best way to deal with athiests?

[talktopaul]

Ok, let me start off by saying that I live in Australia where there's a pretty high proportion of atheists, but persecution doesn't appear to be so much of an issue.

Sounds like a tough situation. Sometimes people (whether atheists or believers) become focused on their own beliefs to the exclusion of others. I think this is what causes conflict (not the difference in beliefs per se)

My advice would be to ask lots of questions. Take the focus off what you believe, and shift it towards what they believe . . . if it's science . . great . . have a conversation about objectivity, about inductive reasoning, about the big bang (and beyond), about evolution, about chemistry etc etc. Get into the details and learn from the 'expert' (ie the person who has been giving you trouble - they should be able to explain themselves if they're so convinced that they're right and you're wrong). You don't have to agree with what they say, just get them talking, explore the limits of their knowledge, acknowledge their beliefs and move on.

Wisdom isn't about knowing, it's about questioning. The smartest people I know ask questions of everyone - they don't believe everything they say, but they listen to them and it makes them wiser.

 

[ImperialPhantom]

Ok, let me start off by saying that I live in Australia where there's a pretty high proportion of atheists, but persecution doesn't appear to be so much of an issue.

Sounds like a tough situation. Sometimes people (whether atheists or believers) become focused on their own beliefs to the exclusion of others. I think this is what causes conflict (not the difference in beliefs per se)

My advice would be to ask lots of questions. Take the focus off what you believe, and shift it towards what they believe . . . if it's science . . great . . have a conversation about objectivity, about inductive reasoning, about the big bang (and beyond), about evolution, about chemistry etc etc. Get into the details and learn from the 'expert' (ie the person who has been giving you trouble - they should be able to explain themselves if they're so convinced that they're right and you're wrong). You don't have to agree with what they say, just get them talking, explore the limits of their knowledge, acknowledge their beliefs and move on.

Wisdom isn't about knowing, it's about questioning. The smartest people I know ask questions of everyone - they don't believe everything they say, but they listen to them and it makes them wiser.

Best response in the whole thread. No need to engage in arguments. Simply ask and listen and learn.

 

[Christ is Love]

I'd like to add one more thing: live the most righteous life you can, so you can serve as a living example of how great God is.

 

[ImperialPhantom]

And stop looking for "persecution" where there is none. Being questioned, disagreed with, or even lightly mocked is not persecution. Ask Christians in countries where the government bans churches and imprisons Christians, or who are at risk of getting shot simply for even having their faith be known, whether or not we're being persecuted in Western colleges.

 

[SavedByTheCross]

Don't pay them any mind. A lot of times atheists like to go back and forth with small jokes if you actually have an answer to one of their arguments. Another thing is a lot of atheists prey on new believers who don't know everything, to give themselves a sense of accomplishment because they can spit out regurgitated Richard Dawkins material.

 

[Mizuti]

I can relate to this. Though I did go to a Christian university, I was around many non-Christians who were disrespectful to me because of what I believed.

That being said, the thing that I found that was the most helpful (to me, at least) was to make it a point to treat them better than they're treating you. Let them know that this is how you believe and ask them to respect that. Even more importantly, respect them enough to let them believe what they want to believe and don't go shoving your beliefs off on them. Tried that before... it just makes people want to tear you apart even more.

Another thing that I found that really helps me keep from lashing out at people who don't understand is to remember that they might not know who Jesus really is. Imagine if you've been taught all your life that there are these self-righteous people who point their fingers and are mean to anyone who is different than they are. Would you want anything to do with them? Probably not. But a lot of atheists (and agnostics) have had bad experiences with Christians before, so the best thing you can do is to show them that you aren't part of the negative stereotype.

Recently, I've committed to praying for people who say hurtful things. It's hard and the prayers aren't long, but they usually go something like, "hey God, Bob is saying really mean things and it really hurts. Could you help me be a good friend to him and to see him how you see him?"

 

[fuschiaxbutterfly]

The best way to deal with atheists is to put them in their place.

 

[Agnus|Dei]

College students often are infected with the notion think they know everything.

With many college-aged atheists, atheism is more of a "rebellion" thing. Its the ultimate intellectual way of 'Look at me, I'm independent and think for myself! I don't need the silly morality of my parent's generation!"

I went through the 'atheist stage' it in high school before rediscovering Christ in college. It's not so much a grounded worldview as an active rejection of religion. Its not really worth contesting anything with them, since they aren't interested in exchanging viewpoints - rather its an opportunity to assert their rejection by going after your beliefs.

Now, of course, there are more grounded, thoughtful atheists or agnostics around, but they aren't interested in trampling on your beliefs.

Live and let be. Tend to your own garden.

 

[Sketcher]

Be personable, treat them as you would want to be treated.

If you want to be ready for their arguments, read:
http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Have-Eno...5615/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1325844643&sr=8-1

 

[Jupiter Drops]

It seems that everyone my age is an athiest. Not only that, but they try to shove their views down my throat.

