Using non Biblical support to evangelize

[Ukrainia]

What do you think the best way to go answering the question: “why should I be a Christian?”

I’m especially wondering what place does logical argument outside of the Bible have in answering this question.

What I’ve been taught is to give that person a basic outline of Christianity. Start with law and tell them we are all sinners….

…but out of love God sent his Son to die for us.

This should be the basis for descussion, since many people have a misconception of what Christianity means.


I partially ask this question because I recently overheard a conversation between two people who did not believe in God. These were extremely intelligent people who clearly were well versed in philosophy. God to them was a myth made up by man long ago, a figment of a person’s imagination in order to explain the workings of the universe and to rely on when in trouble.

It seemed their point was that Christianity (and religion in genral) was in direct contrast to science, or maybe to word it better you can much more certain of science than in Christianity. They would want to see proof in God as they can see proof that Everest is the tallest mountain.

So what do you think? How should someone go about evangelizing to these people. What arguments would you use? I wanted to put this in the Lutheran forum because other denominations would give different answers. We know that true faith does not rely on argumentation but is a gift from God. God’s Word always has to be the central message.

But do you first need to use logic in order to tear down the wall of misunderstanding some people have?

Or can you use the gospel alone, and pray that God gives understanding to the person like he did for Paul?

And if you do need to use logical argumentation outside of scripture, what would those arguments be and how do you integrate them properly with the law and the gospel?


I’m just looking for some thoughts, not a comprehensive course in apologetics. Thanks (I probably shouldn’t be on here - I have exams coming up…a truly great evil )

 

[DaSeminarian]

What do you think the best way to go answering the question: “why should I be a Christian?”

I’m especially wondering what place does logical argument outside of the Bible have in answering this question.

What I’ve been taught is to give that person a basic outline of Christianity. Start with law and tell them we are all sinners….

…but out of love God sent his Son to die for us.

This should be the basis for descussion, since many people have a misconception of what Christianity means.


I partially ask this question because I recently overheard a conversation between two people who did not believe in God. These were extremely intelligent people who clearly were well versed in philosophy. God to them was a myth made up by man long ago, a figment of a person’s imagination in order to explain the workings of the universe and to rely on when in trouble.

It seemed their point was that Christianity (and religion in genral) was in direct contrast to science, or maybe to word it better you can much more certain of science than in Christianity. They would want to see proof in God as they can see proof that Everest is the tallest mountain.

So what do you think? How should someone go about evangelizing to these people. What arguments would you use? I wanted to put this in the Lutheran forum because other denominations would give different answers. We know that true faith does not rely on argumentation but is a gift from God. God’s Word always has to be the central message.

But do you first need to use logic in order to tear down the wall of misunderstanding some people have?

Or can you use the gospel alone, and pray that God gives understanding to the person like he did for Paul?

And if you do need to use logical argumentation outside of scripture, what would those arguments be and how do you integrate them properly with the law and the gospel?


I’m just looking for some thoughts, not a comprehensive course in apologetics. Thanks (I probably shouldn’t be on here - I have exams coming up…a truly great evil )

Quite frankly, from what you described of these two, I doubt you will be able to convince them with anything. They are already convinced that science is more precise than religion and that the concept of God is that of an opiate for the masses (Marx). To get into any discussion will be an exercise in pulling the hair out of your head by the roots.

 

[Ukrainia]

They sounded reasonable (as in they would accept good logic) people. They were talking badly about Christianity only in the sense that the idea was foolish. I don't believe they would harbor any resentment towards Christians themselves. I believe they would have been open to debate.

The first step would have to be to show them that Christianity is a reasonable idea. Since it's true, Christianity can't be any less inherently reasonable then atheism. How can you argue with them - not to prove Christianity - but to place it on a level playing field with athiesm so they are open to the gospel?

I did read The Foolishness of God. It explained Luther's view on apoligetics. That their was no way to prove God, but that you could use good logic to show how foolish another person's belief was. It was a great read.

But the question is how can you show an athiest how unreasonable his belief is?

I fear I'll have to read a lot of Christian philosophy to sort this out...more homework...ugggh.

 

[LutheranChick]

Remember to pray as well - for God to give you the opportunity to witness to them when their ears (actually, hearts) are open to hear.

 

[DaRev]

What is necessary when arguing with someone from a scientific standpoint is an equal understanding of their science. For example, it is awfully difficult to argue Biblical Creation with someone who is a staunch evolutionist because they will rely more on their human scientific reasoning than on faith.

If one can't approach the argument from an equal plain, then the argument goes nowhere fast. It's not an easy thing to do.

 

[Jim47]

I've never seen a single debate won over creation and frankly even the exhistance of God. The best thing we can do is to simply witness to them and pray. God's word is powerful and effective, and when used at the right time can win a soul over.