Me, an agnostic, "saved" an atheist?

[GreenMunchkin]

I currently share a class with what was an atheist. We often talked after class, and one of the things that we frequently talk (and often mock, admittedly among the two or three of us) Christianity, namely pronouncing "Jesus Christ" as "Jésus Chris-t".

One day he came to me, and after running into an open air preacher that often does it on our campus, he thought about stance, and realized that mine were much more foolish than his, decided to repent, turn from his sins etc... He continues to proclaim that my ways are wrong and to turn to Jesus to the point where it becomes annoying. I no longer consider him my friend and I no longer sit next to him in class.

I'm just curious how should I handle this situation.

I'm not sure what advice it is you're looking for, dude.

Look at it from his perspective: he was where you are, and he found the Lord. Or rather, he allowed the Lord to find him. He wants for you to feel the same joy he does.

It's odd, when I became a Christian, I lost a lot of my friends, too. Tell me something: why is it you're willing to talk about Christ freely, providing you're mocking Him, but you're not willing to when He's being discussed in earnest?

 

[AllworthThunder]

I'm not sure what advice it is you're looking for, dude.

Look at it from his perspective: he was where you are, and he found the Lord. Or rather, he allowed the Lord to find him. He wants for you to feel the same joy he does.

It's odd, when I became a Christian, I lost a lot of my friends, too. Tell me something: why is it you're willing to talk about Christ freely, providing you're mocking Him, but you're not willing to when He's being discussed in earnest?

Consider this: I'm not a Christian, so I do not see Jesus like you see him, as the Son of God. I don't mock as you put it, Jesus now because this is not the forum to do so, but rather to gain insight on issues pertaining to him, the Christian god, The Bible, etc. etc. If I do, if ever mock him as you say that I am (again, we see things differently, which is ok), it is in a casual environment. I think I'm not alone in this, correct me if I am wrong.

My reasoning to my OP is to gain insight on

a) Is this normal for newer Christians? I admit that I was once too a Christian, but I never was this "in your face".
b) How should I handle the situation beyond where I was a few days ago with a Christian slant?

 

[GreenMunchkin]

Consider this: I'm not a Christian, so I do not see Jesus like you see him, as the Son of God. I don't mock as you put it, Jesus now because this is not the forum to do so, but rather to gain insight on issues pertaining to him, the Christian god, The Bible, etc. etc. If I do, if ever mock him as you say that I am (again, we see things differently, which is ok), it is in a casual environment. I think I'm not alone in this, correct me if I am wrong.

Well, mocking His name, is mocking Him... but that's not the important bit I wasn't asking a loaded question, so I'll re-phrase. Why is it you're willing to discuss Christ, but you're not willing to discuss Him when one of the people you're discussing Him with is a Christian?

My reasoning to my OP is to gain insight on

a) Is this normal for newer Christians? I admit that I was once too a Christian, but I never was this "in your face".

It varies, to be honest. If he had a dramatic conversion, it could account for his fervour. Similarly, some people remain lukewarm Christians their entire lives.

Without knowing him, I don't think any of us can even begin to explain his thoughts on it, but I do know that it's not easy to witness to people you know aren't overly open to hearing it. His desire to see you saved, to me anyway, tells me that he cares for you very, very much.

b) How should I handle the situation beyond where I was a few days ago with a Christian slant?

Heh, well, bear in mind, you're asking other Christians, and we want for you to be saved, just as your friend does. I want for you to listen to him, and I want for you to come home to Jesus. But if you're not ready to hear it yet, I think you need to ask him to respect your boundaries.

Another thing to keep in mind is he knows that you knew him prior to his becoming a Christian. So you know he's not some religious loon. That an atheist friend of yours has found the Truth should somehow add credence to it. He's not some mad preacher on a street corner threatening fire and brimstone - he's a friend of yours who has been where you are.

 

[AllworthThunder]

Well, mocking His name, is mocking Him... but that's not the important bit I wasn't asking a loaded question, so I'll re-phrase. Why is it you're willing to discuss Christ, but you're not willing to discuss Him when one of the people you're discussing Him with is a Christian?

I'm willing to discuss Christ to anyone and everyone as long as every other word is not "repent" or "hell". I realize that you want me to get saved, and I know that you want me to join the flock. Fact of the matter is, I see no reason to, based upon what I have learned. If I do, and that is a big if, it'll be done on my terms, when I see fit that there is only one god in our universe, who sent down Jesus, performed all of these miracles, and came out of the tomb alive after being nailed on the cross for dead.

