Pretend I'm an atheist. How would you convert me?

Padres1969 · May 9, 2017

Bee_Brian said:
Pretend I'm an atheist. How would you convert me?

The title says it all.

I went to an atheist forum to preach about God and failed miserably. I don't know if they were closed-minded or I was just too much of an idiot to persuade someone of anything. Either way, I want to be someone who is good at debating on the side of my God.

So how would you approach such a situation? What would you tell me to convince me out of my atheism?

Let's say, for example, that I believe in evolution instead of creationism. What would you tell me? (That's just one example of many. Don't focus on it, please.)

I wouldn't try to. I'd simply live my life as a Christian as best I could and hope my example would help you find your way. Though if as an atheist you believed something incorrect about Christians, such as we don't believe in evolution, I might correct you on that point.

enigmadi · May 9, 2017

Bee_Brian said:
Pretend I'm an atheist. How would you convert me?

The title says it all.

I went to an atheist forum to preach about God and failed miserably. I don't know if they were closed-minded or I was just too much of an idiot to persuade someone of anything. Either way, I want to be someone who is good at debating on the side of my God.

So how would you approach such a situation? What would you tell me to convince me out of my atheism?

Let's say, for example, that I believe in evolution instead of creationism. What would you tell me? (That's just one example of many. Don't focus on it, please.)

Wolfe · May 9, 2017

CrystalDragon said:
They might then bring up the point "who created God"/"where did God come from"> Which I honestly wonder sometimes too.

Aye, but you go in steps.

I don't believe God was created, or had a beginning.
Which is always interesting to see Atheist call me crazy for that, when they literately believe the same thing with the universe.
Except for the beginning part, because we know it had one.
They believe it came outta nowhere, which is also interesting because the belief that God came outta nowhere is somehow more silly than that?

It makes no sense to ask what created God, something creating the universe certainly makes more sense than nothing creating it.
But because we can't know how God came to be, isn't an argument for his nonexistence.

I believe that we'll someday know, perhaps not while we're living here.

enigmadi · May 9, 2017

I would not convert you...ONLY God through the urging of the Holy Spirit can do that. I would NOT debate, I would NOT preach, I would live my life so that others will see Christ in me...yes, it works when we leave it in His hands. We are called to sow...God does the saving.

CrystalDragon · May 9, 2017

Wolfe said:
Aye, but you go in steps.

I don't believe God was created, or had a beginning.
Which is always interesting to see Atheist call me crazy for that, when they literately believe the same thing with the universe.
Except for the beginning part, because we know it had one.
They believe it came outta nowhere, which is also interesting because the belief that God came outta nowhere is somehow more silly than that?

It makes no sense to ask what created God, something creating the universe certainly makes more sense than nothing creating it.
But because we can't know how God came to be, isn't an argument for his nonexistence.

I believe that we'll someday know, perhaps not while we're living here.[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't say all atheists think it came necessarily "out of nowhere", but "nowhere" more through fluctuations of gravity, or quantum mechanics, or even a parallel universe membrane colliding with another. I don't think the atheists problem with it isn't the idea that God came from nothing, because they could easily say that God was similarly caused by gravitational waves, quantum mechanics, that sort of thing.

The problem atheists have is with the claim that God always existed and wasn't caused by something, but always exiting through all of eternity.

Wolfe · May 9, 2017

CrystalDragon said:
It makes no sense to ask what created God, something creating the universe certainly makes more sense than nothing creating it.
But because we can't know how God came to be, isn't an argument for his nonexistence.

I believe that we'll someday know, perhaps not while we're living here.

I wouldn't say all atheists think it came necessarily "out of nowhere", but "nowhere" more through fluctuations of gravity, or quantum mechanics, or even a parallel universe membrane colliding with another. I don't think the atheists problem with it isn't the idea that God came from nothing, because they could easily say that God was similarly caused by gravitational waves, quantum mechanics, that sort of thing.

The problem atheists have is with the claim that God always existed and wasn't caused by something, but always exiting through all of eternity.[/QUOTE]
Aye, but something had to have created the universe that was always there.
Otherwise you get caught in a loop.

You can give it these fancy names, the quantum void, or whatever. But at the end of the day, you have to answer where it came from.
And you keep going back, like this came from this, and that came from that, and eventually you reach an empass to where something had to have always existed for this to exist in the first place.
And that thing that always existed was God.

Wolfe · May 9, 2017

Wolfe said:
I wouldn't say all atheists think it came necessarily "out of nowhere", but "nowhere" more through fluctuations of gravity, or quantum mechanics, or even a parallel universe membrane colliding with another. I don't think the atheists problem with it isn't the idea that God came from nothing, because they could easily say that God was similarly caused by gravitational waves, quantum mechanics, that sort of thing.

The problem atheists have is with the claim that God always existed and wasn't caused by something, but always exiting through all of eternity.

Aye, but something had to have created the universe that was always there.
Otherwise you get caught in a loop.

