About once a month I receive communication of some sort (usually email), criticizing me for quoting a famous person who is not a Christian. Someone responds to my blog posts, articles, newsletters, or other posts on social media. In these cases, they assume the person is an unbeliever, and in some cases, they know for sure because the person has said so, making it public.
“I don’t agree with you quoting people like Brene Brown.”
“I can’t believe you just cited Steve Jobs…”
“Why would you quote Stephen Covey and possibly lead people astray?”
Sigh.
These are frustrating and exhausting communications although I do kindly answer them all. I make it a practice to always answer my critics for several reasons, among them the fact that critics actually took time to share something, even though it wasn’t a positive something. There are many people who follow me who say they love my writing but they never take time to comment. At least the critics cared enough to comment. So, I take the time to answer them.
Truth is truth no matter where it comes from.
If Brene Brown said, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” would you disagree with it just because she was the one who said it? Of course not…that would be ridiculous. But this is actually some people’s rationale.
When I interact with people who don’t agree with listening to or quoting unbelievers, it screams one thing to me: they are uneducated. People who are educated whether formally or informally take all sources into consideration before making a decision. They are critical thinkers. They review all the facts, not just the facts spoken by believers. They do not insulate themselves in a Christian bubble or echo chamber.
When I had a medical operation years ago, I didn’t go looking for a surgeon who lined up with my Biblical theology. I chose the best surgeon in Tampa to perform the procedure. People with an isolationist mentality may have rejected that surgeon because he was an unbeliever. By doing so, they would only potentially harm themselves.
As Christians, it can be tempting to surround ourselves only with like-minded people who reinforce our beliefs. While it is crucial to stay rooted in biblical truth, isolating ourselves from differing viewpoints can hinder our ability to influence the world for Christ. Instead, Jesus calls us to engage with the world while remaining anchored in Him.
Jesus did not avoid people with different perspectives—He engaged with them. He spoke with tax collectors, Samaritans, Pharisees, and sinners. His mission was not to isolate but to influence.
Proverbs 18:1 says, “Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.” Avoiding different perspectives can lead to intellectual and spiritual stagnation. Strong Christian leaders engage with the world wisely to refine their understanding and grow in wisdom.
How do you feel when someone quotes an unbeliever? Does it make you feel any sort of way?
Wow! Such a powerful and needed blog. My husband often combats a lot of this in the country where we serve.
He likes to listen to all sides and is often judged for it. Thank you so much for taking the time to write about this.
I will definitely be sharing this with him. I’m looking forward to the Stronger Conference. I know it’s going to be amazing. I’ve been wanting to come for a long time, but the dates have always conflicted with other ministry events overseas. I wasn’t going to miss it this year!!!
I have used quotes from famous authors and also famous actors before, I used one the other day from tv Character Olivia Benson from Law and Order “It’s not mistakes that define us, It’s the choices we make afterwards that do”……….
I doubt the actress is a Christian and yet I love this quote!!!
I love everything you have used for Quotes, I don’t care who they are from,
If it’s meaningful to you, then it’s meaningful…
And that’s all that should matter…
I love the education of it all actually…..
I’m sorry for the critics but good for you, for commenting back and always staying strong and just being You…..
I had a Christian criticize me for excersiseing to Beyonce and Miley Cyrus songs once.
Yes most of the time
I excersise to Christian music but every once in awhile I like to switch it up…….
Keep using your favorite quotes Dr Deanna, so many of us appreciate them, I know I do!!! 💞
Deanna, you said it all right here:
“People who are educated whether formally or informally take all sources into consideration before making a decision. They are critical thinkers. They review all the facts, not just the facts spoken by believers. They do not insulate themselves in a Christian bubble or echo chamber.”
While I primarily serve Christian women in business and in ministry, I also speak to and serve ALL people “whosoever” desires the equipping and help, and they know I love the Lord. I have books from all sorts of authors that I have gleaned from. I am careful not to subject my mind to something harmful (through any means not just books), however, some of the people that I have obtained great quotes from may not be believers and in some cases aren’t. I will also say, that even some of them are quoting biblical principles and may not even know it. 🙂
Keep moving forward!
Even the apostle Paul quoted unbelievers. In Scripture! So yes, I agree with you 🙂
Omgoodness I can’t express how much I love this. 🥰
As I read thought your message above I couldn’t help but think to myself, those people that are giving her a hard time or criticizing you definitely have not probably had formal education recently.
As a student that is graduating this May from an Assemblies of God University. I can tell you firsthand that everything we learned in all the books we read were not always by Christians. Part of the education process is to be able to listen to those you might not always agree with.
For instance you mentioned Brene Brown and well we actually read some of her stuff, imagine that. 🤣
Keep your head up and as a wise leader once told me not to concern myself with the people that won’t accept me. Because that obviously means I wasn’t sent to Minister to them. You have a very special calling for specific people that others will never reach.
And as a native who lived many years in Tampa, you are in the middle of fertile ground. All you have to do is drive Downtown, Ybor, West Tampa, Town in Country or Dale Mabry where sexual exploitation is taking place every day and many turn a blind eye.
Keep doing what God has called you to do 🦋
Be encouraged in the Lord