Now I don't have much of a beef on The Bible. I do not doubt much of its text, as if you believe that it's false, you're saying much of known history is false. The only thing I doubt is the existence of God and the so-called miracles and supernatural experiences based around Jesus.

Not to worry, I've ran into people on the street and at the Church who tool me through the good person test, why I need a savior, etc. But none of them has the answer to my question "what about Allah? What about Buddha? What about the many Hindu gods? Which one is right and which is wrong?".

 

[GreenMunchkin]

I'm willing to discuss Christ to anyone and everyone as long as every other word is not "repent" or "hell". I realize that you want me to get saved, and I know that you want me to join the flock. Fact of the matter is, I see no reason to, based upon what I have learned. If I do, and that is a big if, it'll be done on my terms, when I see fit that there is only one god in our universe, who sent down Jesus, performed all of these miracles, and came out of the tomb alive after being nailed on the cross for dead.

Sure. None of us can scare someone into Christianity, and none of us can convince someone of the veracity of Christ. I know I went from staunch atheist to Christian, and I know no-one on earth could have made it happen. So, no worries, I won't try to convince you of anything

Now I don't have much of a beef on The Bible. I do not doubt much of its text, as if you believe that it's false, you're saying much of known history is false. The only thing I doubt is the existence of God and the so-called miracles and supernatural experiences based around Jesus.

Hmm... so you're picking and choosing which bits you accept as historical fact?

What's your litmus test for deciding which bits aren't real?

Not to worry, I've ran into people on the street and at the Church who tool me through the good person test, why I need a savior, etc. But none of them has the answer to my question "what about Allah? What about Buddha? What about the many Hindu gods? Which one is right and which is wrong?".

Allah was created 500 years after Christ died; Buddha isn't a god, which is why some people feel they can be "Christian buddhists"; 300 million Hindu gods... none of which are backed by evidence.

Buddha doesn't need evidence, because he doesn't claim to be the One True God - Buddhism is more a way of life.

There is no evidence to support the idea that Allah is God.

But Jesus... well, people are still experiencing those miracles nowadays. People have *seen* Jesus; people have been brought back to life; had physical healings (one of which, I've personally witnessed).

Christianity is rooted in historical, verifiable fact. The evidence of which is still being seen today. That separates it from every other religion there is.

 

[AllworthThunder]

Sure. None of us can scare someone into Christianity, and none of us can convince someone of the veracity of Christ. I know I went from staunch atheist to Christian, and I know no-one on earth could have made it happen. So, no worries, I won't try to convince you of anything

Hmm... so you're picking and choosing which bits you accept as historical fact?

What's your litmus test for deciding which bits aren't real?

Allah was created 500 years after Christ died; Buddha isn't a god, which is why some people feel they can be "Christian buddhists"; 300 million Hindu gods... none of which are backed by evidence.

Buddha doesn't need evidence, because he doesn't claim to be the One True God - Buddhism is more a way of life.

There is no evidence to support the idea that Allah is God.

But Jesus... well, people are still experiencing those miracles nowadays. People have *seen* Jesus; people have been brought back to life; had physical healings (one of which, I've personally witnessed).

Christianity is rooted in historical, verifiable fact. The evidence of which is still being seen today. That separates it from every other religion there is.

I will not debate your answers since this is not a debate forum. However I will say this: I just watched a video of Sean smith preaching "the gospel" and watching some people get "saved" and I was nearly in tears, heck I was in tears, and even when I attempted to hold them back, I wasn't able to. And when I re-read some of the posts here, I was crying.

I think I'm now confused.

 

[Mary_Magdalene]

I will not debate your answers since this is not a debate forum. However I will say this: I just watched a video of Sean smith preaching "the gospel" and watching some people get "saved" and I was nearly in tears, heck I was in tears, and even when I attempted to hold them back, I wasn't able to. And when I re-read some of the posts here, I was crying.

I think I'm now confused.

i was an atheist also. when i got saved, about a week into it, my dad sat me down (at age 22) and had a long talk with me that i was driving the whole family nuts talking about Jesus.

now, i wasnt running around like a chicken with my head cut off yelling "You are all going to hell!"

but I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off yelling "I am saved! Jesus is real and He loves me!"

here is a song that explains the kind of change that comes when someone finds Christ:


Shine
Dull as dirt,
You can't assert,
The kind of light that might persuade a strict dictator to retire,
Fire the army, teach the poor origami.
The truth is in,
The proof is when,
You hear your heart start asking,
"What's my motivation?"

