Why Do Atheists Engage in Discussions with Christians?

[HarleyER]

As Christians, we are commissioned by Christ to spread the tenets of our faith. This is a central part of our mission. However, I'm curious about the motivations of atheists who actively engage in discussions with believers. Are they driven by a similar sense of purpose, perhaps inspired by some philosophical stance or secular mission?

I struggle to understand atheism as a real and sincere stance. Why would someone choose to identify as an atheist instead of agnostic, which seems less definitive and more open to change? Could it be that atheism is sometimes a front for those who are actually uncertain about the existence of God?

This brings me to another point: the nature of belief and disbelief. The Bible recounts how God hardened Pharaoh's heart in Egypt, preventing him from freeing the Israelites and leading to the plagues. Could a similar phenomenon be at play with atheism—a kind of spiritual blockage?

My intention is not to attack but to understand. I wonder how to engage atheists in a way that encourages them to share their perspectives without feeling defensive. How can we have a respectful conversation about their beliefs and the reasons behind them, especially when their views seem dismissive or even antagonistic towards Christianity?

People today want to "connect" and "understand" non-believers perspectives. According to Scripture, their perspective is simply that they want to justify and excuse their sinful behavior (Romans 1-2). This isn't a criticism but simply a matter-of-fact statement.

I don't think we need to be rude or "in-your-face" with the gospel message, but we need to be direct. Peter had no problem in telling the Jews that they had killed the Messiah, the Son of God, and if they didn't want to face eternal judgement they needed to repent of their sins and turn to God (Acts 2-3). Trouble is that when we are direct, in today's society, we are seen as bigoted, intollerant, or something worst. The early Christians rejoiced when called such things. Today, we (myself included) don't like the thought of being "unliked" by others. So normally we don't say anything or tell unbelievers, "I'm OK and you're OK." What's worst, is that when we do try to explain the gospel to unbelievers, there are ten milk toast "Christians" who will argue agains you, confusing unbelievers.

 

[Diamond72]

I'm curious about the motivations of atheists who actively engage in discussions with believers.

An atheist is someone who does not believe in a theist, which is someone who believes in the existence of a god or gods. So you have to have theists in order for them to be atheists.

 

[Brihaha]

I'm just spitballing here but it stands to reason some atheists may be God's lost sheep. And our discussions with them may help inspire them to acknowledge Jesus and the Holy Spirit in their hearts. I realize in I Corinthians we are taught not to associate with the wicked and such. But it also says we can't help but interact with them occasionally, as we occupy this same world. And God uses us all to accomplish His will. We can learn from some atheists, as they are not all evil or wicked souls. While at the same time perhaps inspiring an atheist to consider the possibility God is real and leading some to eventually believe Jesus is their savior too.

We don't need to cite scripture to persuade people. We set an example of Christian behavior to illustrate how faith has led us to compassion, happiness and serenity. Even Christians are repelled by other Christians citing scripture to keep each other in line with God's word. People accept God's judgment, because that's the way it's meant to be. But we resist judgment from other humans, and often rightfully so. We are not worthy to judge the sins of pagans. We should be willing to first judge our own sins and repent. Because the sins of others are no worse than our own really. If you break one law you've broken the law period, regardless.

It's comical (yet sad) to watch Christians act self-righteous in judging atheists, especially when those atheists often obey the word of God better than they do. I'm curious and wonder if more atheists with whom we converse end up believing in God, or if more Christians end up condemning themselves during the conversations?

 

[oikonomia]

People today want to "connect" and "understand" non-believers perspectives. According to Scripture, their perspective is simply that they want to justify and excuse their sinful behavior (Romans 1-2). This isn't a criticism but simply a matter-of-fact statement.

I don't think we need to be rude or "in-your-face" with the gospel message, but we need to be direct. Peter had no problem in telling the Jews that they had killed the Messiah, the Son of God, and if they didn't want to face eternal judgement they needed to repent of their sins and turn to God (Acts 2-3). Trouble is that when we are direct, in today's society, we are seen as bigoted, intollerant, or something worst. The early Christians rejoiced when called such things. Today, we (myself included) don't like the thought of being "unliked" by others. So normally we don't say anything or tell unbelievers, "I'm OK and you're OK." What's worst, is that when we do try to explain the gospel to unbelievers, there are ten milk toast "Christians" who will argue agains you, confusing unbelievers.

