Talking to atheists.

[.Iona.]

If someone doesn't believe in God but is willing to talk about why, I find it easy to talk and debate about why there is a God etc, but when people are aggressive in trying to disprove God I get very defensive and find it hard to answer without being aggressive back.

People will criticise anything I say about God, try to disprove Him and if I give a 'religious answer' they become worse. It's like they have the right to say anything about my God, but if I say anything about Judgement, or sin, they get angry at me saying that they aren't 'as good' or that I feel Christians are better than them.

How should I answer questions they throw at me, without tarnishing the name of Christ? I want to show people the good nature of Jesus and use Him as my answers, but not if I will get angry.

 

[DoctorJosh]

What ever their reasons are for being aggressive or trying to provoke you into doing something they can point a finger at and say "what kind of a Christian does that" we must be patient and hold back our anger while trying to bring forth answers to their questions. What I do is bring forth any evidence to prove what I am talking about is True and Accurate by even pointing them in the right direction (whether it be a book, scientific evidence from the Christian Science Community and using the Bible as the main guide). There is over 100,000 pieces of evidence backing up the Bible, but if an Atheist is just waiting to hear the right answer from you or another Christian before they change their mind, then keep talking until they find something that they can relate to, understand or find more interest in. Otherwise nothing will change their mind. They will have to do some research on their own to find that convincing evidence.

We can lead them to water, but we cannot force them to drink. That is their choice, their Freedom of belief and if they get too aggressive we can only just tell they need to do some research since you just cannot fill their void by any answers if they just keep getting angry over your answers. Then we just have to walk away and Pray for them if they are getting almost violent.

What is even harder is when you try to convince a gay atheist that God exists or the Bible is True or that they are living a morally wrong life by their actions. Say a Gay started asking questions first, but then got offended when someone told him that God has put forth the 10 Commandments and the Laws by which all are to live by, but it was each persons choice how they wanted to live. So after a few minutes of discussing a few things, he asks about how God would see gays. By telling him how God sees lustful actions and it is a sin. He then bursts into anger and says that is why he will not become a Christian or accept God if God will not accept him for the way he chooses to live. A circle of insanity on his part that he wants to know, but doesn't want to accept the facts about Christianity, God or the Bible. Yet, if anyone were to bring forth basic science and tell the gay that reproductive organs are only for having children, he would just have another argument on that topic even if science itself proves that is what it is for.

So it is not just about Atheist beliefs, it is about their own personal lifestyle of sin they do not want to give up and therefore won't accept God because it hinders their lifestyle.

So each Atheist has their reasons, perhaps it is just not understanding God and or finding it hard to believe there is a God when they cannot see God.

Either way, for what ever reasons are their own, if they get angry during a discussion and seem to get violent to the point it is going to just get worse without any understanding on their part (even if they just won't listen to what you have to say first) then its best to just walk away and let them ponder upon it for a while.

We can always offer assistance, even give them a Bible and some numbers of the Church you go to so they can call if they have a question for the Pastor, Priest or Reverend and that is the best we can do and say a Prayer for them.

God Bless.

 

[callmeMurph]

How should I answer questions they throw at me, without tarnishing the name of Christ? I want to show people the good nature of Jesus and use Him as my answers, but not if I will get angry.

Listen to them, get to know them, understand what they really believe, understand who they are. I realized that if all I want to do is answer other people's questions I am not showing them Christ and I am not going to give good answers anyways. Sometimes being able to say that we don't know or that we don't have the answers is what they really need to hear.

 

[Emmy]

Dear Religious Girl. Billy Graham is a good example of someone who is chosen to" Talk" to atheists, the majority of Christians, ( no matter how eager to lead to Christ) are to be sign-posts for Christ. We know our two most important Commandments, 1) love God with all our hearts, with all our souls, and with all our minds. 2) Love our neighbour, all others, friend or foe, love them as we love ourselves. We show this best by treating all we know or meet, with kindness and friendliness, without jealousy or envy, or always to be right, and with forgiveness as God has forgiven us. We will find, that in time some of our friends or acquaintances, will ask some questions, and it is then that we talk about our love for Him and others. A little hint or two, like a well-meant " thank God" in our talk generally, will soon let others know that you are a Christian. The best way we can show who we are, is by always be loving and kind, in deed and in word, like no swearing, or unkind and without care. Jesus will give you His Love and His Joy to share with each other. That is always the best way to talk to anybody we know, or meet: whatever Religion or Belief. I say this with love, Religious Girl. Greetings from Emmy, your sister in Christ.