You can give it these fancy names, the quantum void, or whatever. But at the end of the day, you have to answer where it came from.
And you keep going back, like this came from this, and that came from that, and eventually you reach an empass to where something had to have always existed for this to exist in the first place.
And that thing that always existed was God.[/QUOTE]
I think somethings wrong with the quote system, cause we both just did that.

Denny E Strausser Jr · May 9, 2017

I pretty much would rather not try to convert an atheist. They believe what they believe almost like a religion, even though it isn't really any religion at all. The problem is the number of world religions which exist, and then which is really the right one?

Some on here have said it is like talking to a wall. I am like talking to a wall, as I try to convert back to it. It is slow and hard to do.

Nick714 · May 9, 2017

Nick714 said:
i highly recomend the book "i dont have enough faith to be an atheist"

for your quesion he might say something like... science is still unable to prove evolution so it takes faith to beleive in that as much as it does to beleive in god and although there are things both of us will never know. there comes to a tiping point where it requires less faith to beleive in God than it does not too. for example there is alot of suported research in the big bang. its theory is that time space and mater where all created at the same time out of nothing. what takes more faith to beleive. that someone created something out of nothing (like a painter and a painting) or no one created something out of nothing? etc

but you also need to keep in mind that emotions can block people from excepting the truth because of a past trama or other emotional wounds. aswell as family ties friends and other relationships and the beleifes that they might have. sometimes they just need your kindness and a listening ear to overcome it before they can listen to the truth.

also be cautious because it can get out of hand and you dont want to leave a bad impression as one of christs followers.

the best evangelism is with love

Spiribala · May 9, 2017

Evangelizing on an atheist message board isn't likely to have any affect. A lot of people join message boards like that to reinforce their own views. And if a Christian posts something they think that's a great opportunity to pounce and how the superiority of their own line of thinking. That's probably the place where you're going to have the least success, so I wouldn't bother with it. I'm unfamiliar with the variety of message boards, but try to find one where people are looking for honest debate.

Nick714 · May 9, 2017

another tactic he talks about is the "road runner tactic" he describes it as the cartoon. and so its when someones argument cannot support its self (all truths are narrow and exclusive in nature).. for example if someone said that all truths are true than you could challenge it because it excludes that only one truth is true (it defys itself by not following its own rules). it also collapses on itself because for something to be true something else needs to be false and many teachings contradict each other so all truths cannot be true.

SpiritRehab · May 9, 2017

Bee_Brian said:
Pretend I'm an atheist. How would you convert me? I want to be someone who is good at debating on the side of my God.

Let's say, for example, that I believe in evolution instead of creationism. What would you tell me?

This is the Truth from the Holy Spirit of God:

The reason why Evangelism is so ineffective these days, isn't because the Harvest isn't ripe. It's because the workers are ignorantly trying to gather the Barley into the Adversary's barn.
If you want to be an effective Evangelist, you must first become a Disciple; a self-disciplined apprentice of Messiah.

Once you complete your Discipleship, under the Holy Spirit, He will assign you your job, which may not be Evangelist; but if it is, here's how Evangelism works.

Pray & Study to understand:
1st. Matthew 4 with focus on 23
Then. John 3:1-8
Then. 2nd Thessalonians 2:10
Then. Hebrews 4:12
Then. Romans 8:5-16
Then.1st Corinthians 1:17 - 1st Corinthians 2
Finally. Acts 10:30-48

Concerning Debate:
Romans 1:29
2nd Corinthians 12:20

ladodgers6 · May 9, 2017

Bee_Brian said:
Pretend I'm an atheist. How would you convert me?

The title says it all.

I went to an atheist forum to preach about God and failed miserably. I don't know if they were closed-minded or I was just too much of an idiot to persuade someone of anything. Either way, I want to be someone who is good at debating on the side of my God.

So how would you approach such a situation? What would you tell me to convince me out of my atheism?

Let's say, for example, that I believe in evolution instead of creationism. What would you tell me? (That's just one example of many. Don't focus on it, please.)

I am a convinced Calvinist. And we also believe in evolution to a point. I would suggest before you enter any arena of debate. Know the topics and the crucial points of it. To intelligently debate it. One of the most crucial points that destroys atheism is DNA. Why? Because the information found in a pen head enough of DNA is like, books rapping around the world 5000 times. Its like a computer code for human life. Its a intellect design, that is baffling atheist scientist today.

ronandcarol · May 9, 2017

Pretend I'm an atheist. How would you convert me?
If it doesn't move you to know that someone died specifically for your sins so that you could spend eternity with Him, what more would you need to know? The Gospel message tells us how much God's love is for us, yes, you and me, Jesus died so we can be saved.
ronandcarol

CrystalDragon · May 9, 2017

ronandcarol said:
Pretend I'm an atheist. How would you convert me?
If it doesn't move you to know that someone died specifically for your sins so that you could spend eternity with Him, what more would you need to know? The Gospel message tells us how much God's love is for us, yes, you and me, Jesus died so we can be saved.
ronandcarol

The problem is that atheists will point out that the Bible was written and edited over many centuries, with doctrines like the Trinity not being fully realized until 300 years after the fact.

The Times · May 9, 2017

mqf · May 9, 2017

Bee_Brian said:
Pretend I'm an atheist. How would you convert me?

