Dealing with Atheists

[Forgiven12]

I'm pretty new in my faith. I was saved about 3 months ago. I finally accepted Jesus as my lord and savior. One thing now that bothers me as a born again Christian that didn't used to bother as a lost sinner are smug "know it all" atheists. Does any one else become a bit enraged when Atheists constantly mock the bible and our God? Atheism Ideology to me is very depressing and illogical. I don't understand how anyone could be Atheist and live a happy life. Is it not enough that they have depressing miserable lives? Why do they wish to drag others into their nonsense ideology? I guess I'm just venting. Any thoughts on Atheists? What do you say to Atheists when they try to argue with you? I feel I've been doing alright in fighting against them with the gospel. But more advice is greatly appreciated.

I'll give two examples of atheists I was talking with earlier.

Atheist No. 1:

"I love it when people claim atheists KNOW there isn't a higher power...what I KNOW is that there exists vast amounts of evidence that discredits creationism, and absolutely none whatsoever to confirm it, nor any of the ridiculous claims any religion ever has made, or ever will. What I KNOW is that when, as an adult who is fully capable of the most basic reasoning, one still chooses to believe in such ridiculous myths through nothing else than blind faith, one cannot be considered entirely sane."

Atheist No. 2:

"Christians and Atheists could probably learn a lot from each other. Of course there is no "man in the sky" looking down on us and of course the events in the bible didn't actually happen (at least the majority, who know's for sure?). The bible is metaphorical and allegorical and has many lessons we can learn.
The rest is up to you as a person. Think about everything. Contemplate all that is. Reflect on the state of our world. What's really going on behind the scenes?"



Another question I have is why do people feel the NEED to disprove God? Why do they get out of it? What could they possibly benefit from trying to disprove our creator?

One verse that stands out to me is Psalms 14:1 "The fool has sayeth in his hear there is no God"

Anyway, I'm rambling.

Your thoughts?

 

[Fiona01]

It certainly can be tough. Many members of my family are not Christian, some are atheists or unsure what they believe.

The frustrating thing for me, as a dedicated Christian, is when people heavily challenge my beliefs.Even when I give good answers, I just get thrown another, and another. I like to be able to answer, but it can be hard. We don't have ALL the answers, for a start.

Don't get me wrong - I actually LIKE discussing my faith, and with certain people, I love helping them get information - but some people are just asking to challenge, or to belittle.

Of course, as Christians we need to be forgiving, loving and able to give "an answer for the hope that we have," as it is told in the NT. However, if somebody is deliberately being rude/judgemental/argumentative, don't be afraid to say, "I don't wish to discuss this with you." Even Jesus taught us not to throw "pearls before the swine." What we have is precious, let's not allow people to trample on things.
That's not to say we should hide the truth, or our answers, but try and discern what the person truly wants from us: Do they want to genuinely learn why we believe what we believe? Or are they out to "trick and trap", so to speak? If you fear the latter, don't be afraid to disrespectfully cut them off.

One thing important to learn is that we all have a belief based on something. If somebody rudely or antagonisingly keeps asking you to prove Christianity, don't be afraid to ask them the same questions: How are you so sure there is no God, or creator? How did you come to that conclusion? Have you studied the NT texts fully?

We should all be able to account for why we believe things - don't let the burden of proof ALWAYS fall on your shoulders - atheists should have reasons too!

Stay strong, and walk with the Lord. The Holy Spirit within you will help you to be peaceful, loving and respectful to those who seek to learn or question us.

 

[SharonL]

When they say there is no man in the sky looking down on us or Jesus that came to earth - just ask them who the first president of the US was - when they say George Washington - ask them how do they know they wasn't there when he was born. Point made - they don't know anything - they just want to agrue - they are not satisfied just being on the road to hell - they want to take others with them, just as the Christian wants to take others to Heaven.

I don't try to argue with them anymore - I give my testimony and as the Bible says - if they don't listen, dust off your feet and move on.

 

[Elgibbor]

You could do worse than read The Dawkins Letters-Challenging Atheist Myths by Scottish pastor David Robertson. The book is a response to Dawkin's The God Delusion and atheism in general and is a great help in debating with atheists. I think you can get it on amazon pretty cheap.