 

[Peripatetic]

Sometimes just keeping your cool and being a good example is enough to make these unpleasant conversations worthwhile. You probably won't change their minds, but may plant a seed for later by at least showing that some Christians aren't so judgmental and arrogant (even if the atheist is!). Another thing that helps is to say right up front that you can't provide proof. If that were possible, everyone would believe and faith would be unnecessary. Then, the conversation usually goes to "then why DO you believe?" This is a good time to talk about how Christianity works in your life. Say things like, "for me..." and "I believe that...", rather than jumping right to scripture or dogma. It's different when talking to other Christians, but when I talk to an aggressive atheist, my point is not to convince him/her, but only to explain my perspectives.

 

[salida]

Be patient and show them the website Reasonable Faith-Bill Craig is a great debater and started this site, in fact Richard Dawkins the famous athiest is afraid to debate him. You have to register but its worth it if they are interested.

 

[Bridgit]

Religious Girl, before you talk to people about Christ ask God to prepare their hearts to receive His words. There is not need to talk to those who won't listen.

When others criticize you because of your belief in God or what you are saying, know that it is normal. Unbelievers cannot understand unless God reveal His truth to them. Basically Jesus said in Luke 21:17 that we are hated by the world because the world hated Christ. Believe me, if unbelievers loved you even though you were telling them about God, then it would mean that you were not teaching according to the Word of God. The world despises the Truth.

To the world, your best testimony that you are a Christian, is your behavior, in any circumstances, good or bad. The enemy is watching, ready to steal, kill and destroy. Stand firm in Christ, stay close to God by reading His Word and praying. God will direct your path, strengthened you, protect you, equip you so that you can be used to advance His Kingdom and push back the kingdom of darkness.

Let the world mock you, it mocked Christ but His focus was on the Father. Do the same, keep your eyes on Jesus.

 

[EvanWilliams]

If someone doesn't believe in God but is willing to talk about why, I find it easy to talk and debate about why there is a God etc, but when people are aggressive in trying to disprove God I get very defensive and find it hard to answer without being aggressive back.

Above all, focus on not becoming angry. Being calmer will allow to make a better agument for your side.

People will criticise anything I say about God, try to disprove Him and if I give a 'religious answer' they become worse. It's like they have the right to say anything about my God, but if I say anything about Judgement, or sin, they get angry at me saying that they aren't 'as good' or that I feel Christians are better than them.

We atheists are generally not convinced by religious answers to our inquiries about your God. Some of us get frustrated, wrongly mind you, because a lot of Christians do not understand that it doesn't make sense to use the Bible, the sole basis for Christianity, as a tool to try to argue for it. Christians that do this are using a circular argument that makes no sense. You cannot prove something in the Bible using the Bible. This would be like using the Star Wars movies to try to prove the existence of Darth Vader. Instead, rely on philosophy and objective reasoning to argue for your side. Generally speaking, using the Bible is useless in trying to persuade an atheist because we generally reject the entire book. In the vast majority of debates, you will find that quoting scripture does absolutely nothing to convince an atheist.

How should I answer questions they throw at me, without tarnishing the name of Christ? I want to show people the good nature of Jesus and use Him as my answers, but not if I will get angry.

I suggest you research and talk about the Shroud of Turin with nonbelievers. It is the most compelling piece of evidence for Christianity I have seen so far, though I have yet to research it in full.

Above all, maintain your calmness throughout the debate and you will come out looking like the better of the two sides. The first person to get angry in a debate is usually the one that ends up losing.

If I can give you any further advice, feel free to ask, as I have had many many dialogues with Christians in my time as an atheist. If you'd like, try looking at my thread called "A Guide to Dialogues with Nonbelievers" for a general list of arguments that don't work on most atheists.

Peace,
-Evan Williams

 

[joey_downunder]

If someone doesn't believe in God but is willing to talk about why, I find it easy to talk and debate about why there is a God etc, but when people are aggressive in trying to disprove God I get very defensive and find it hard to answer without being aggressive back.

People will criticise anything I say about God, try to disprove Him and if I give a 'religious answer' they become worse. It's like they have the right to say anything about my God, but if I say anything about Judgement, or sin, they get angry at me saying that they aren't 'as good' or that I feel Christians are better than them.

How should I answer questions they throw at me, without tarnishing the name of Christ? I want to show people the good nature of Jesus and use Him as my answers, but not if I will get angry.

Do you pray for God's wisdom and patience while communicating with atheists? Remember that if you are telling the truth about God and it is hitting home they are angry at "the message" and not you. Don't take the aggression personally. Also remember that they are spiritually dead and a lot about what the Bible says would make absolutely no sense to them.

2 Corinthians 4:3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. 4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

If it becomes clear to you that they only want to argue with you and they are making fun of what you are saying about God remember what Jesus said:

Matthew 7: 6"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

I tend to use the Book of Proverbs a bit. For improving my tactfulness Proverbs 16 was extremely helpful.