The title says it all.

I went to an atheist forum to preach about God and failed miserably. I don't know if they were closed-minded or I was just too much of an idiot to persuade someone of anything. Either way, I want to be someone who is good at debating on the side of my God.

So how would you approach such a situation? What would you tell me to convince me out of my atheism?

Let's say, for example, that I believe in evolution instead of creationism. What would you tell me? (That's just one example of many. Don't focus on it, please.)

I've had a few discussions with atheists and others. Conversion won't happen with just one or two encounters, no matter how articulate you may be. I think back on Lee Strobes testimony, which is now a movie. He was an atheist and worked hard to discredit the Bible and Jesus and ended up believing. Having a friendship with them will open the doors to meaningful conversation. If they make a statement against Jesus or the Bible, ask them to provide proof of what they say. They either have none and know it or they'll bring something you can discuss. Just finished a couple of books from Nabeel Qureshi who converted from Islam to Christianity simply because he was challenged to support his objections. You will always find mockery, let it go. Engage with love, share your testimony of God's goodness. They cant dispute personal experience and pray for yourself and them. God will turn hearts my friend

andrewoffaith87 · May 9, 2017

Bee_Brian said:
Pretend I'm an atheist. How would you convert me?

The title says it all.

I went to an atheist forum to preach about God and failed miserably. I don't know if they were closed-minded or I was just too much of an idiot to persuade someone of anything. Either way, I want to be someone who is good at debating on the side of my God.

So how would you approach such a situation? What would you tell me to convince me out of my atheism?

Let's say, for example, that I believe in evolution instead of creationism. What would you tell me? (That's just one example of many. Don't focus on it, please.)

This is a good question. First and foremost is this: If you are trying to logically prove the existence of God, STOP TRYING. God is not to be tested (this is a command to us all by God), which means there is no empirical evidence or any means of experimentally verifying God's existence. The internet and society is littered with bad arguments trying to prove God's existence that are ultimately unbiblical. We cannot and are not allowed to prove it.

In addition, the definition of faith in a religious context is "strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof." Some people make the terrible argument of "science requires faith too". It does, but not in a religious sense. The definition of faith used in this manner is "complete trust or confidence in someone or something." But this is confidence in evidence rather than confidence in a religious belief completely lacking evidence. Those are not equivalent. There is no logical or scientific way you could possibly prove that Moses threw his staff on the ground and it turned into a snake, or water being changed suddenly into wine or blood, or anyone rising from the dead, or talking animals. There simply is no logical explanation for these things, and faith (in a religious context) requires you to accept them regardless.

Second, do not use intelligent design arguments. ID is not science. It has been debunked. This does not mean God has been debunked, but ID has as a means of (again) proving God's existence. The people that proposed ID were found to circumvent the peer reviewed process and did not follow ethical guidelines when it comes to scientific research. They are also trying to test God which goes against faith.

Third, do not try to use mathematical probabilities to claim God created us. This, like ID, is false and again tries to test the Lord. There are no mathematical calculations we can perform to confirm God's existence or prove Jesus was the messiah mathematically. Those who claim otherwise are false prophets. Beware the false prophets. So 2 and 3 are more of a buildoff of 1. If you have any doubts to my response, read Deuteronomy 6:16.

What you should do is ask if they require physical scientific evidence to believe in God. If their response is yes, then agree to disagree and do as Jesus commands in Matthew 10:14. "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet." To do otherwise would be pointless, as much a waste of time as throwing shiny jewelry into a pig pen full of you-know-what. Follow the commands of Jesus in Matthew 7:6, " “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces." That is how to approach an atheist in Jesus' way and not your own. You cannot interfere with free will. If it is out of your control, give it over to God.

Richard161171 · May 9, 2017

TX_Matt said:
I would listen to them, understand them, answer questions they had, begin a dialogue,and try to show a genuine interest in them and love them. I would show them that Christianity is different through my actions and words, nobody has ever been converted because someone preached to them on the internet.

That many, in fact most Christians around the world, accept evolutionary theory and other forms of modern science. You do not have to throw away your scientific knowledge to be a Christian.

andrewoffaith87 · May 9, 2017

Jeshu said:
You could ask them how quantum physics fits in their belief system - a theory of factual truth which reduces everything in existence to energy (spirit) at fundamental level and even life after death is demonstrable.

How Quantum Physics Proves God’s Existence l Proof of God l Quantum Theory l Afterlife l God and Science

This is false. Beware of false prophets. Anyone who tries to prove the existence of God is trying to test God. Energy in quantum physics is not spiritual energy. It's physical energy just like in classical physics, such as mechanical, heat, or electromagnetic energy. That source is false. I would know. I am a physics major that has taken courses in quantum physics.

Pretend I'm an atheist. How would you convert me?

Episcopalian

Consecrated

Pack Leader

Consecrated

Well-Known Member

Pack Leader

Pack Leader

New Member

Active Member

Active Member

Active Member

Newbie

Know what you believe and why you believe it

Active Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Newbie

Member

Active Member

Member

Similar threads