Conversion - How do Christians approach converting an atheist?

[Vermithrax]

If possible, I'd like to restrict this conversation to Christians only, and myself.

Though I'm an atheist, I've never actually had someone try and convert me to Christianity, or indeed any other religion. So I'm curious. How do all you Christians out there go about actually converting someone to your faith, especially someone like myself? I say "especially someone like myself" because I imagine it's easier to convert someone who has some kind of belief in a deity or deities, because the supernatural component is already present.

For myself, I'm a metaphysical naturalist.

 

[Digit]

If possible, I'd like to restrict this conversation to Christians only, and myself.

Though I'm an atheist, I've never actually had someone try and convert me to Christianity, or indeed any other religion. So I'm curious. How do all you Christians out there go about actually converting someone to your faith, especially someone like myself? I say "especially someone like myself" because I imagine it's easier to convert someone who has some kind of belief in a deity or deities, because the supernatural component is already present.

For myself, I'm a metaphysical naturalist.

I don't really have a conversion-plan. I am open to talking about God, and I try to lead by example, that is about the extent of it.

 

[Van]

Hi Vermithrax, I expect you will receive a range of answers: here is mine.

Conversion means different things to different people. My understanding is an unsaved person is "converted" into a saved person when God spiritually places the person "in Christ" where they undergo the circumcision of Christ -their body of sin is removed - and arise in Christ a new creation, born again from above, and then they are sealed in Christ with the Holy Spirit. Thus, they have been converted totally by God, those that presented the gospel had no part in the actual conversion. However, the reason God places a person in Christ is that God counts or credits the person's faith in Christ as righteousness. So if we back up, we see that we play a role in presenting the gospel and bringing the person to the point where they either fully trust in Christ as their savior and commit to follow Christ as their Lord, or not. God who knows our hearts, decides whose faith to credit as righteousness.

So what are the steps in presenting the gospel. First there needs to be some sort of relationship between the believer and the lost person. A level of trust, perhaps established by the lost person knowing the believer and discerning that the believer is committed to Christ.

Next, the lost person cannot be someone who does not believe in God. If you do not believe in the One who sent Jesus, you will not believe in the one sent. When Paul addressed non-Jews, he started by explaining the "unknown God" to them. These folks did not know of the God of the Bible, but were not hardened, like a person who believes there is no god. As far as I know, there are no biblical examples of presenting the gospel to folks who believe there is no god.

On the other hand, if a person believes in the possibility of God, and accepts the evidence that God might exist, then there would be seem to be an opening to present what Christians believe about God. And the process might take some time, for one believer might till the soil, break up the hardened position of the lost person, and another might plant the seed of the gospel, and yet another might water, to provide a nurturing environment where the lost person might turn to Christ. But it is God who causes the increase, going from being lost to being "in Christ" a born again child of God.

 

[aiki]

Though I'm an atheist, I've never actually had someone try and convert me to Christianity, or indeed any other religion. So I'm curious. How do all you Christians out there go about actually converting someone to your faith, especially someone like myself? I say "especially someone like myself" because I imagine it's easier to convert someone who has some kind of belief in a deity or deities, because the supernatural component is already present.

For myself, I'm a metaphysical naturalist.

The Bible tells us that God "gives repentance to an acknowledging of the truth" to one who is not "born again." (2 Tim. 2:25) In other words, it is God's job to convert people, not mine. I can share the facts of the Christian faith with those unsaved folk who want to know, but convincing someone to accept these facts as the truth is something God accomplishes for Himself.

You see, the Bible teaches that all who come to a faith in Christ as their Saviour cannot do so apart from God's "drawing" influence. (Jn. 6:44) Without this divine interruption of one's natural course (which is always away from God) no one would be converted. The real issues that people have with God, the Bible explains, have little whatever to do with intellectual persuasion, but rather with pride, and self-will, and a love of sin.

John 3:19-20
19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.

God must overcome a person's sinful disposition, which is far more difficult - actually impossible except for Someone who has the power and wisdom God has - than simply providing sufficient evidence to believe. Over and over again in Scripture we read of people who encounter amazing demonstrations of God's power and presence and yet continue to rebel against Him. We see in this that extraordinary displays of God's power and presence aren't really what is needed to persuade people to obey Him. God must touch a person's heart, not simply their head.