 

[.Iona.]

Thanks guys. I am not trying to convince people, but I am not the kind of person to just sit back and ignore when people criticise me, so, I will respond.

I think mainly I don't understand why people will waste their time in trying to insult and disprove someone's beliefs. Especially when it isn't called for and when they are pretty aggressive.

It's like it is one rule for them, and another for Christians. I was asked about Hell and I explained the Christian belief behind it. The guy then started shouting and saying he was insulted that I was 'forcing' my belief of Hell on to someone who doesn't believe and accusing him of being a lesser person than me. Yet, before this he was saying Christians are stupid and naive for believing in a psychopathic and evil God.

I am not the kind of person to just approach people and try and convince them to believe in God, so I really don't appreciate the hassle I get from atheists trying to insult my intelligence.

I think for now, I will avoid these situations as much as I can. And when I am more prepared and have a cooler head, I'll see about going back into them!

 

[heymikey80]

That makes sense to me.

You can also comment on the relative inequality in treatment of Christian thought in comparison with atheistic thought. It appears to me that people don't like anything that leads to their being responsible, and get emotional about it. If they were being fair, they'd make more careful factual statements rather than appealing to people's motives, which they don't see and can't really know.

 

[Johnnz]

A non believer can get quite agitated for several reasons.

a) One real issue is the loss of a loved one. That is an issue of the heart not the head and cannot be confronted by 'rational' statements about God.

b) Involvement in the occult often results in hostility

c) A mixture of arrogance and ignorance - same behaviours you see elsewhere, often against some authority.

d) A family upbringing hostile to religion generally, or Christianity in particular

e) A bad experience with a church or other Christians

f) Just immaturity

John
NZ

 

[razeontherock]

I think mainly I don't understand why people will waste their time in trying to insult and disprove someone's beliefs. Especially when it isn't called for and when they are pretty aggressive.

It's like it is one rule for them, and another for Christians.

Understand that when you as a believer are led to speak about sin or Judgment, the person G-d is dealing with is put in a most uncomfortable position! That's not your fault. You didn't make the rules, neither are you in any position to enforce them. The big thing here is to show the commonality, that our sins are the only thing we have in common w/ G-d, and our only access to Him.

I think for now, I will avoid these situations as much as I can. And when I am more prepared and have a cooler head, I'll see about going back into them!

This reminds me of Jesus's statement "let the dead bury their dead, but you follow Me." Mat 8:22 Luke 9:60

IOW, if you use this as an excuse you'll never do anything, you'll never obey. Let me share a dream my first Pastor received of the Lord:

he was in a hug crowd, but it was unusual in that everybody was lined up in rows. He was to push people off a cliff one by one, knowing it was the great divide that separates hell from everything else. Obviously he protested this and was very upset, and the Lord's answer was - these are the people he was sent to preach the Gospel to, but didn't.

Kinda puts a fresh perspective on things, doesn't it?

 

[wayfaring man]

Thanks guys. I am not trying to convince people, but I am not the kind of person to just sit back and ignore when people criticize me, so, I will respond.

Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee:
For oftentimes also thine own heart knows that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. <-----> Ecclesiastes 7:21+22

I think mainly I don't understand why people will waste their time in trying to insult and disprove someone's beliefs. Especially when it isn't called for and when they are pretty aggressive.

It is an honor for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling. <-----> Proverbs 20:3

It's like it is one rule for them, and another for Christians. I was asked about Hell and I explained the Christian belief behind it. The guy then started shouting and saying he was insulted that I was 'forcing' my belief of Hell on to someone who doesn't believe and accusing him of being a lesser person than me. Yet, before this he was saying Christians are stupid and naive for believing in a psychopathic and evil God.

With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful, and with the upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright.
With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself unsavory. <-----> 2nd Samuel 22:26+27 ( Also Psalm 18:25+26 )

I am not the kind of person to just approach people and try and convince them to believe in God, so I really don't appreciate the hassle I get from atheists trying to insult my intelligence.

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that rules his spirit than he that takes a city. <-----> Proverbs 16:32

The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. <-----> Psalm 103:8

I think for now, I will avoid these situations as much as I can. And when I am more prepared and have a cooler head, I'll see about going back into them!

Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other person's matters.
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. <-----> 1st Peter 4:12-19

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wm

 

[Rao]

If someone doesn't believe in God but is willing to talk about why, I find it easy to talk and debate about why there is a God etc, but when people are aggressive in trying to disprove God I get very defensive and find it hard to answer without being aggressive back.

People will criticise anything I say about God, try to disprove Him and if I give a 'religious answer' they become worse. It's like they have the right to say anything about my God, but if I say anything about Judgement, or sin, they get angry at me saying that they aren't 'as good' or that I feel Christians are better than them.

