Christians: why do you engage in discussions with atheists?

[Ace777]

I, ironically agree. For me, God is the source of all True Love.

The following is a quote from a Buddist:

"Love is the capacity to take care, to protect, to nourish. If you are not capable of generating that kind of energy toward yourself—if you are not capable of taking care of yourself, of nourishing yourself, of protecting yourself—it is very difficult to take care of another person. In the Buddhist teaching, it’s clear that to love oneself is the foundation of the love of other people. Love is a practice. Love is truly a practice."

This Is the Buddha’s Love: An Interview with Thich Nhat Hanh | Lion’s Roar

The great Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh talks about non-self, interdependence, and the love that expands until it has no limit.

www.lionsroar.com

 

[Ace777]

Why shouldn't Christians engage with atheists?

You can not be atheist without theism. You can be theistic without atheism.

1. Atheist without theism: An atheist doesn’t believe in any gods or deities. So, in this context, “theism” refers to the belief in gods. If someone identifies as an atheist, they reject the concept of gods altogether. Therefore, they don’t have theism.

 

[public hermit]

You can not be atheist without theism. You can be theistic without atheism.

1. Atheist without theism: An atheist doesn’t believe in any gods or deities. So, in this context, “theism” refers to the belief in gods. If someone identifies as an atheist, they reject the concept of gods altogether. Therefore, they don’t have theism.

That's a technical definition based within a culture which has predominately been theist. If you take a step back, and imagine a world where belief in theism was not very common, you would see the error. Whatever the atheist believes, it is irrelevant to theism since it is not predicated on it.

 

[AV1611VET]

In what do you have faith?

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

 

[AV1611VET]

Of what use is faith that cannot withstand any challenge?

... I have more challenge threads here than some people have posts.

 

[AV1611VET]

Guys like Jim Baker and the the guy and his wife with the jets, ya.

How's come every time a Christian is brought up by an academian, it is someone known for getting into trouble?

That's like ... oh ... someone coming here and taking potshots at all of science with just a handful of their mistakes.

 

[AV1611VET]

Mormons at the door.

Would you know how to answer them?

 

[Neogaia777]

Of what use is faith that cannot withstand any challenge?

My beliefs can withstand the challenge of being disproven, etc?

But I also cannot yet absolutely prove them to an atheist or agnostic yet, etc.

Take Care.

 

[AV1611VET]

In the Buddhist teaching, it’s clear that to love oneself is the foundation of the love of other people.

I guess this one didn't get the memo.

 

[Hammster]

Guys like Jim Baker and the the guy and his wife with the jets, ya.

I was talking about the gospel.

 

[Hammster]

Mormons at the door.

They don’t have the gospel.

 

[Astrid]

They don’t have the gospel.

Such doctrinal differences among Christians are
meaningless to me, and, wholly irrelevant to whether
some people are counterproductively " in your face"
pushy in their evangelizing.

If their true motive is to selflessly share their views
for my benefit, that's nice but is lacking in emotional
intelligence.

My idea with this thread was concerned with
why christians venture into areas where their
beliefs may be challenged.

It's about Christians and atheists being
able to share views and insights in a productive and
respectful way.

If I were a Christian I'd not want my faith mocked.
No friendly, productive convo is going to be possible
if that's the basis.


Similarly, I hear over and over ( and it's in the Bible
so it must also be in the hearts of those who dont
throw it in my face),that i am, God says so, a fool for
not believing as they do.

Mutual respect is out the door under such circumstances.

I'm not much into conversation with those I don't respect.

Are you?

 

[AV1611VET]

My idea with this thread was concerned with why christians venture into areas where their beliefs may be challenged.

Even if we didn't "venture into those areas where our beliefs may be challenged," they'd come after us.

Right up to the courthouse lawn to have the Ten Commandments removed.

And the halls inside the courthouse.

 

[Hammster]

Such doctrinal differences among Christians are
meaningless to me, and, wholly irrelevant to whether
some people are counterproductively " in your face"
pushy in their evangelizing.

If their true motive is to selflessly share their views
for my benefit, that's nice but is lacking in emotional
intelligence.

My idea with this thread was concerned with
why christians venture into areas where their
beliefs may be challenged.

It's about Christians and atheists being
able to share views and insights in a productive and
respectful way.

If I were a Christian I'd not want my faith mocked.
No friendly, productive convo is going to be possible
if that's the basis.


Similarly, I hear over and over ( and it's in the Bible
so it must also be in the hearts of those who dont
throw it in my face),that i am, God says so, a fool for
not believing as they do.

Mutual respect is out the door under such circumstances.

I'm not much into conversation with those I don't respect.

Are you?

Mormons aren’t Christians. So this isn’t just a doctrinal dispute. They have a false god, and a false Jesus.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I was talking about the gospel.

As I am sure you know, there are many partial versions of the Gospel out there. And we are inundated with them. There is one guy locally who comes on TV. I am sure he means well but I could not blame anyone who tunes him out.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

How's come every time a Christian is brought up by an academian, it is someone known for getting into trouble?

That's like ... oh ... someone coming here and taking potshots at all of science with just a handful of their mistakes.

Maybe a handful. But they all ask for money for their "ministry". Right?

 

[Hammster]

As I am sure you know, there are many partial versions of the Gospel out there. And we are inundated with them. There is one guy locally who comes on TV. I am sure he means well but I could not blame anyone who tunes him out.

But again, I am talking about the gospel.

 

[Laodicean60]

My idea with this thread was concerned with
why christians venture into areas where their
beliefs may be challenged.

Maybe defense in what they believe? Why do non-believers venture into areas that challenge Christian beliefs on a Christian forum?

It's about Christians and atheists being
able to share views and insights in a productive and
respectful way.

Can you post where this has happened I see disrespect coming both ways. I think everyone on this thread is trying to be productive/ respectful and you have every right to reject what the Christians say here about God but don't forget you are a nonbeliever on a Christian forum so expect it. Why do you engage with Christians on a Christian forum? To learn about Christianity or debate it?

Similarly, I hear over and over ( and it's in the Bible
so it must also be in the hearts of those who dont
throw it in my face),that i am, God says so, a fool for
not believing as they do.

Again you have to recognize you are on a Christian forum and you are the only one who knows why you are here besides the Creator. You have to expect bible verses.

If you are uncomfortable here there are other forums you can join that more aligns with your beliefs.

 

[AV1611VET]

Maybe a handful. But they all ask for money for their "ministry". Right?

Now there you got a point!

 

[AV1611VET]

But again, I am talking about the gospel.

Yup.

Any partial Gospel is no Gospel.

It's all or nothing.