With all this in mind, I would wait upon God to open an opportunity to speak with you about faith in Him. If you showed no interest, or were antagonistic to my faith (as opposed to curious), I would not press the matter any further. Your negative response would be an indication to me that God has more "drawing" to do with you.

Peace.

 

[drich0150]

Not all are to be "converted."

We are told to give an account for the Hope that lies within us. That's it, if the account your receive is not to your liking or your standard then either seek out another account, or move on with your life.

True "Conversion" should not and most likely will not be planned by a faithful Christian. As it has been said it is up to God to convert, it is up to us to facilitate that conversion. That doesn't mean we can't seek out and save those who are seeking salvation or those who do not know God. But for those who have made up their minds about God, then it is evident you/they have made your/their decision about God.. We are only to show you the path (Tell you of the Gospel) it is up to you and God whether you walk down it.

 

[Vermithrax]

That's a very interesting set of replies.

Are these answers representative of Christianity as a whole, or are they specific to the respondents?

 

[Van]

Hi Vermithrax, my response was mine, anyone who claims to speak for
Christianity as a whole should have nail holes in his hands. Many within Christianity disagree as to
the method of "conversion" - meaning salvation. There are those who think of conversion as turning and trusting,
something a person does, rather than something God does to create a new creature in Christ. Generally, these
are the folks that believe a Christian can lose their salvation.

This article may not be completely accurate, but I think it provides you with a general overview.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conversion_to_Christianity

 

[Vermithrax]

Hi Vermithrax, my response was mine, anyone who claims to speak for
Christianity as a whole should have nail holes in his hands. Many within Christianity disagree as to
the method of "conversion" - meaning salvation. There are those who think of conversion as turning and trusting,
something a person does, rather than something God does to create a new creature in Christ. Generally, these
are the folks that believe a Christian can lose their salvation.

This article may not be completely accurate, but I think it provides you with a general overview.
Conversion to Christianity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I appreciate that your response was your own, and it was an interesting one. Essentially, you think that it's not worth trying to convert atheists?

 

[salida]

First if I use the intelligent method approach; I tell an athiest if he is sincere and truly interested - how there is more evidence for intelligent design than darwinism; then go from intelligent design to creation. Next, from creation to Jesus himself. How? I use circumstantial evidence because there is an overwhelming amount of it. The thing is - this doesn't always convince someone- you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink it. Initially, its a spiritual decision.

 

[Vermithrax]

First if I use the intelligent method approach; I tell an athiest if he is sincere and truly interested - how there is more evidence for intelligent design than darwinism; then go from intelligent design to creation. Next, from creation to Jesus himself. How? I use circumstantial evidence because there is an overwhelming amount of it. The thing is - this doesn't always convince someone- you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink it. Initially, its a spiritual decision.

More evidence for intelligent design than Darwinism? I presume you mean the Theory of Evolution as that has long since eclipsed Darwinism?

Oh, and it's "atheist."

 

[Van]

Hi Vermithax, do you think it is worth trying to convert an atheist?

 

[Vermithrax]

Hi Vermithax, do you think it is worth trying to convert an atheist?

That's a question best directed at your brothers and sisters in Christ, not me.

 

[Van]

Hi Vermithrax, apparently we have come to the end of our road. I did my best to answer your questions, but you seem unwilling to treat me as I treated you. Recall what I said about a relationship? Goodbye and God bless.

 

[ebia]

If possible, I'd like to restrict this conversation to Christians only, and myself.

Though I'm an atheist, I've never actually had someone try and convert me to Christianity, or indeed any other religion. So I'm curious. How do all you Christians out there go about actually converting someone to your faith, especially someone like myself? I say "especially someone like myself" because I imagine it's easier to convert someone who has some kind of belief in a deity or deities, because the supernatural component is already present.

For myself, I'm a metaphysical naturalist.

I don't. I'll take an opportunity to talk about God or the Christian faith - particularly to dispel any misconceptions or to clarify what the Christian faith and hope actually is. I might even, if suitable occasion occurs, say something designed to challenge your existing thinking. But I don't set up to convert anyone.

If I can do something that shows you what God's New Creation looks like and extend his invitation to get involved then great. Whether or not you take that up is ultimately between you and him, even though New Creation would be all the better for your involvement.

 

[alexross8]

I explore.
Research is a man's best friend.

When you ask questions , you will receive an answer.
If that answer isn't complete or is irrelevant , then you have the non-believer in the corner.
When they are stuck in the corner , I answer the atheist with the kind of atheist logic answers that they don't want to hear .