I cant tell you how many have insulted me for what I believe in and insult God. They say more than hurtful things as though they are smart for not believing and I am just a sheep who cant shake the "lies and superstitions that I have been taught since childhood"

I try to tell them to leave me alone and/or ignore it, but then I get bottled anger.

I also try to explain that every christian has pondered about the validity of the stories in the Bible, and that he isnt superior or smarter than me for not believing. I try to explain that it is the MESSAGE that gets to me and teaches me to live a good life.

I almost want to call them ignorant and stupid for thinking they know me or for thinking not believing makes them better.

How should I handle this? I am definitely a leader amongst the kids at my college being a football player etc, and I want to handle this the right way.

Don't attack anger with anger. They don't understand Jesus so they don't understand you, that's all.

Even Jesus had people who mocked him. In fact, we all know how Jesus died. In the same manner, we suffer, but we are Christians. We follow the light of God, the everlasting truth.

Maybe some of those kids had bad experiences at church. Maybe some only had shallow experiences and judged it off quickly (most of my friends are like that). Either way, be like Jesus and bear good fruits like Him. Jesus had patience and gentleness and showed it to those who didn't understand and hated Him. Jesus did show rage once using all the curse and actions, but only because there were merchants in His Father's house cheating off to people who needed to bring offerings and couldn't. Jesus was defending Father's sacred house because it was dirtied and trampled like a zoo. But that's a different story....

No, the true message should be, "Because Jesus saves." Not to live good or peacefully. Yes, those things are what our Father is, but we are Christians because we follow Jesus and his ways. A Christian's road will be harder than those who don't believe. Our road is narrower and tighter, but that road reaches to our wonderful Father in Heaven.

Jesus told us that it's not 'eye for an eye,' but let the other cheek be slapped as well. Jesus said a lot of things that make no sense, but then again in the Old Testament, there were a lot about the fool who delights in violence and destruction, while the wise follow God's ways of love.

People who do not know Jesus don't know His grace. In my opinion, I find that pitiful.

When they make those nasty remarks, just let go of all that anger. Remember to let go. Letting go makes everything easier. Forgive to get, okay? All they want is your reactions so you can lose. They want you to lose in their own schemes because they're the fools who don't know Jesus. But you know, so don't fight it by their standard. You are Jesus' soldier, you are His precious image, so you fight according to His ways by love, patience, joy, gentleness, righteousness... Ask God for His guidance. Maybe one day, though not all, maybe some will see Jesus. Be kind to those who don't know, and ask Father to let them one day seek Him.

Bless you.

 

[sedg]

It seems that everyone my age is an athiest. Not only that, but they try to shove their views down my throat.

I cant tell you how many have insulted me for what I believe in and insult God. They say more than hurtful things as though they are smart for not believing and I am just a sheep who cant shake the "lies and superstitions that I have been taught since childhood"

I try to tell them to leave me alone and/or ignore it, but then I get bottled anger.

I also try to explain that every christian has pondered about the validity of the stories in the Bible, and that he isnt superior or smarter than me for not believing. I try to explain that it is the MESSAGE that gets to me and teaches me to live a good life.

I almost want to call them ignorant and stupid for thinking they know me or for thinking not believing makes them better.

How should I handle this? I am definitely a leader amongst the kids at my college being a football player etc, and I want to handle this the right way.

Athiests are dead men (and women) walking.They are literally, spiritually deader than a slab of concrete, they can't understand spiritual things. They are held captive by satan to do his will...until they are presented the word of God and given spiritual life inside them.

When you/we present the good news of salvation and eternal life through Christ to them the Holy Spirit will also be working inside them...they will either choose to come out of the kingdom of darkness or choose to stay in bound by the bondages of sin. Some will want to be set free others won't.

If you get angry/mad our spiritual enemy has done his job, if you stay calm and present the simple message of God's free gift of salvation and eternal life through Christ Jesus when possible you have done your job.

Christian's are suppose to present this message of reconcilliation when possible. They will either accept God's free gift of salvation and eternal life through Christ or they don't.....it's their choice, their eternal destiny is in their own hands.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Joh 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Where is the wisdom in rejecting God's offer of salvation, eternal life, and love.

IMHO, rejecting this offer is the true definition of INSANITY!​

__________________

 

[BleedingHeart]

Athiests are dead men (and women) walking.They are literally, spiritually deader than a slab of concrete, they can't understand spiritual things. They are held captive by satan to do his will...until they are presented the word of God and given spiritual life inside them.

When you/we present the good news of salvation and eternal life through Christ to them the Holy Spirit will also be working inside them...they will either choose to come out of the kingdom of darkness or choose to stay in bound by the bondages of sin. Some will want to be set free others won't.

If you get angry/mad our spiritual enemy has done his job, if you stay calm and present the simple message of God's free gift of salvation and eternal life through Christ Jesus when possible you have done your job.

