For those of you interested in reasonably defending your faith as charged in 1 Peter 3:15, I will give you my recent experience:
I was asked what my stance was on creation vs evolution. I stated I believe the universe was created, specifically by the one true God of the Bible. I was asked to prove that claim (the burden of proof does fall on the one making a claim). So I gave a clear logical argument for not only the existence of God but a sound explanation for reality as we experience it.(an example of this argument can be found here:http://www.gotquestions.org/argument-existence-God.html)
The atheist responded with arbitrary emotionally charged responses and did not once attempt to argue or disprove anything about the reason for my faith.
I repeatedly asked for his reason or rationality for ignoring/dismissing the argument. "I've evaluated your claim that a god exists, and I reject it. Now convince me there is a god...go." I replied "on what basis do you reject it? If not based on reason or rationality than how can we carry on a conversation/debate/argument?" Notice how he still hasn't given anything other than an arbitrary reason to dismiss the argument. This is completely irrational/unreasonable/illogical and it becomes impossible to carry on a conversation/debate/argument with a person like this.
Friends don't give up, our charge is not to convince/persuade others but to just provide a "reasonable defense for our faith". Yes it is frustrating, but maintain your focus on rightly handling God's truth and honoring Him. Stay focused on your fear of God and not misrepresenting Him. Stay focused on your compassion for the lost.