 

[Forgiven12]

We should all be able to account for why we believe things - don't let the burden of proof ALWAYS fall on your shoulders - atheists should have reasons too!

Stay strong, and walk with the Lord. The Holy Spirit within you will help you to be peaceful, loving and respectful to those who seek to learn or question us.

Great post! Pretty much what I have been doing. It can just get frustrating dealing with these people. I hate to stereotype but for the most part these atheists are very smug and arrogant specifically towards Christians.

 

[Forgiven12]

They don't know anything - they just want to agrue - they are not satisfied just being on the road to hell - they want to take others with them, just as the Christian wants to take others to Heaven.

 

[Forgiven12]

You could do worse than read The Dawkins Letters-Challenging Atheist Myths by Scottish pastor David Robertson. The book is a response to Dawkin's The God Delusion and atheism in general and is a great help in debating with atheists. I think you can get it on amazon pretty cheap.

I've actually heard of this. I think my dad has this book. I will definitely check it out when I get some time.

 

[Leonfrost]

There's a great deal of evidence in the Bible that can disprove atheists. Trouble is, to see most of that evidence, you're gonna have to use some metaphorical interpretation. There's a way you can reconcile EVERYTHING in the Bible to science, and in fact show proof of things that science didn't even understand at the time.

Historical analysis, understanding of Hebrew symbolic language, and the realization that a lot of the New Testament was written in a coded, metaphorical language to avoid the wrath of the Roman government, are all necessary tools if you intend to debate atheists on their own terms.

 

[Ark100]

I'm pretty new in my faith. I was saved about 3 months ago. I finally accepted Jesus as my lord and savior.

Praise God!!!

One thing now that bothers me as a born again Christian that didn't used to bother as a lost sinner are smug "know it all" atheists.

Avoid them like a plague. I mean their discussions about creation etc. Its not them speaking, its the enemy.

Does any one else become a bit enraged when Atheists constantly mock the bible and our God?

I used to. I don't involve myself with their rants anymore. You should avoid sites, forums and live discussions involving their rants. Well if you dont do that, always assert your theism for God is real.


Atheism Ideology to me is very depressing and illogical. I don't understand how anyone could be Atheist and live a happy life. Is it not enough that they have depressing miserable lives? Why do they wish to drag others into their nonsense ideology?

Because they are angry that christians have hope. They are angry that we have a God that we trust in, that we know that regardless of what happen, He is there. Atheists may not say it but deep down they are angry that those who believe in God have HOPE. Atheists have no hope.

I guess I'm just venting. Any thoughts on Atheists? What do you say to Atheists when they try to argue with you?

I would not argue with them for I know what I know, and also I know that all atheists are influenced by the enemy. But this scripture sums it up

1 corinthians 1: 18-25

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age?
Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.

Jews (insert atheists) demand signs and Greeks (insert scientists) look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.


I feel I've been doing alright in fighting against them with the gospel. But more advice is greatly appreciated.

Dont fight with them against the gospel at least not now. The enemy can use that to distract you from the real relationship you need to develop with Christ. Focus on Christ, seeing you are newly born again, let the Lord be your main focus, leave the atheists argument. they need help, they need prayer. its not them.


Another question I have is why do people feel the NEED to disprove God? Why do they get out of it? What could they possibly benefit from trying to disprove our creator?

the enemy. its the enemy's influence

One verse that stands out to me is Psalms 14:1 "The fool has sayeth in his hear there is no God"




Your thoughts?

Isaiah 43:10-13

“You are my witnesses, ” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
I, even I, am the Lord,
and apart from me there is no savior.
I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
I, and not some foreign god among you.
You are my witnesses, ” declares the Lord, “that I am God.
Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
No one can deliver out of my hand.
When I act, who can reverse it?”

 

[Isatis]

I give my testimony and as the Bible says - if they don't listen, dust off your feet and move on.

