Christians: why do you engage in discussions with atheists?

[Astrid]

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

Some say catholics aren't.
And I said I don't care.
I didn't open a thread for doctrinal discussion
among those who are interested.

No comment on the substance of my post?

 

[BCP1928]

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

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?

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.

Of course, one of the reasons Christians come here is to make sure that what is being presented to atheists as "Christianity" really represents Christianity and not just the doctrines unique to some particular sect.

 

[AV1611VET]

No comment on the substance of my post?

I've got one:

Mormons aren't Christians.

Whether you care or not.

 

[Astrid]

But again, I am talking about the gospel.

And gospel may well be a fine topic.
But it's a derail for the thread.

 

[Ace777]

If I were a Christian I'd not want my faith mocked.

I do not understand this. How would they know what faith is to mock it?

 

[Ace777]

Mormons aren't Christians.

Sounds like you want to take the wheat out with the tears. I lived in Salt Lake City for three years so I have known a lot of mormons. It is easy to tell who is and who is not saved.

 

[Laodicean60]

Of course, one of the reasons Christians come here is to make sure that what is being presented to atheists as "Christianity" really represents Christianity and not just the doctrines unique to some particular sect.

My view is probably different than a lot of Christians' views. The only doctrine that should be preached is Jesus the savior of the world. All the vain arguments between Christians about doctrine and non Christians about what the bible says are just plain arguments. It detracts from the message we are all sinners and still are but Jesus came to save us from sin, past, present, and future.

 

[essentialsaltes]

But to be clear, I've never had a conversation with an atheist. At least not in person. Many claim to be, but they all end up admitting they are really "agnostic". Many claim to be, on the internet. but people claim to be all sorts of things on the internet. In person, none of them have "stuck" to that definition when further queried. That being said, some have tried to attach the definition of agnostic to "atheist". That's just moving the goal posts.

There are 4 potential combinations based on different positions of belief and knowledge:

 

[BCP1928]

I've got one:

Mormons aren't Christians.

Whether you care or not.

I've got another.

Not all Christians agree with that.

 

[Laodicean60]

I'd love to see the world saturated with Love.
That for me is the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I believe in the commandment of love! Once you preach the Gospel then what, the hell message and all the other lines of attack?

 

[Reasonably Sane]

There are 4 potential combinations based on different positions of belief and knowledge:

View attachment 351872

That chart (which I've seen before) is mincing words. If a person is not sure there is not a God, they are agnostic. "Agnostic Atheist" is an oxymoron, regardless of what the person that created that chart believes. IOW, I disagree with the premise.

 

[Astrid]

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

Can you post where this has happened I see disrespect coming both ways. I think everyone on this

I believe in the commandment of love! Once you preach the Gospel then what, the hell message and all the other lines of attack?

?

 

[2PhiloVoid]

That chart (which I've seen before) is mincing words. If a person is not sure there is not a God, they are agnostic. "Agnostic Atheist" is an oxymoron, regardless of what the person that created that chart believes. IOW, I disagree with the premise.

Epistemologically assessed, there are varying degrees, and modes, of belief and unbelief ...

And for the fact that different individuals will, and do, cite different reasons for "why" they are dissuaded from believing in God or the Christian Faith, it is possible for a person to claim to be a soft atheist rather than a hard atheist.

 

[essentialsaltes]

IOW, I disagree with the premise.

I expected as much, but this has no effect on what people believe and know.

 

[Reasonably Sane]

I believe in the commandment of love! Once you preach the Gospel then what, the hell message and all the other lines of attack?

A favorite of mine:

To be clear, this speaks to the "burn in hell" message. The true Gospel, first, speaks of eternal life with Him. But that is Christianity 101. Jesus' message was about love and tolerance and how even this life is so much superior when you follow his commandments. And the reason us Christians sometimes suffer is because we don't always follow him. And life is a harsh teacher in that realm.

Fact is, you let him in not because of what he's going to do to you if you don't, but because of what LIFE is going to do to you if you don't follow the author of life - and you choose to nurture a personal relationship with your creator that will overflow into your relationships with your fellow men.

 

[Reasonably Sane]

I expected as much, but this has no effect on what people believe and know.

Exactly! I didn't say it there, but I'll say it here. My wife and I are even thinking about putting it on my headstone: Opinions vary.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I do not understand this. How would they know what faith is to mock it?

Many atheists today in the U.S. are ex-Christians coming out of fundamentalist or evangelical churches. So, a number of them are familiar with the concept of faith. It's just that they've disowned it.

 

[BCP1928]

Which is why most of these discussions are about doctrine rather than faith. Particularly, what Christian doctrine is and what effect it has or should have on public policy.

 

[PloverWing]

That chart (which I've seen before) is mincing words. If a person is not sure there is not a God, they are agnostic. "Agnostic Atheist" is an oxymoron, regardless of what the person that created that chart believes. IOW, I disagree with the premise.

I find it useful to distinguish between 1) our guesses about whether God(s) exist, and 2) the level of certainty we have about the guesses we make. For this reason, the chart is helpful.

 

[Laodicean60]

?

I can't see text???