How do you answer the question 'why do you believe in God?' to an atheist or agnostic

faceofbear · #1 28th October 2009, 02:52 AM

Hey,

I am newly saved and many atheist and agnostics ask me why I believe in God and I tend to have a very long answer to this explaining a lot of how we know the Bible is God's word etc, but I feel there is probably a more easier approach to this possibly just going through Romans 1 about how creation is enough, how do some of you answer this question.

wayseer · #2 28th October 2009, 03:00 AM

Originally Posted by faceofbear

Hey,

I am newly saved and many atheist and agnostics ask me why I believe in God and I tend to have a very long answer to this explaining a lot of how we know the Bible is God's word etc, but I feel there is probably a more easier approach to this possibly just going through Romans 1 about how creation is enough, how do some of you answer this question.

Hi

How do I respond to an atheist or agnostic - I don't. Until I can explain Christianity if the face of the 'absence' of God - can explain 'suffering' - can explain how God is relevant in the 21st century then I have found it better to keep my own counsel.

Yarddog · #3 28th October 2009, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by faceofbear

Hey,

I am newly saved and many atheist and agnostics ask me why I believe in God and I tend to have a very long answer to this explaining a lot of how we know the Bible is God's word etc, but I feel there is probably a more easier approach to this possibly just going through Romans 1 about how creation is enough, how do some of you answer this question.

I know why I believe in God but that won't help you.

Tell us the answer to "Why do "you" believe in God?" What occurred that caused you to become a Christian? Was it the Bible? Was it a personal experience? Look inward and not to some formula from others.

God Bless,
Yarddog

lenpettis74 · #4 28th October 2009, 09:16 AM

Don't let apologetics become a set of canned answer to anyones questions about your faith in Christ would be my first piece of advice. Lean on the Holy Spirit for guidance and He will direct your conversation. You will be amazed at how you answer questions you had no idea you had the answers to; then you will feel the power of God working in you. Let me also say I completely agree with Yarddog's response as well. Your story and your witness may be the most powerful response you have. Finally, remember that it's all about Jesus. As interesting as apologetics can be for debate's sake, it can become a distraction from the only thing that matters about salvation. Evolution vs. creation; for instance, is interesting, but regardless of which you believe to be true, neither answer will save your eternal soul. Always try to swing the conversation to the Gospel, and how people refused to renounce Jesus and were martyred for it. Atheists and agnostics with a gun to their head will give up their belief in a millisecond, that cannot be said for first century martyrs who witnessed the resurrection of the Christ and all of his miracles which proved He was who He said He was.

Emmy · #5 28th October 2009, 11:29 AM

Dear faceofbear. I would say: " Who else is there? who gives eternal life?" When Jesus asked Peter, " will you leave me too?" that is what Peter answered. Peter spoke from experience, he had been with Jesus some time, and He had found that Jesus is the Life, the Tuth, and the Way. The Bible is God talking to Man, and in the Bible you will find the answer to " why I believe in God." Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

LamorakDesGalis · #6 28th October 2009, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by faceofbear

Hey,

I am newly saved and many atheist and agnostics ask me why I believe in God and I tend to have a very long answer to this explaining a lot of how we know the Bible is God's word etc, but I feel there is probably a more easier approach to this possibly just going through Romans 1 about how creation is enough, how do some of you answer this question.

Do you share your personal testimony? I think behind the asking "why" is really asking what is the significance of God and Jesus in your life. A Deist also believes in God, but there isn't any relational aspect to it. Personal testimony is powerful because it demonstrates to others the significance of God and Jesus in your life. If after sharing my testimony a person questions the basis of my belief, then that is when I bring in explanations of why I believe what I believe.

LDG

elman · #7 28th October 2009, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by faceofbear

Hey,

I am newly saved and many atheist and agnostics ask me why I believe in God and I tend to have a very long answer to this explaining a lot of how we know the Bible is God's word etc, but I feel there is probably a more easier approach to this possibly just going through Romans 1 about how creation is enough, how do some of you answer this question.

I don't think we can know God exist or that the Bible is God's word. We believe these things but we do not know them to be true. I respond to this question by saying I find it more reasonable that there is intelligence behind existence than to believe it is all the result of random collisions of chemicals and matter heated up over a long period of time. I think believing that is less reasonable than believing there is purpose behind our existence.

MrPolo · #8 28th October 2009, 05:03 PM

Since they are only asking about God and not Christianity, I think there is no good answer from atheists or agnostics to the argument from "First Cause."

Harry3142 · #9 2nd November 2009, 05:25 PM

I believe in God because I have chosen to believe in God. I consider His existence to be real and correct, and his work to be ongoing in all His creation.

byHISway · #10 3rd November 2009, 01:39 AM

*blind post*

I usually don't explain anything. I don't do so well in debates, and that's what it usually turns into.

I usually just say "you just have to experience God for yourself to know where I'm coming from", and then invite them to church or keep fellowship with them in hopes that I can show an example enough to gain interest.

In the trinity, IMO, God and Jesus are debateable. They are. They are figures in history written and translated by man. Now, I believe in God and Jesus, but it wasn't until I experienced "the presence"= holy spirit that I really got a grasp on what I believed and not what I was taught to believe. The holy spirit can not be expained nor debated. If it's allowed to touch/inspire someone, then it's undoubted that it is something real and positive. Mindsets can be debated on about whether you can create an atmosphere by "expecting" it.

What else can I say, other than you just have to experience it yourself. You can help lead people to that by your life example. A belief in God can not be explained to the point of leaving a non-believer without a shadow of a doubt. Live the example and spread the compassion, love, understanding, and yearning for others' freedom into Christ....that's all we can do realistically without possibly turning others away that really struggle with this.

JMO