Try as you may,
There isn't a way,
To explain the kind of change,
That would make an Eskimo renounce fur,
That would make a vegetarian barbecue hamster.
Unless you can trace this about-face,
To a certain sign...


Shine,
Make 'em wonder what you've got,
Make 'em wish that they were not,
On the outside looking bored!
Shine
Let it shine before all men,
Let 'em see good works, and then,
Let 'em glorify the Lord!


Out of the shaker and onto the plate,
It isn't Karma,
It sure ain't fate,
That would make a Deadhead sell his van,
That would make a schizophrenic turn in his crayons.
Oprah freaks,
And science seeks a rationale,
That shall excuse this strange behavior.

When you let it shine,
You will inspire,
The kind of entire turn around,
That would make a bouncer take ballet,
(Even bouncers who aren't happy)...
But out of the glare,
With nowhere to turn,
You ain't gonna learn it on "What's My Line?"..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiMamfnL4ZE

 

[Catherineanne]

Like I said in my earlier post, when almost everything he says is about Christ, after many time me asking him to stop the preaching, he continues, making many phone calls to my cell phone wanting me to be "saved", it gets very, very annoying.

I would be annoyed as well if I were you. In fact, even if I were me, I would be annoyed.

This person is a new convert, and is still unsure of himself. If he can convert you, then his uncertainty will lessen. You, therefore, represent a major challenge to him, and if you convert, you represent major safety for his new point of view.

I would suggest, ignore him. Eventually he will give up and go away. Meanwhile, continue to find what is true for you. That is all that any of us need concern ourselves with, however we label it.

Christians are not entitled to shove their faith down other people's throats, however strongly they feel about the joyful revelation they have received. Bad manners will not communicate the gospel. Rather they will repel far more people from our faith than they will ever attract.

 

[Adstar]

I'm willing to discuss Christ to anyone and everyone as long as every other word is not "repent" or "hell". I realize that you want me to get saved, and I know that you want me to join the flock. Fact of the matter is, I see no reason to, based upon what I have learned. If I do, and that is a big if, it'll be done on my terms, when I see fit that there is only one god in our universe, who sent down Jesus, performed all of these miracles, and came out of the tomb alive after being nailed on the cross for dead.

Now I don't have much of a beef on The Bible. I do not doubt much of its text, as if you believe that it's false, you're saying much of known history is false. The only thing I doubt is the existence of God and the so-called miracles and supernatural experiences based around Jesus.

Not to worry, I've ran into people on the street and at the Church who tool me through the good person test, why I need a savior, etc. But none of them has the answer to my question "what about Allah? What about Buddha? What about the many Hindu gods? Which one is right and which is wrong?".

[FONT=&quot]You decide.

Those who are attracted to the light will go towards it and those who are attracted to darkness will dwell in it.

So you seek and walk towards what you think is right. In the end if you love unrighteousness that is what you will see as good, But woe to all who proclaim darkness as good and the light as foolishness.

And as for the miracles. If God exists my friend such miracles as recorded in the scriptures are as child’s play to Him. It astounds me that anyone would cease to believe in God because they cannot believe that a miracle could happen... Disbelief in a great thing because of disbelief in minor trivialities boggles my mind.



All Praise The Ancient Of Days[/FONT]

 

[Catherineanne]

Like I said in my earlier post, when almost everything he says is about Christ, after many time me asking him to stop the preaching, he continues, making many phone calls to my cell phone wanting me to be "saved", it gets very, very annoying. I'm not quite sure you see it in my eyes since you're essentially on his side, and would support him preaching "the gospel" to everyone.

I don't disrespect his change in lifestyle, I just don't at this time agree with them. If it makes him happy and go about his day better, by all means as long as it doesn't put anyone in physical or mental danger.

Don't get me wrong, I do have Christian friends who I hang out from time to time, but they have never done the things, or as much as this person has done.

AWT, if your friend is really making a whole series of unwanted phone calls, as well as pestering you with conversations you do not want, this is not normal, nor acceptable, behaviour. It is verging on harrassment, which is illegal, and for which you can get a restraining order. I am sure you would not want to go down that road, but perhaps if you gently point this out, he will find another target and leave you alone.

There is nothing in Scripture to justify this kind of behaviour. Our Lord did not have to harangue anyone into listening to his words; people came to him to hear what he had to say, he did not have to bully anyone into listening.

I am sorry that you are dealing with this, and also that you have not found more empathy for your situation here. Rest assured, however, that we do not all go around behaving in this way, and that I for one have the greatest sympathy for you.

