Talking to atheists.

[LogainTheConquer]

A non believer can get quite agitated for several reasons. This strawman about non-believers could be considered one of them.

a) One real issue is the loss of a loved one. That is an issue of the heart not the head and cannot be confronted by 'rational' statements about God. Why do some people assume this. This is a Hollywood stereotype. I honestly can't think of anyone who became a non-believer because of this. I'm not saying its not possible but I don't think its that common.

b) Involvement in the occult often results in hostility. What occult? You sure like to assume things about us without justification. I believe I can speak for my own beliefs.

c) A mixture of arrogance and ignorance This I agree. Some people (both believers and non-believers) can be guilty of this. - same behaviours you see elsewhere, often against some authority. Yes, this could be true about any group of people.

d) A family upbringing hostile to religion generally, or Christianity in particular. Possible but not my case or the case of any non-believer i know.

e) A bad experience with a church or other Christians Again, Possible, but not my case or any case of non-believers that I know. I have Christian friends.

f) Just immaturity I agree, there are the people you should avoid debating with.

John
NZ

 

[.Iona.]

Here is the problem with giving an answer from the Bible. We don't think the Bible is creditable or accurate. Sin and Judgement (in a biblical context) are constructs of your religion, to use them has no meaning with atheists, we know what the words themselves mean but where it carries weight with believers, it doesn't carry weight with atheists so its kind of pointless to use them. Take chakra for example, we know the word means (in basic terms) one of the seven centres of spiritual energy in the human body. However because you or I are not of the buddist or hindu faith, the word carries no weight as evidence in a debate. They might believe it, but we don't.

I do see what you are saying, but I been asked questions about Hell and Sin and how i see those things, but have been asked to give my reason without mentioning Jesus or God.

Now with issues surrounding homosexuality or abortion for example, I am full able to put my views across without mentioning God. But when it comes to issues like Hell - which is a religious concept, you cannot answer it without talking about what the Bible says. I can't just say I believe in Sin, because I do. I believe in it because of the Bible.

Perhaps to an atheist the Bible isn't good enough reason. But you have to understand that to Christians it contains an awful lot, and if you believe in God then the Bible is a very important part of that and is 'proof' to us.

The atheist view on many things, doesn't sit with Christian's either. So I guess unless you use Scientific evidence to prove why God doesn't exist, what you are saying may also have no meaning.

 

[xGodsGracex]

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." John 15:18

 

[Johnnz]

I do see what you are saying, but I been asked questions about Hell and Sin and how i see those things, but have been asked to give my reason without mentioning Jesus or God.

Now with issues surrounding homosexuality or abortion for example, I am full able to put my views across without mentioning God. But when it comes to issues like Hell - which is a religious concept, you cannot answer it without talking about what the Bible says. I can't just say I believe in Sin, because I do. I believe in it because of the Bible.

Perhaps to an atheist the Bible isn't good enough reason. But you have to understand that to Christians it contains an awful lot, and if you believe in God then the Bible is a very important part of that and is 'proof' to us.

The atheist view on many things, doesn't sit with Christian's either. So I guess unless you use Scientific evidence to prove why God doesn't exist, what you are saying may also have no meaning.

You can address the issue of Hell by asking whether they believe it make no real difference being a Hitler or a Mother Teresa as they both are now dead and that's it, all over. Many people who object to Hell still hold to some sort of hope for some better justice eventually.

John
NZ

 

[LogainTheConquer]

[FONT=&quot]I do see what you are saying, but I been asked questions about Hell and Sin and how i see those things, but have been asked to give my reason without mentioning Jesus or God.

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]I understand the frustration here. It's kind of like having one arm tied behind your back. Depends on what's being asked I guess. But understand that they do not believe in the Bible and that arguments that point out verses in the Bible as evidence won't carry any weight with them.[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]
Now with issues surrounding homosexuality or abortion for example, I am full able to put my views across without mentioning God. But when it comes to issues like Hell - which is a religious concept, you cannot answer it without talking about what the Bible says. I can't just say I believe in Sin, because I do. I believe in it because of the Bible.