I think this had some very good perception of our problems as witnesses to Christ today.
I considered it in light of my difficulties with close family members.

 

[epostle]

Many atheists are angry at God for not existing.

 

[timewerx]

I understand the perspective of Atheists.

Having a good grasp of the Bible is one thing. Trying to live by it is another. And by lifestyle, there's really nothing special about Christians.

If Christians are no different from non-believers then it just shows God doesn't exist. Because if God really exists, then Christians would live as if God do exist.

If you know there's a shark in the water, you won't jump in it. But if you jump in it anyway, then your action proves you don't believe there's a shark in the water.

If you can't tell Christians apart from non-believers outside a church setting then those Christians are actually non-believers. They are deluded to think they believe in God but the truth is they also don't believe there is a God.

This is why God will punish hypocrisy most severely because the way they lived their lives, have led many people away from God. That includes people who became Atheists. It is the fault of hypocrites.

 

[oikonomia]

I understand the perspective of Atheists.

Having a good grasp of the Bible is one thing. Trying to live by it is another. And by lifestyle, there's really nothing special about Christians.

This I have to take on a case by case basis. If no further matured Christians existed I could never have been helped to advance. There are some whose normality is atypical and special.

If Christians are no different from non-believers then it just shows God doesn't exist. Because if God really exists, then Christians would live as if God do exist.

This isn't a reliable wager. For an atheist just may not have met a Christian yet that commands his respect. Furthermore the atheist has all the incentive to be in denial. Further God is faithful. In my skeptical period I cannot deny God did cause me to cross paths with Christians who manifested godly living if not every Christian.

At the last judgment if this excuse is raised by the former atheist I fear that God will say something like "Yes, but I did bring you into contact with this particular believer. And how did you react? You remained in denial."

Then the God who knows all may reveal to the atheist how many other things he ran after with less confirming evidence.

While God who knows all the history and all the facts records our entire lives, He may show the atheist how many times
he was taken advantage of, lied to, deceived, cheated by lesser noble people. And he readily took the bait.

God could readily show him how his parents, spouse, or other trusted one actually lied to him.

Going further God may expose in his history how many times he deceived others with his own hypocrisy.
The best choice is to receive the Good News of the Savior and be washed in the redeeming blood of every sin.

There is no wisdom nor understanding / Nor counsel that can avail against Jehovah. (Prov. 21:30 RcV)

This is why God will punish hypocrisy most severely because the way they lived their lives, have led many people away from God. That includes people who became Atheists. It is the fault of hypocrites.

There is something to consider that God starts judgment with those who are suppose to know better.

For it is time for the judgment to begin from the house of God; and if first from us, what will be the end of those who disobey the gospel of God? (1 Pet. 4:17 RcV)

 

[oikonomia]

Many atheists are angry at God for not existing.

It is important sometimes to listen to them for awhile to discover if you can
why they take thier positition. But it is not easy.

I have a theory that some people know within themselves by their conscience
that they are not right. By extension they may think a perfect person cannot exist.
So they cannot imagine a big Person as God could exist.

There is a time to preach. And there is a time to simply confess. That is to convey what has
happened to us. This is to give a good confession.

 

[Hawkins]

It's a human nature to prepare for a foreseeable future. That's why one needs a pension plan for his own future. If he doesn't know his own responsibility, the government may force him to contribute to his own pension. That said. Atheism is the faith that life doesn't continue after death such that no more preparation is required. Theism is the faith that such a future beyond death exists that pre-preparation is required. Agnosticism is the faith that such a future may or may not exist that more "evidence" is required to determine what this future might be.

To a certain extent, both atheism and agnosticism are those being fooled the devil with the term "evidence". To humans evidence is a delusion and the biggest stumbling block for their faith. They fallacious and mistakenly believe that humans should rely on evidence to get to a truth. That's what the devil would like them to fall for. In this very reality in contrary, humans (in majority) never rely on evidence to get to truth. Evidence only belongs to the eyewitnesses, the mass majority actually rely on faith in testimony to get to truth of any kind, including science. That's why 99.99% humans don't actually have the evidence of the existence of black holes. The existence of black holes is witnessed by the small group of humans known as the scientists and for other non-scientists to believe with faith.

