Do Christians want to convince atheists?

[talquin]

I've often if Christians really want to convince atheists that the Christian worldview is correct. It seems as if whenever a Christian attempts to explain to an atheist why the Christian worldview is correct, they fail to realize that their audience is an atheist. In a situation like that, they'll present their argument as if they are trying to emphasize it more strongly to one who already believes.

 

[variant]

I've often if Christians really want to convince atheists that the Christian worldview is correct. It seems as if whenever a Christian attempts to explain to an atheist why the Christian worldview is correct, they fail to realize that their audience is an atheist. In a situation like that, they'll present their argument as if they are trying to emphasize it more strongly to one who already believes.

Sometimes people argue for the people who aren't arguing and some arguing people are trying to convince themselves.

 

[juvenissun]

I've often if Christians really want to convince atheists that the Christian worldview is correct. It seems as if whenever a Christian attempts to explain to an atheist why the Christian worldview is correct, they fail to realize that their audience is an atheist. In a situation like that, they'll present their argument as if they are trying to emphasize it more strongly to one who already believes.

No. They don't.

 

[Davian]

I've often if Christians really want to convince atheists that the Christian worldview is correct. It seems as if whenever a Christian attempts to explain to an atheist why the Christian worldview is correct, they fail to realize that their audience is an atheist. In a situation like that, they'll present their argument as if they are trying to emphasize it more strongly to one who already believes.

I would agree with variant, in that I would hypothesize, in many situations, the person that they are trying to convince so strongly is themselves.

On the other hand, forums like this may exist for the purposes of non-believers to observe the behaviour of religionists that are having their beliefs challenged. An entertaining idea.

Popcorn, anyone?

 

[PsychoSarah]

Just because people might not be all that great at communicating with the ideas of the audience in mind doesn't make their goal different.

 

[Chesterton]

I've noticed that a lot of people make self-serving anti-Christian posts in the philosophy forum that have nothing to do with philosophy.

 

[TillICollapse]

I would agree with variant, in that I would hypothesize, in many situations, the person that they are trying to convince so strongly is themselves.

On the other hand, forums like this may exist for the purposes of non-believers to observe the behaviour of religionists that are having their beliefs challenged. An entertaining idea.

Popcorn, anyone?

Idk. In my experience with many believers who seem thoroughly convinced that their specific system is the safe bet, the right path to truth, etc ... I think they are beyond the point of using non-believers as soundboards to, unbeknownst to them consciously, convince their own selves. I would surmise that many of them view the unbeliever as a challenge, a chance to earn brownie points so to speak, a chance to do something in the name of their system (i.e. witness, evangelize, befriend, etc.) If there is success, then they can count it as a win for God. If there isn't, then at least they tried their best, or perhaps they may even view it as taking a stand for the cause, perhaps even a form of persecution, "warfare", etc. IOW, I believe many view it as a duty and a chance to serve.

I think there is a common belief, imo, that, "The atheist knows they are wrong, they are just in denial of what they already know to be true." So an angle is sought: emotional, mental, spiritual, etc, to appeal to what they may believe is already there and get you to face it. Manipulate the atheist into seeing the truth. Or, if that doesn't work, use the atheist to reaffirm their own standing and the atheists demise. It's a win-win. But honestly, and maybe I'm biased form personal experience, I think the idea that many of them are just projecting in order to truly convince themselves ... I don't think that's the majority. My two cents.

To clarify: I'm generalizing but in the context of those who do engage atheists and unbelievers with certain motives of, "How can I reach this person ?" or similar variations in mind. I realize fully that not all believers are the same, etc and so forth. Yes of course there are those who do not feel or believe anything along the lines of what I stated above, etc.

 

[Chesterton]

Idk. In my experience with many believers who seem thoroughly convinced that their specific system is the safe bet, the right path to truth, etc ... I think they are beyond the point of using non-believers as soundboards to, unbeknownst to them consciously, convince their own selves. I would surmise that many of them view the unbeliever as a challenge, a chance to earn brownie points so to speak, a chance to do something in the name of their system (i.e. witness, evangelize, befriend, etc.)

...and what kind of site is this? A Christian site. And you guys are members here for what reason... to extend us the courtesy of allowing us to challenge you? That's rich. You are the ones who view us as the challenge. Which is all the more strange since most of you claim to believe nothing in particular which you could try and convert us to.

 

[BL2KTN]

...and what kind of site is this? A Christian site. And you guys are members here for what reason... to extend us the courtesy of allowing us to challenge you? That's rich. You are the ones who view us as the challenge. Which is all the more strange since most of you claim to believe nothing in particular which you could try and convert us to.

I'm here to make bad ideas apparent.

 

[Davian]

...and what kind of site is this? A Christian site.

Probably. In name, at least.

And you guys are members here for what reason... to extend us the courtesy of allowing us to challenge you? That's rich.

Why are *you* here?

You are the ones who view us as the challenge.

Not at all. As I don't experience this stuff in real life, for me this is like wandering in to a Star Wars convention, except instead of role-playing, everyone believes in the Force. Fascinating.

Which is all the more strange since most of you claim to believe nothing in particular which you could try and convert us to.

You haven't stumbled over anything, recently?

 

[Chesterton]

I'm here to make bad ideas apparent.

You're very good at that. I'll ask you what books you've written if I'm ever in the mood for more.

 

[Chesterton]

Why are *you* here?

Have I ever proselytized you? First couple of years it was different, now I think I've heard everything, and I enjoy the ridiculous lengths some people go to tell me I'm wrong when they haven't the faintest clue what is right.

Not at all. As I don't experience this stuff in real life, for me this is like wandering in to a Star Wars convention, except instead of role-playing, everyone believes in the Force. Fascinating.

This is real life. Sorry you live in a Godforsaken country.

You haven't stumbled over anything, recently?

I've forgotten more Churchill than you'll ever know.

 

[PsychoSarah]

I've noticed that a lot of people make self-serving anti-Christian posts in the philosophy forum that have nothing to do with philosophy.

Theology and some amount of other things that border philosophy end up here too, due to the lack of sub-forums specific to them.

There are quite a few self-serving pro-Christian posts in here like that too.

 

[Davian]

Have I ever proselytized you?

I do recall a "two cabins" thread that must had some point to it. Did you ever get to that point?

First couple of years it was different, now I think I've heard everything, and I enjoy the ridiculous lengths some people go to tell me I'm wrong when they haven't the faintest clue what is right.

False dichotomy. The faults in your arguments can be shown without needing to provide an alternate argument.

This is real life.

Sorry you live in a Godforsaken country.

By all measures, it's also free of ghosts, goblins, fairies, leprechauns, and extraterrestrial aliens. The jury is still out on Sasquatch.

I've forgotten more Churchill than you'll ever know.

Is that saying one that you would like to forget?

 

[TillICollapse]

...and what kind of site is this? A Christian site. And you guys are members here for what reason... to extend us the courtesy of allowing us to challenge you? That's rich. You are the ones who view us as the challenge. Which is all the more strange since most of you claim to believe nothing in particular which you could try and convert us to.

One thing you said here that may apply to me, is yes, I don't see where I try and convert anyone to anything in particular.

 

[talquin]

...and what kind of site is this? A Christian site. And you guys are members here for what reason... to extend us the courtesy of allowing us to challenge you? That's rich. You are the ones who view us as the challenge. Which is all the more strange since most of you claim to believe nothing in particular which you could try and convert us to.

Perhaps you should first ask some of the atheists in here if they view it as a challenge before you jump to conclusions.

When one becomes an atheist, they aren't "converting". They are simply dropping a belief that a god exists.