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It is easy to laugh at these websites, which feature subheads like "Mixed Swimming" (dangerous, of course) and "Bible Guidelines for Clothing." Often these sites seem convinced that every translation of the Bible done after the King James Version is a step toward apostasy.

Yet while there is no questioning the apparent sincerity of these attack-dog ministries, there is plenty of reason to challenge their approach. Lashing out in public at fellow Christians is objectionable—especially when the Christian influence on contemporary culture today is so weakened.

No attribute of civilized life seems more under attack than civility. If Christians blast each other from here to eternity with characterizations that differ little from the coarse vulgarity of cable TV, where on earth is the witness that brings grace and savor to our crumbling civilization?

Where is the gentleness, modesty, and wisdom with which we are supposed to shame those who mock and accuse the Body of Christ from outside?

Christians should set an example. By all means criticize fellow Christians if necessary, but do so with grace.

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PyroManiacs, Jordan's View, Apprising Ministries, Conservative Reformed Mafia, and other blogs have already responded to this column.

Previous columns by Aikman include:

A Precarious Calm | A year after the July 2006 war, Lebanon's Christians face a murky future. (June 25, 2007)

Throwing Rocks at Israel | Ex-President Carter's new book is both misleading and dangerous. (March 28, 2007)

Compassionate Bedfellow | Ten years ago, a Jewish leader shamed Christians into caring. (February 13, 2007)

Garlic, Dracula, and Al Qaeda | Civilization itself is the target of extremist Muslims. (December 11, 2006)

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August 2007, Vol. 51, No. 8