Christian's are suppose to present this message of reconcilliation when possible. They will either accept God's free gift of salvation and eternal life through Christ or they don't.....it's their choice, their eternal destiny is in their own hands.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Joh 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Where is the wisdom in rejecting God's offer of salvation, eternal life, and love.

IMHO, rejecting this offer is the true definition of INSANITY!​

__________________

Ignorant, and offensive on all counts. And the cycle of nonsense continues, thanks in part to the mods who let people like you run rampant.
Please, go to the atheist forums and say the same thing. Forget that, go to Youtube and say the same thing. Call the Atheist Experience and tell them about your "definition" for insanity, and watch as they calmly and coolly make you look like a fool.

People aren't "dead" because they don't believe what you say, and insulting them won't change that.

As for the poster, if people are giving you grief about your beliefs for no reason, then they aren't worth spending time with. Many of my friends and the vast majority of my family is Christian. We let each other be.

 

[CMDRExorcist]

Athiests are dead men (and women) walking.They are literally, spiritually deader than a slab of concrete, they can't understand spiritual things. They are held captive by satan to do his will...until they are presented the word of God and given spiritual life inside them.

When you/we present the good news of salvation and eternal life through Christ to them the Holy Spirit will also be working inside them...they will either choose to come out of the kingdom of darkness or choose to stay in bound by the bondages of sin. Some will want to be set free others won't.

If you get angry/mad our spiritual enemy has done his job, if you stay calm and present the simple message of God's free gift of salvation and eternal life through Christ Jesus when possible you have done your job.

Christian's are suppose to present this message of reconcilliation when possible. They will either accept God's free gift of salvation and eternal life through Christ or they don't.....it's their choice, their eternal destiny is in their own hands.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

Joh 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Where is the wisdom in rejecting God's offer of salvation, eternal life, and love.

IMHO, rejecting this offer is the true definition of INSANITY!​

__________________

This is a disgraceful tirade. Have you ever met an atheist? They're not moronic, drooling hate-mongers who go around sacrificing children in the name of Satan. This kind of stuff creates more atheists than Christians.

 

[BleedingHeart]

This is a disgraceful tirade. Have you ever met an atheist? They're not moronic, drooling hate-mongers who go around sacrificing children in the name of Satan. This kind of stuff creates more atheists than Christians.

Exactly.

 

[Non sequitur]

Athiests are dead men (and women) walking.They are literally, spiritually deader than a slab of concrete, they can't understand spiritual things. They are held captive by satan to do his will...until they are presented the word of God and given spiritual life inside them.

While I have no "advice" to offer the OP, besides the standard ones given, this would be a good example of why some atheists (unfortunately) make those harsh and preemptive knee-jerk comments.

 

[Welcomematt]

My advice is to be patient.

Don't try to "shove it down their throats". I used to kind of do that some. But I'm getting a lot better at not doing that.

Also, try studying apologetics. It basically teaches you how to defend the christian faith in an argument.

 

[Welcomematt]

Also, try reading the book "I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist". It's written by this great apologist who spoke at my college.

It teaches you how to "hold your own" against an aethiest. Like if they say "there is no truth" you ask "Is that true?"

 

[Non sequitur]

Also, try reading the book "I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist". It's written by this great apologist who spoke at my college.

It teaches you how to "hold your own" against an aethiest. Like if they say "there is no truth" you ask "Is that true?"

I was not aware we said that.

 

[K9_Trainer]

Can't we all just get along? lol seriously. Atheists are people too. If you get tired of having their beliefs shoved down their throats and being generalized by them, then think of how most non-Christians feel about Christians of various groups constantly trying to "convert" us and "save" us. Just look at one of the above posts somebody made. Apparently because I'm agnostic atheist, I'm "spiritually dead". News to me Persecution is something that we all have to deal with.

Anyway, if your friends are truly insulting you as a person and disrespecting you as a person because of what you believe, then I'd say they aren't really your friends. It doesn't make a difference what religion they are...An obnoxious atheist shouldn't be handled any differently than an obnoxious Christian; disrespect is disrespect regardless. There are rotten eggs and people you simply won't get along with in every religion and organization, that's just life. Simply ignore those who disrespect you constantly. This isn't an issue of "they're atheist, that's why they're being mean to me". It's an issue of dealing with immature people who have yet to grow up and remembering to be the bigger person in those situations.

It also helps to choose NOT to be offended. As a non-Christian on a Christian forum, I do this all the time. If I got offended every time I saw a misconception about what I believe or a generalized insult, I'd probably need to get some xanax or some other happy pills to stay sane. It's really no skin off my nose if somebody who I don't really know decides to think that I'm "spiritually dead" or that I lack morals or any of the other endless misconceptions about atheists.

 

[mnolen82]

Definitely pray for them and ask God to open their hearts to the truth of His Word. Stand strong in your faith and know WHY you believe! God tells us: "The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit". 1 Corinthians 2:14