness to the Faith is your life, not crafty arguments.

As I’ve traveled around the country speaking, one of the situations I’ve encountered is that very sincere and pious Orthodox Christians seem to be insecure about how to talk about their faith. They ask me, “How do I share my faith and defend my Orthodox faith to the people around me?”

It’s a good question but points to a more profound challenge – as most good questions do!

While it may be satisfying to get some essential talking points to share with folks, and it is a good thing to have some training in the basics of the faith so you can articulate your reasons for your serious commitment to the faith, you may find my answer to this question a bit counter-intuitive.

The best defense of the faith is silence. 

Rather strange answer coming from someone who talks so much!

OK, I know that requires some explanation. I mean that the best testimony to the power of the faith isn’t well-honed debate tactics and substantial work in the apologetic jujitsu of verbal combat but the serious commitment to the internal work of transformation in my own life.

The best testimony and defense of the faith is faithfulness itself. Being faithful is indisputable!