It can be intimidating to talk about Christ among people influenced by studies, statistics and so-called proof that seem to refute what Christians hold dear, the Word of God. Think of news stories debating the personhood of unborn babies as if biblical truth is irrelevant. Or headlines screaming of policies that favor gay rights although the Bible is clear that homosexuality is abominable in God's eyes. Or "people on the street" interviews indicating that many citizens don't care if their leaders live by the morality taught in the Bible. In such a society, on mission Christians have to ask: will we be laughed at--or, worse, ignored?

Two leading Christian authors encourage us to arm ourselves with information and engage the culture with the confidence that, no matter what scientists, psychologists and other supposed experts may be claiming, the Bible's truth is unchanging. Kenneth D. Boa and Robert M. Bowman Jr., authors of An Unchanging Faith in a Changing World (Nelson, 1997), have researched developments in science and culture which seem to call into question what Christians believe. They say that much of what's passed off as fact is really conjecture. They also point out that science has contributed insights but nothing which refutes the wisdom of the Bible.

In addition, they remind us that biblical truth is for everyone. "God doesn't have two standards, one for Christians and one for non-Christians," Bowman told On Mission.The book won a Christian Booksellers Association Gold Medallion award in the category of evangelism. It is one of numerous resources on the market which can equip us to speak about our faith to people who have a non-biblical worldview.

Boa holds doctorate degrees from New York University and Oxford University. He is founder and director of Reflections Ministries, a Christian apologetics and discipleship ministry. He was an editor for Walk Thru the Bible and contributing editor to The Promise Keepers Men's Study Bible. His books include God, I Don't Understand; I'm Glad You Asked; The Open Bible Companion; Cults, World Religions, and the Occult; Talk Thru the Bible; Visual Survey of the Bible; and Drawing Near.

Bowman has a master's degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and is a Ph.D. candidate at Westminster Theological Seminary. A researcher and writer for Reflections Ministries, he also is an instructor in apologetics and theology at Luther Rice Seminary. His books include Why You Should Believe in the Trinity; Orthodoxy and Heresy; and Jehovah's Witnesses.

The authors discussed with On Mission why Christians can be bold when telling others about Christ--even in a society which seems to be running amok.

You write that "a worldview approach to applying biblical teaching to contemporary cultural issues and problems requires a balance of confidence and caution, humility and boldness."

Yes, we caution against Christians taking either a retreatist or a reactionary stance in response to questions that surface in our culture. Almost as bad would be a very trendy stance that tries to be relevant but actually compromises truth.

Do you recommend that on mission Christians tailor their presentation of the gospel when talking to people who have certain attitudes or lifestyles--say, scientists who don't believe in God or people who condone homosexual behavior?

Not tailor but become informed. We argue that there are issues on which Christians have been comfortable in the past, and even in the present, with an opinion about what the Bible teaches on a particular subject that may need to be revisited or rethought in light of a growing understanding of the world. We give the example of the Church eventually coming to terms with scientific discoveries of the earth not being at the center of the universe.

So you're saying Christians shouldn't be threatened by such scientific discoveries?

Exactly. Sometimes scientists and historians find things that do surprise us as Christians. But, rather than denying those discoveries, we can be firm in our knowledge that the truth of scripture doesn't change, although nuances or details [of cultural knowledge] may change.

Let's talk about one so-called scientific discovery--the gay gene.

That's a good example, because Christians can question that with confidence. A close examination of the studies being touted as definitive really proves the opposite. The study of twin brothers indicates that when one of them is homosexual, the other is more likely to be homosexual than people in the general population. It's true that the number is fairly high. But if people are born homosexual, then it's a genetic condition and so the percentage should be 100, yet it's nowhere near that.

But, if you're talking to a person who's actively engaged in a lifestyle that's morally objectionable, such as homosexuality, then it really doesn't do any good to say to them, "Well, you shouldn't do that, because the Bible condemns it." That's a true statement, but it isn't helpful if the person doesn't acknowledge the truth or authority of scripture. We can't just club them over the head with Bible verses that they may not appreciate.

What approach do you recommend?

There are many things a Christian might be discussing with someone practicing homosexuality. They might not be talking about homosexual behavior at all. They might be talking about the person of Jesus Christ and the importance of turning to Him in repentance from sin, all sin, trusting Him as their Savior and Lord.

Whether there is a homosexual inclination or for that matter any other attitude, such as a support for abortions or a belief in radical feminism, the issue is still the gospel of Jesus Christ and ultimately loving that person, building a relationship with that person and then focusing on Jesus as Who that person needs to wrestle with.

So you don't focus on people's attitudes. You focus on the person of Jesus Christ, and, if they ultimately make a pledge to Him, then they may choose to change their lifestyle?

There's a balance we have to strike. We have to be firm about making clear that people must turn from sinful behavior, but it's easy to get focused on particular sins. The point is to keep the discussion on biblical truth, which Christians can have complete confidence in.

In other words, we're cautioning against a "circle the wagons" mentality--Christians who avoid any real engagement of thought or new ideas.

So you're saying our effectiveness as Christians in today's society relies heavily on an informed presentation. You encourage us to open our minds and learn what the culture is saying, because the truth as we know it will still prove solid.

Yes, Christians can listen to what the culture is saying and engage in dialog. And we certainly can learn from the culture. But we can be certain that biblical truths still hold, despite new evidence, new attitudes. However, relationship-building doesn't need to even dwell on these controversies. I'll use this analogy. When my wife and I were engaged in ministry to street people, many of them drug users, we found that what was most effective was to care for them, love them, serve them and share the good news about Jesus. We never found that we had to say, "You need to get off drugs." When they came to Christ and started growing in a relationship with Him, they would come to that conclusion on their own.