 

[amandatea]

I'm pretty new in my faith. I was saved about 3 months ago. I finally accepted Jesus as my lord and savior. One thing now that bothers me as a born again Christian that didn't used to bother as a lost sinner are smug "know it all" atheists. Does any one else become a bit enraged when Atheists constantly mock the bible and our God? Atheism Ideology to me is very depressing and illogical. I don't understand how anyone could be Atheist and live a happy life. Is it not enough that they have depressing miserable lives? Why do they wish to drag others into their nonsense ideology? I guess I'm just venting. Any thoughts on Atheists? What do you say to Atheists when they try to argue with you? I feel I've been doing alright in fighting against them with the gospel. But more advice is greatly appreciated.

I'll give two examples of atheists I was talking with earlier.

Atheist No. 1:

"I love it when people claim atheists KNOW there isn't a higher power...what I KNOW is that there exists vast amounts of evidence that discredits creationism, and absolutely none whatsoever to confirm it, nor any of the ridiculous claims any religion ever has made, or ever will. What I KNOW is that when, as an adult who is fully capable of the most basic reasoning, one still chooses to believe in such ridiculous myths through nothing else than blind faith, one cannot be considered entirely sane."

Atheist No. 2:

"Christians and Atheists could probably learn a lot from each other. Of course there is no "man in the sky" looking down on us and of course the events in the bible didn't actually happen (at least the majority, who know's for sure?). The bible is metaphorical and allegorical and has many lessons we can learn.
The rest is up to you as a person. Think about everything. Contemplate all that is. Reflect on the state of our world. What's really going on behind the scenes?"



Another question I have is why do people feel the NEED to disprove God? Why do they get out of it? What could they possibly benefit from trying to disprove our creator?

One verse that stands out to me is Psalms 14:1 "The fool has sayeth in his hear there is no God"

Anyway, I'm rambling.

Your thoughts?

I've had/read many discussions with Atheists. I find that, as much as they (generalizing here) insists that Christians are un-thinking blind fools, I constantly see the same exact beliefs from them (sometimes worded the exact same ways too). I don't care to shove my beliefs down someone's throat - although, if they ask me questions, I'll gladly discuss things with them - and I don't appreciate being treated that way, myself.

When people claim, as a matter of known fact, there is no "man in the sky" or whatever, there is a logical fallacy that comes into play. The only way they can possibly know that is if they know everything. That would make them omniscient. Which would make them God. So they can not possibly know for a fact that there is no God. Ugh. Annoying.

 

[briareos]

I'm pretty new in my faith. I was saved about 3 months ago. I finally accepted Jesus as my lord and savior. One thing now that bothers me as a born again Christian that didn't used to bother as a lost sinner are smug "know it all" atheists. Does any one else become a bit enraged when Atheists constantly mock the bible and our God? Atheism Ideology to me is very depressing and illogical. I don't understand how anyone could be Atheist and live a happy life. Is it not enough that they have depressing miserable lives? Why do they wish to drag others into their nonsense ideology? I guess I'm just venting. Any thoughts on Atheists? What do you say to Atheists when they try to argue with you? I feel I've been doing alright in fighting against them with the gospel. But more advice is greatly appreciated.

I'll give two examples of atheists I was talking with earlier.

Atheist No. 1:

"I love it when people claim atheists KNOW there isn't a higher power...what I KNOW is that there exists vast amounts of evidence that discredits creationism, and absolutely none whatsoever to confirm it, nor any of the ridiculous claims any religion ever has made, or ever will. What I KNOW is that when, as an adult who is fully capable of the most basic reasoning, one still chooses to believe in such ridiculous myths through nothing else than blind faith, one cannot be considered entirely sane."

Atheist No. 2:

"Christians and Atheists could probably learn a lot from each other. Of course there is no "man in the sky" looking down on us and of course the events in the bible didn't actually happen (at least the majority, who know's for sure?). The bible is metaphorical and allegorical and has many lessons we can learn.
The rest is up to you as a person. Think about everything. Contemplate all that is. Reflect on the state of our world. What's really going on behind the scenes?"



Another question I have is why do people feel the NEED to disprove God? Why do they get out of it? What could they possibly benefit from trying to disprove our creator?

One verse that stands out to me is Psalms 14:1 "The fool has sayeth in his hear there is no God"

Anyway, I'm rambling.

