Assertive Faith: Clarity Rooted in Charity
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Assertive Faith: Clarity Rooted in Charity
Many Christians say, "We have to defend the faith!" It's a correct mindset but one that is incomplete. The word "defend" often implies being backed into a corner, only speaking up when our beliefs are being attacked. The reality is this isn't the model taught in Scripture or the example given to us by the early Church.
Moving Beyond a Defensive Posture
In 1 Peter 3:15 we are instructed to be ready to make a defense, but this verse actually first assumes that our joy, hope, and life in Christ is already visible. As a result, people notice and then ask us about it. St. Peter doesn't say, "Only speak when attacked."
What's more, Jesus did not say, “Stay quiet until someone challenges you.” Instead, His mission was a command to "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). You don’t "go" by waiting; you "go" because Truth is good and must be shared.
Defining Assertive vs. Aggressive
Many Christians are uncomfortable with being assertive, often mistaking it for aggression. So, it's important to define what mean with these two terms:
Assertive: A clear, confident, and respectful proclamation of truth, rooted in charity, seeking the good of the other.
Aggressive: Hostile, coercive, or manipulative behavior that tries to overpower or shame another person.
Christians are not called to be aggressive. Assertiveness is clarity in charity. Aggression forces; assertiveness proclaims. The moment our message becomes aggressive, it is no longer rooted in charity.
The Church Calls Us to Assertiveness
The Catechism teaches that the disciple of Christ must not only keep the faith, but also profess it, confidently bear witness to it, and spread it. The sacrament of Confirmation gives us a special strength to “spread and defend the faith”. Notice that the word "spread" appears before "defend" in CCC 1303, denoting the assertive action before the defensive one.
A defensive Christianity focuses only on survival, but an assertive Christianity is driven by a clear mission. We are the light of the world, and light doesn't wait for darkness to attack it; it shines always. We must live our faith boldly, proclaiming Christ with gentleness, reverence, and joy.
Want to learn more about the Biblical and Historical basis for an assertive faith?
Read the full, in-depth article on Substack.