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Yeah, I see what you mean there. Depends on what you are discussing I guess. All I can tell you is my point of view, which is close to other Atheists[/FONT][FONT=&quot]. I [/FONT][FONT=&quot]Hope it helps you understand our position a little better.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]

Perhaps to an atheist the Bible isn't good enough reason. But you have to understand that to Christians it contains an awful lot, and if you believe in God then the Bible is a very important part of that and is 'proof' to us.
[/FONT][FONT=&quot]
I understand and that's really what makes these debates very difficult. [/FONT][FONT=&quot]But what is understood as proof for you may not be proof to me. It usually depends on the person's type of standards and level of standards. I think it depends on the way you approach the debate.[/FONT][FONT=&quot]


[/FONT][FONT=&quot]The atheist view on many things, doesn't sit with Christian's either. So I guess unless you use scientific evidence to prove why God doesn't exist, what you are saying may also have no meaning.

[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Well, scientifically we cannot disprove the existence of God and I know that some atheists try. I however do not think it is possible to disprove God with science, since science deals with the natural and God is supernatural by definition. My view is that there are many naturalistic explanations for the universe, its contents and events and so far God is not required for any of them. Until we know for certain about how a phenomenon formed or works; "I don't know" is an acceptable answer. Again, that is only my view on things.

Atheism is a difficult group to categorize, as it has no Dogma. The only common quality that we share is the lack of belief in a god or gods. After that it's all up to your own personal beliefs and interpretation. Where as atheists have your dogma to address with their arguments, Christians almost have to address each persons viewpoint individually to some degree. The first thing I would do is find out exactly what the person believes, then discuss those beliefs.[/FONT][FONT=&quot][/FONT]

 

[Peripatetic]

Thanks to everyone who is helping to make this thread a good, balanced discussion about how to have a dialog! It's not everyday that Christians and Atheists can get together and share their observations and suggestions in a productive and mutually respectful way. I think we can all agree that most theological arguments that go south are usually ruined by anger, frustration, and negative emotions on either side of the discussion. Christian Advice is not a debate forum, yet so many of these threads end up there. Let's keep this one from going down the same path.

 

[Moraiah]

Thanks to everyone who is helping to make this thread a good, balanced discussion about how to have a dialog! It's not everyday that Christians and Atheists can get together and share their observations and suggestions in a productive and mutually respectful way. I think we can all agree that most theological arguments that go south are usually ruined by anger, frustration, and negative emotions on either side of the discussion. Christian Advice is not a debate forum, yet so many of these threads end up there. Let's keep this one from going down the same path.

*nods* It's definitely refreshing but as a newbie and just out of curiosity (I'm still getting use to the setup) why are there atheists posting in this area? I thought it was designated as a Christian only area or are certain exceptions made, lol or maybe I got turned around an am not in the section I thought I was in

 

[Peripatetic]

Here is the statement of purpose:

Christian Advice is a non-debate area where one may come to ask for Christian advice to a struggle they are encountering. Christian Advice is a Christian-Only area, but non-Christians may ask questions seeking for advice of a Christian nature. Christian advice is defined as advice which contains basic Christian principles and does not conflict with the site's Statement of Faith.

That's not exactly what happened in this case, but the OP asked about how to talk about Christianity with Atheists, so their on-topic perspective was helpful. But debating would not be allowed.

I have an agnostic friend who starts more discussions of theology with me than most Christians I know. He is a non-believer, but is very inquisitive and likes to talk about our different philosophical ideas.

 

[Moraiah]

Here is the statement of purpose:



That's not exactly what happened in this case, but the OP asked about how to talk about Christianity with Atheists, so their on-topic perspective was helpful. But debating would not be allowed.

I have an agnostic friend who starts more discussions of theology with me than most Christians I know. He is a non-believer, but is very inquisitive and likes to talk about our different philosophical ideas.

Okay gotcha. It's actually good to know that CF is lenient enough to recognize things like that as being good and beneficial and allowing it even though it's not exactly in line with the original stated purpose/rules.

Not every site out there is like that

 

[.Iona.]

I agree, it's nice to have a part of a Christian site where a conversation with atheists has turned out so pleasant and helpful, so thank you

I think both Christians and atheists on this thread have shown respect and given honest answers, which gives me a new light on these types of discussions. I know if I had posted this in other places, I would have been mocked and made to feel like Christians were the bad guys and atheists were the ones getting the hard time from Christians, but it works both ways.

I have learnt that there are fundamental atheists too.

So, thanks for all your responses

 

[paul'sfaith]

There's no need to get angry and there's no need to listen to them, either.
You keep praying for them, but don't let them make you down.