Your thoughts?

My friend, the people you are dealing with are atheists but they are also something else... they are rude selfish people. That rudeness doesn't come from their atheism so don't get the two things confused, it's something else entirely.

Not all atheists live miserable lives.

Not all atheists believe God couldn't exist.

Not all atheists disapprove of your beliefs.

Not all atheists have a choice about what they believe, if you don't believe in something there's nothing you can do about it until you find that it's true. It isn't as easy as choosing... you don't really "choose" what you believe, you choose what you will do, or where you will go... you don't "choose" what your heart believes or what your brain comprehends.

My friend, find better friends and don't hang around rude selfish people. Not all atheists are that way and that doesn't come from their atheism, that comes from selfishness something EVERYONE is susceptible to.

Don't mistake their immaturity for their atheism... those are two completely different things. I was an atheist for many years and most religious people never knew because I didn't tell them and I didn't need to. It didn't make me a bad person, the ONLY THING my atheism meant is that I did not believe in God. Everything else about me came from other parts of my personality. Not all atheists disapprove of you or your beliefs.

If you had come to me when I was an atheist I wouldn't have told you I didn't believe in your God and I would have encouraged you and cheered you on and offered you all the support I could.

What atheism taught me is not that Christianity was stupid, it taught me that it is wrong to sneer at another person's reasons and beliefs because you don't know what they've been through that had that effect on them and it is absolutely naive to and ignorant to think it isn't possible that that person knows something you don't. Especially those who fell away from Christ... most Christians have never experienced that and they don't know what that process can do to you and teach you in the end.

Human beings are wonderfully complex things... do not think them to be as simple as their titles or as simple as their position in your cause, they will never cease to amaze you. There is good and bad in all of us.

Don't think you're better or brighter than the atheist, and they shouldn't think that about you.

 

[briareos]

I just encourage you to stay away from selfish leech like people who only want to take advantage of you and gratify their own selfish passions at your expense... those people don't care about you... but those bad tendencies don't come from their atheism, it comes from their own darkness they hold inside.

If you think that atheists aren't capable of love and goodness then you just need to go meet more, probably the ones you can't see from the road because they don't have an agenda.

 

[CounselorForChrist]

After years of being a christian you will have a crayz amount of debates/arguments with atheists. And you soon see that these things go in endless circles where you can never really win because they often don't care what they truth is. They always find a way to circle back to where you began. Some of the atheists that are allowed in the one section of this forum have been debated with endlessly and truly don't care because they are hear more to harass then anything else unless you show them Goed exists in person, they don't care.

Best idea is to run away from them. Now obviously its good to talk to people who don't believe in God because maybe you can get them saved. But its best to avoid the ones that don't want to be saved after awhile. Because once you plant the seed, Christ will take over and try to get them to be saved. You did your job! Thats why the bible says in the end every person in every corner of the earth will have heard of Him and at that point when he returns, they cannot say "I never heard of you!". Or in easier terms no excuse will matter.

 

[Quasicentennial]

One other probability that might seem ridiculously far-fetched to Christians and non-Christians alike is: there are extremely Christ-like kindness of atheists among atheists, whether they are family relatives or friends, who are pretending to be athiests because they fear of family violence or expulsion from the family home as homeless social outcasts. Such huge contrast of irony is Christ living spiritually secretly in the hearts of non-Christians, especially non-Christian religions such as Muslim and Buddhism who will keep Christ's secret faith until their temporary earth-born lives are over. Be very surprised when Jesus returns to transform us with newly perfect glorious minds and bodies of Christ, just like Jesus Christ himself, along with failure-proof intelligence so that we will not stumble in our walk with Jesus or become accident-prone - that many of those non-Christians, especially those who had battled fierce argument discussions of Jesus Christ will be present as our saved brothers and sisters of Christ, knowing that the Word of God says: Love your neighbor as you love yourself .:*:. May Christ's futuristic most massive community-built city: the Kingdom of God be a strong remembrance or reminder in the hearts of everyone who hunger his supernatural faith for eternal youth and perfect health, where every part of our future new bodies will be anatomically correct so that nobody should be too small as a dwarf, or too tall as a giant. Futuristic is a word that describes God's kingdom where God knows our future generations that focus on green energy projects using advanced science and technology, such as producing water from air .:*:.

