1)  Many, if not most in this generation, say that the act of shunning is impolite and out of character for a Christian.  So, is a Christian required to give audience to any and all discussion aimed his way?

            ANS:  “But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”  2 Tim 2:16

2)  What principle of action did the Savior give to His disciples for the work of spreading the gospel?

            ANS:  “And when ye come into a house, salute it.  And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it:  But if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.  And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.”  Matt. 10:12-14

3)  What did John say about someone who comes around to unsettle your faith?

            ANS:  “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.  He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:  for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”  2 John 1:9-11

4)  What did the SDA prophetess Ellen G. White write about a proper manner of dealing with sin by Christians?

            ANS:  “We are authorized to hold in the same estimation as did the beloved disciple those who claim to abide in Christ while living in transgression of God’ law.  There exist in these last days evils similar to those that threatened the prosperity of the early church; and the teachings of the apostle John on these points should be carefully heeded.  ‘You must have charity’ is the cry heard everywhere, especially from those who profess sanctification.  But true charity is too pure to cover an unconfessed sin.  While we are to love the souls for whom Christ died, we are to make no compromise with evil.  We are not to unite with the rebellious, and call this charity.  God requires His people in this age of the world to stand for the right as unflinchingly as did John in opposition to soul-destroying errors.”  AA 554-555

5)  According to the counsel of Ellen G. White, why should a Christian remove himself from unprofitable reasoning with unbelievers?

            ANS:  “Satan tempted the first Adam in Eden, and Adam reasoned with the enemy, thus giving him the advantage.  Satan exercised his power of hypnotism over Adam and Eve, and this power he strove to exercise over Christ.  But after the word of Scripture was quoted, Satan knew that he had no chance of triumphing.”  Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 201

Conclusion: While it is certainly understood that Christians are never to be rude to others, and Christians are always ready to bring truth and hope to the erring and sinners, we are not called upon to parlay with those who hate the truth.  We are not counseled to reason with those who have taken their stand against righteousness.  Those who are not willing to receive correction and counsel are best avoided. 

Individuals who are in need of help will always be served by the Christian, but this service does not include reasoning with and/or associating with evil spirits.