Online Debate Motives: Why Skeptics Challenge Believers

Editor’s note – Gwen shares an ongoing, real exchange with a former believer who has spent years arguing that the Biblical narrative is false, and she asks the question most of us are tempted to skip past: why does he care so much what she believes? We’re running this piece because that question cuts to something true about conviction itself. It’s also a quiet case study in loving a difficult neighbor instead of simply muting the noise.

The Unexpected Connection

This is a story about an avid reader and commenter on stories related to Christian content. This particular individual insists the Biblical narrative of God is entirely false, based on his profound knowledge and wisdom as a result of superior critical thinking skills.

At one point our dialogue (friendly debate) in the comment sections began to feel like defending a doctoral dissertation so I blocked him merely because it was consuming far too much of my time. Over time I discovered that I missed our fascinating little chats and wanted to truly practice the teachings of Jesus by loving my proverbial neighbors, so I made the decision to unblock him and invite him back in to occupy some mental space rent-free once again.

What I find so intriguing about these online discussions is his motivation to disprove The Bible and God. He stated that he was a Christian believer for over 50 years before his critical thinking skills convinced him the Biblical narrative is false. All appearances in his commentaries indicate that he is indeed quite well-versed in Scriptures.

Understanding the Motivation to Share

For those who truly identify as Jesus followers, you are most likely familiar with what is known as “The Great Commission” where Jesus sends his disciples out to tell others all about him in a story known as “The Gospel” which starts in the beginning with a good God creating all things good in the book of Genesis and concludes with powerful prophetic promises in the book of Revelation. But the gospel message may also be succinctly summarized as “The Romans Road to Salvation” found in 5 core verses in the book of Romans:

Core Steps to The Romans Road to Salvation

• Romans 3:23: Establishes that all people have sinned and fallen short of God’s standard.
• Romans 6:23: Explains that the penalty for sin is death, but God offers eternal life through Jesus.
• Romans 5:8: Highlights God’s love demonstrated through Christ dying for humanity while still in sin.
• Romans 10:9: Outlines the path to salvation through confession and belief in the resurrection.
• Romans 10:13: Assures salvation for all who call upon the name of the Lord.

Editor’s note – The Romans Road remains one of the clearest short paths through the Gospel: sin, penalty, love, confession, assurance, in that order. It’s worth having ready – not as a formula to win an argument, but as a map for wherever the conversation goes next.

The Purpose Behind the Debate

My point here being that The Great Commission is the motivation for believers to share The God of The Bible with others.

The question I have then for the commenter described above is what is his motivation? Why does he (and others like him) feel compelled to convince others that they are believing a false narrative and must begin using critical thinking skills to see the folly of their ways?

“You can’t talk butterfly stuff with caterpillar people”… or can you? I recently offended him when I quoted 1 Corinthians 1:18 which states For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who perish; but unto us who are saved, it is the power of God. But why is this offensive when he is essentially also calling me foolish for believing in my God of The Bible? And why does it matter to him what I believe? Is he trying to prove his version of “the truth” to me or to himself?

“The lady doth protest too much, methinks” – Shakespeare, Hamlet Act III Scene II

It is clear [at least to fellow believers] why I share The Good News. But once again I pose the question: what is the motivation for agnostics to prove we are wrong in our beliefs? I can actually understand if one feels they are being attacked or having unwanted doctrines pushed on them against their free will to assert their countering thoughts and opinions. But this is clearly not the case for some who insist on proving Christians wrong for sport.

Editor’s note – Motive matters, but method matters just as much. Scripture never calls believers to win the argument – only to speak the truth in love and leave the outcome to God.

The Human Element of Dialogue

Perhaps this persistent desire to debate stems from a fundamental human need for validation. Whether rooted in faith or critical rationalism, deeply held convictions shape our perception of reality, and when confronted with opposing views, there is often an instinctive drive to align others with our worldview — if only to reassure ourselves of our own intellectual or spiritual grounding.

Yet, despite these sharp ideological divides, there remains the possibility of finding common ground through genuine dialogue. When stripped of animosity, contentious exchanges can actually reveal a shared desire for truth, showing that even beneath fierce debate lies a common human curiosity and a search for meaning.

Reflection Questions

• When you encounter someone with a deeply opposing worldview, what is your initial emotional reaction, and where do you think it stems from?
• How might you shift your approach to online or real-life debates to prioritize understanding and connection over the need to be “right?”
• Think of a time you were challenged in your beliefs. How did that experience shape your perspective, regardless of whether your mind was changed or confirmed?

A Word from the Editor
Gwen’s question cuts both ways – it’s worth asking why we argue as hard as the skeptic does. Paul told Timothy to correct opponents “with gentleness,” trusting God to grant repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). That’s the harder calling: staying in the conversation without needing to win it.

Editor Comment: Naming the Romans Road so plainly in the middle of the piece gives readers a clear map to the Gospel, even as you keep asking what actually drives the skeptic to argue so hard.

This article appeared on Medium and is reprinted with modifications and by permission.