 

[Aijalon]

Yesterday on the way home from work one of the overpasses had a group of about 7 people waving at the traffic below with a sign hanging off the bridge promoting www.kcatheists.org.

It made me laugh

Just thought I'd share that.


A

 

[Albion]

I'm pretty new in my faith. I was saved about 3 months ago. I finally accepted Jesus as my lord and savior. One thing now that bothers me as a born again Christian that didn't used to bother as a lost sinner are smug "know it all" atheists. Does any one else become a bit enraged when Atheists constantly mock the bible and our God? Atheism Ideology to me is very depressing and illogical. I don't understand how anyone could be Atheist and live a happy life. Is it not enough that they have depressing miserable lives? Why do they wish to drag others into their nonsense ideology? I guess I'm just venting. Any thoughts on Atheists? What do you say to Atheists when they try to argue with you? I feel I've been doing alright in fighting against them with the gospel. But more advice is greatly appreciated.

I'll give two examples of atheists I was talking with earlier.

Atheist No. 1:

"I love it when people claim atheists KNOW there isn't a higher power...what I KNOW is that there exists vast amounts of evidence that discredits creationism, and absolutely none whatsoever to confirm it, nor any of the ridiculous claims any religion ever has made, or ever will. What I KNOW is that when, as an adult who is fully capable of the most basic reasoning, one still chooses to believe in such ridiculous myths through nothing else than blind faith, one cannot be considered entirely sane."

Atheist No. 2:

"Christians and Atheists could probably learn a lot from each other. Of course there is no "man in the sky" looking down on us and of course the events in the bible didn't actually happen (at least the majority, who know's for sure?). The bible is metaphorical and allegorical and has many lessons we can learn.
The rest is up to you as a person. Think about everything. Contemplate all that is. Reflect on the state of our world. What's really going on behind the scenes?"



Another question I have is why do people feel the NEED to disprove God? Why do they get out of it? What could they possibly benefit from trying to disprove our creator?

One verse that stands out to me is Psalms 14:1 "The fool has sayeth in his hear there is no God"

Anyway, I'm rambling.

Your thoughts?

You've put your finger on the problem--they have a need to disprove God. You, therefore, are essential to them and expected to be bullied in God's place. And these are not people who have an open mind.

The best strategy is to decline to debate the matter, but do it knowingly. That is, you say, "Well, each to his own," "I'm persuaded that there is a God, but I don't mind that you feel differently." Something like that. Smile. Don't seem offended.

But there is one thing you must avoid. Don't let it seem that you believe ONLY because you want to believe in God or you just feel it in your heart. For you, the evidence (Bible, nature, logic, etc.) is sufficient, although you understand if others don't agree. Period.

Try it. You'll feel better.

 

[Percivale]

One of my favorite arguments against atheism is the fact that evolution does not explain their behavior. Every time an atheist comes on a discussion forum to try to prove there's no God, he's exercising part of himself that evolution does not explain, that wouldn't come just from natural selection. Atheists have a need for a cause greater than themselves and to seek ultimate truth, that's what motivates them to argue about it, and that need is something atheism does not explain but theism does.

 

[briareos]

Why would it need to be construed as a need greater than their self? Why would they need any spiritual relevance at all to concern themselves with truth?

How would you explain the plenty of atheists who aren't the least bit concerned with your theology?

How would you explain that not even Richard Dawkins asserts that God couldn't exist or that he can really know beyond doubt that a God does not exist? He says such.

At the least it should be apparent that one of your favorite arguments doesn't apply to all atheists. much less the educated ones or to even parts of your own idea. I recommend that you also lose some of the urgency to prove them wrong, it's vain and self centered and that part of you does not come from your spiritual father, so where does it come from? The base earth part of you? Does that testify for the absence of your God?

 

[BFine]

I agree with another poster, stick to giving your testimony
and let it go at that.

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Peter 3:15)

No arguing or debating-- just tell them about how you came to faith in the Lord.