Christians are not justified in bullying, harrassing or otherwise intimidating anyone who happens not to think the way they think. Such behaviour is repellant, not only to non Christians, but even to our brothers and sisters in faith. I cannot imagine for one minute that Christ would, therefore, find such behaviour attractive.

 

[GreenMunchkin]

I will not debate your answers since this is not a debate forum.

Sure But please pm if you do want to debate anything

However I will say this: I just watched a video of Sean smith preaching "the gospel" and watching some people get "saved" and I was nearly in tears, heck I was in tears, and even when I attempted to hold them back, I wasn't able to. And when I re-read some of the posts here, I was crying.

I think I'm now confused.

Spirituality is confusing, dude. God can be confusing, because we really don't have the ability to fathom who and what He is.

But I do know that your feeling this way at the moment is to do with Him, and that it's very beautiful. What you have to understand is we were created to be in a relationship with God, and seeing other people come to Him is like watching people reunite - only so much more. He's there for you, too, whenerever you're ready There's no pressure, and there's no "rules", but I do think He's calling you. It's in your own time, though

 

[Nienor]

Closed for staff review. Will reopen as soon as this is cleaned up.

Update : Thread is cleaned and reopened - please see new rules for the forums here: foru.ms/rules also forum specific rules are still in place as well untill new posting guidelines can be established. Thank you

 

[ryanb6]

I currently share a class with what was an atheist. We often talked after class, and one of the things that we frequently talk (and often mock, admittedly among the two or three of us) Christianity, namely pronouncing "Jesus Christ" as "Jésus Chris-t".

One day he came to me, and after running into an open air preacher that often does it on our campus, he thought about stance, and realized that mine were much more foolish than his, decided to repent, turn from his sins etc... He continues to proclaim that my ways are wrong and to turn to Jesus to the point where it becomes annoying. I no longer consider him my friend and I no longer sit next to him in class.

I'm just curious how should I handle this situation.

If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. John 15:19

this might be why you can't stand him. or maybe this:

The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that what it does is evil. John 7:7

 

[Key]

anyone but me hate it when they miss a few days on the forum and then have no clue what is going on?

God Bless

Key

 

[Allegory]

I currently share a class with what was an atheist. We often talked after class, and one of the things that we frequently talk (and often mock, admittedly among the two or three of us) Christianity, namely pronouncing "Jesus Christ" as "Jésus Chris-t".

One day he came to me, and after running into an open air preacher that often does it on our campus, he thought about stance, and realized that mine were much more foolish than his, decided to repent, turn from his sins etc... He continues to proclaim that my ways are wrong and to turn to Jesus to the point where it becomes annoying. I no longer consider him my friend and I no longer sit next to him in class.

I'm just curious how should I handle this situation.

Sounds like he's messing with you...

 

[Confess]

I currently share a class with what was an atheist. We often talked after class, and one of the things that we frequently talk (and often mock, admittedly among the two or three of us) Christianity, namely pronouncing "Jesus Christ" as "Jésus Chris-t".

One day he came to me, and after running into an open air preacher that often does it on our campus, he thought about stance, and realized that mine were much more foolish than his, decided to repent, turn from his sins etc... He continues to proclaim that my ways are wrong and to turn to Jesus to the point where it becomes annoying. I no longer consider him my friend and I no longer sit next to him in class.

I'm just curious how should I handle this situation.

Faith ONLY comes by hearing the Word of God. No man saves another.

 

[ryanb6]

Faith ONLY comes by hearing the Word of God. No man saves another.

that is true but what exactly are you trying to say?

 

[Confess]

that is true but what exactly are you trying to say?

I am saying that my actions and words cannot save anyone. Only the Word of God saves us because it is through the Word that the Holy Spirit brings faith into the lives of others. From what the OP says happened, the other person came to faith by his words rather than from hearing Scripture.

 

[TexasSky]

His preaching to me about God has got far too annoying. It's fine that I disagree with his stance, but when one out of two sentence he says is about God of The Bible, it tends to get very, very annoying. I'm thinking he should be able to respect my stance as I respect his.

Ah, but DO you respect his?

If, say, he was going on and on about a rock band that you didn't enjoy, would you be offended enough to end a friendship?

If you were supporting different political candidates would you be horribly offended if he quoted the one he supported? Enough to end the friendship?

Respect for someone with a different opinion requires allowing them to hold and to share that opinion, EVEN IF you disagree with it.

 

[tapero]

hi, the op came to Christ.. Maybe he'll post again..

just thought I'd let you know.it's in another thread here i believe.