Such as if someone were to ask me why I don't believe in Thor , Zeus , Isis , etc.
I would answer by asking them why they don't believe.

If the answer was ,"not enough evidence" , then I would say , "Same".
If the answer was , "Their religions are dead , and have died out , just like yours will be" , I then would explain that Christianity isn't a new religion or a dead religion , but a religion that has been around since before Abraham , and is growing in hundreds by the hour.

 

[drich0150]

Not all are to be "converted."

Matthew 10:14
If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town.

We are told to give an account for the Hope that lies within us. That's it, if the account your receive is not to your liking or your standard then either seek out another account, or move on with your life.

1 Peter 3:15 15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

True "Conversion" should not and most likely will not be planned by a faithful Christian. As it has been said it is up to God to convert, it is up to us to facilitate that conversion.

Romans 9:
15For he says to Moses,
"I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.

That doesn't mean we can't seek out and save those who are seeking salvation or those who do not know God.

Matt 28:
18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

But for those who have made up their minds about God, then it is evident you/they have made your/their decision about God.. We are only to show you the path (Tell you of the Gospel) it is up to you and God whether you walk down it.

Again we Go back to Mat 10:
14If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that home or town. 15I tell you the truth, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town. 16I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

I may not have any nail scared hands but I have taken my approach for converting atheist from the words of some of those who did.

 

[Vermithrax]

A couple of questions if I may, based on some of the answers I've received so far.

A belief in the Christian god is essential for conversion. As I suggested in my opening, it must be easier to deal with someone who already has some form of believe in a god or gods. Do you have any method of demonstrating the fact of your god's existence? It seems to me that this would have to be the first step.

Secondly, several respondents state that your god actually does the conversion. This would imply that atheists are who we are because your god elects to make us that way. Would this be a fair statement, and if so, why would a god want people who don't believe?

 

[ebia]

A couple of questions if I may, based on some of the answers I've received so far.

A belief in the Christian god is essential for conversion. As I suggested in my opening, it must be easier to deal with someone who already has some form of believe in a god or gods. Do you have any method of demonstrating the fact of your god's existence? It seems to me that this would have to be the first step.

Would it?

It very rarely seems to work that way. Belonging usually preceeds believing, not the other way around. People come to faith through relationships and gradually realising that the gospel makes sense of life.

 

[Vermithrax]

Would it?

It very rarely seems to work that way. Belonging usually preceeds believing, not the other way around. People come to faith through relationships and gradually realising that the gospel makes sense of life.

Yet atheists rarely feel like they belong, and are never welcomed in Christian groups. Even amongst ourselves, we remain the ultimate individualists. We do alright online, but trying to organize us is like herding cats.

 

[Lukaris]

A couple of questions if I may, based on some of the answers I've received so far.

A belief in the Christian god is essential for conversion. As I suggested in my opening, it must be easier to deal with someone who already has some form of believe in a god or gods. Do you have any method of demonstrating the fact of your god's existence? It seems to me that this would have to be the first step.

Secondly, several respondents state that your god actually does the conversion. This would imply that atheists are who we are because your god elects to make us that way. Would this be a fair statement, and if so, why would a god want people who don't believe?

I am not responding in tandem w/ any previous posts but in all respect to all who have posted. Anyway, I believe it is in our conscience where our link to our Creator exists at the most basic level (see Romans 2:11-16) and that God allowed humanity to walk in their own way for a long time (see Acts 14:14-18) so that those even with the most darkest insanity at some primal level have to account for evil intent like to commit murder (of course passive sufferers do not apply here). So what about atheists or non Christians? Do some have a chance? There seems to be much evidence that some will be saved in ways God determines; The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), Mark 3:28-30,the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), those who show qualities God approves of (see Phillipians 4:8), Romans 2:11-16 (again), the parable of sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46). All of this according to how God determines (see Romans 9:14-18) and as Christians we must not neglect our salvation (see Hebrews 2:3 & also Ezekiel 18 & 33:10-20 as an ex. of accountability). Nonetheless as Christians we must give witness in some way & I would ask that you read the 12th chapter of the Gospel of Mark noting the 2 great commands & the resurrection and Romans 10 (especially vs. 9, 11, & 13). This post was made over several hours time at work so it may be totally behind in the progress of the thread at this point.