49 Religious Lies Jesus Told Me to Stop Believing - #26 Take the Accuser’s Stance

Summary

Mark Virkler describes moving away from a judgmental, rule-focused approach to faith and adopting what he calls the “comforter stance”: responding to people with patience, gentleness, and encouragement rather than trying to condemn them or prove them wrong.

He says this shift helped him become more open and respectful, and freed him from feeling compelled to judge everyone or defend every belief. When encountering unfamiliar teachings, he recommends examining the full range of relevant Scripture—including passages that challenge one’s current view—and being willing to change one’s mind.

Key Strategies and Practices

• Respond with support, not accusation: Come alongside people who are struggling, offer encouragement, and allow them time to work through difficulties.
• Approach unfamiliar ideas with curiosity: Rather than immediately rejecting a new teaching, examine it carefully and ask for clarification.
• Seek truth over confirmation: Read all relevant perspectives on a topic, not only passages that support what you already believe.
• Practice respect and honor: Treat people with friendliness, openness, and dignity, even when you disagree.
• Avoid retaliating against criticism: Offer grace to critics, remember your own past struggles, and avoid getting drawn into every conflict.
• Use reflection and journaling: Write about Scripture and ask what God might be communicating through it.
• Speak a positive commitment: Virkler closes with a declaration that he will seek to understand people, honor them, and love them.

Presenters and Sources

• Presenter: Mark Virkler
• Sources cited: Released from Religion; Revelation 12:10; John 16:7; Acts 17:11; John 15:20; 1 Peter 2:17; a saying attributed to Winston Churchill.