How should I answer questions they throw at me, without tarnishing the name of Christ? I want to show people the good nature of Jesus and use Him as my answers, but not if I will get angry.

You reap what you saw, just like them. Just what you wrote about them: "It's like they have the right to say anything about my God, but if I say anything about Judgement, or sin, they get angry at me", and think if this isn't the same as you: don't you feel you have the right to say anything about God but when atheists say anything about your God you get angry?

If you want to discuss seriously, you have to be the one who starts. If you want them to be open, you have to make yourself open and vulnerable as well. Otherwise you can choose not to do that, and so they won't.

 

[iCanFly]

If someone doesn't believe in God but is willing to talk about why, I find it easy to talk and debate about why there is a God etc, but when people are aggressive in trying to disprove God I get very defensive and find it hard to answer without being aggressive back.

People will criticise anything I say about God, try to disprove Him and if I give a 'religious answer' they become worse. It's like they have the right to say anything about my God, but if I say anything about Judgement, or sin, they get angry at me saying that they aren't 'as good' or that I feel Christians are better than them.

How should I answer questions they throw at me, without tarnishing the name of Christ? I want to show people the good nature of Jesus and use Him as my answers, but not if I will get angry.

i'm an an atheist.
and to be honest, i will never try to offend or try to disprove someones belifes because it's theirs and as long as they are not hurting other pepole with thier beliefs i have no problame with that religion at all.

And you know it's funny.
i got alot of religios friends and i'm tryin to speak with them about religon and what makes them belive (because i'm really interested with what made them belive) and some how the talk is allways going to another way and they are starting to talk aggresively to me when i'm calm down.

i think, you are just talking 2 the wrong pepole, like i do.
it's not about the religios or non religios it's about the human and the way that he acts.

i hope you understood what i wanted to say since my english is not really good.

Any way, you just need to talk to another non religios pepole

 

[.Iona.]

i think, you are just talking 2 the wrong pepole, like i do.
it's not about the religios or non religios it's about the human and the way that he acts.

i hope you understood what i wanted to say since my english is not really good.

Any way, you just need to talk to another non religios pepole

Yeah, I think it is just the type of person I talk to. I have a few Atheist friends and they don't resort to aggressive, insulting tactics.

If I am listening to someone's views, then I do expect them to listen to mine as well.

And, your English is fine

 

[iCanFly]

Yeah, I think it is just the type of person I talk to. I have a few Atheist friends and they don't resort to aggressive, insulting tactics.

If I am listening to someone's views, then I do expect them to listen to mine as well.

And, your English is fine

Hahaha, just like me
just don't talk with this kind of pepole about religion
i'm sure that there are alot of atheis pepole (like me,and few of your atheist friends) that will respect you and your religion =D

 

[Flow]

Have you ever thought that these friends of yours might be so offensive because religion has made them feel bad? Or hurt them in a way? Or even hurting them at the moment?

 

[LogainTheConquer]

If someone doesn't believe in God but is willing to talk about why, I find it easy to talk and debate about why there is a God etc, but when people are aggressive in trying to disprove God I get very defensive and find it hard to answer without being aggressive back.

Well, in my case its not that i'm trying to disprove God, i'm trying to explain why I don't believe in Him. So, if you have atheists who claim that they KNOW there is no God then they are making a positive claim and that they need to prove that. The only problem there is that you are making one as well when you claim to know. Thats why I do not subscribe to absolute certainty, I can only state my beliefs and why I believe them.

People will criticise anything I say about God, try to disprove Him and if I give a 'religious answer' they become worse. It's like they have the right to say anything about my God, but if I say anything about Judgement, or sin, they get angry at me saying that they aren't 'as good' or that I feel Christians are better than them.

Here is the problem with giving an answer from the Bible. We don't think the Bible is creditable or accurate. Sin and Judgement (in a biblical context) are constructs of your religion, to use them has no meaning with atheists, we know what the words themselves mean but where it carries weight with believers, it doesn't carry weight with atheists so its kind of pointless to use them. Take chakra for example, we know the word means (in basic terms) one of the seven centres of spiritual energy in the human body. However because you or I are not of the buddist or hindu faith, the word carries no weight as evidence in a debate. They might believe it, but we don't.

How should I answer questions they throw at me, without tarnishing the name of Christ? I want to show people the good nature of Jesus and use Him as my answers, but not if I will get angry.

It would be pointless to use him as evidence in your answers when debating with an atheist because we don't believe that he is a deity and that the Bible is accurate. He would probably be useful as evidence in debating another Christian but he would not be when debating an atheist.

The best advice that I could give you is to tell them that you feel that you are justified in your beliefs and that you are entitled to your beliefs.