Similarly in reality, we don't have the evidence on whether Trump or Biden (or any US president in history) actually won the majority votes. We rely on what the media told us and to put faith on what is said on who won the election. Humans are with limited capability, they don't have the capability to get to the evidence such as the votes each president actually got. Satan is to exploit the incapability of humans and to establish the delusion and lie that "you need evidence to tell a truth". Atheists and agnostics are those fooled by Satan with the fallacious token of reasoning that "you need evidence to get to a truth" which is an ideal lying outside the very capability of humans.

Satan is specialized in spotting human weaknesses and forming this kind of delusions for humans to fall for.

2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

When using the Jewish style of writing in terms of God's absolute sovereignty;

2 Thessalonians 2:9-12
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

 

[HarleyER]

I think this had some very good perception of our problems as witnesses to Christ today.
I considered it in light of my difficulties with close family members.

Witnessing to family members is one of the most difficult things to do. They see all our warts and failings, not realizing that we are all in need of forgiveness from our sins. Even our Lord Jesus found that member of His family really didn't want to hear what He was saying until after He was resurrected.

 

[oikonomia]

Witnessing to family members is one of the most difficult things to do. They see all our warts and failings, not realizing that we are all in need of forgiveness from our sins. Even our Lord Jesus found that member of His family really didn't want to hear what He was saying until after He was resurrected.

Yes. How the Lord uses it to keep one humbled and needing to trust the Lord.
Joseph's long ordeal of family life comes to mind as well.

 

[RileyG]

I think some atheists take an interest in World Religions from an academic perspective, and some can appreciate The Bible and other scriptures as literature.

Many atheists live in the western world so there is an abundance of people who self identify as Christian.

Maybe it’s curiosity and wanting to learn more.

 

[oikonomia]

I think some atheists take an interest in World Religions from an academic perspective, and some can appreciate The Bible and other scriptures as literature.

Many atheists live in the western world so there is an abundance of people who self identify as Christian.

Maybe it’s curiosity and wanting to learn more.

I think gospel spirit may be the unshakable realization that "God had this mercy on me. He HAS to have it on others. He simply HAS to."

The thought that "I can't be the only one to have this undeserved, unearned mercy" keeps us praying and trusting God for
the hardest cases.

There is a time to simply confess what your experience has been with Jesus.
It is hard for anyone to argue with what is your experience. This is the good confession. This your sincere testimony of what happened to you to any kind of unbelieving person.

I remember when I was in darkness some man telling me the he was an atheist first. And then he became a Christian.
I was a teenager. And I thought it was only always the other way around. I thought "No it is always that you go from religious TO unbelief."
That little testimony stuck with me I think. It was possible to go in the other direction from unbelief to belief.

 

[RileyG]

I think gospel spirit may be the unshakable realization that "God had this mercy on me. He HAS to have it on others. He simply HAS to."

The thought that "I can't be the only one to have this undeserved, unearned mercy" keeps us praying and trusting God for
the hardest cases.

There is a time to simply confess what your experience has been with Jesus.
It is hard for anyone to argue with what is your experience. This is the good confession. This your sincere testimony of what happened to you to any kind of unbelieving person.

I remember when I was in darkness some man telling me the he was an atheist first. And then he became a Christian.
I was a teenager. And I thought it was only always the other way around. I thought "No it is always that you go from religious TO unbelief."
That little testimony stuck with me I think. It was possible to go in the other direction from unbelief to belief.

I can witness about the goodness of the Lord all I want. If someone’s heart is truly hardened by sin, only God, not me, can lift that burden.

I’ve had an atheist friend who died ten days ago. I’ve been thinking about her constantly. I wonder what she is experiencing now. I can only hope and pray she called out to God and repented in her final hour.

 

[Tropical Wilds]

I think everybody is over thinking it. It’s not “why would they engage in discussions with us?” but “why wouldn’t they?” They have no reason not to.

 

[epostle]

​

In this updated, expanded edition, starting with Freud's "projection theory" of religion - that belief in God is merely a product of man's desire for security - Professor Vitz argues that psychoanalysis actually provides a more satisfying explanation for atheism. Disappointment in one's earthly father, whether through death, absence, or mistreatment, frequently leads to a rejection of God.

A biographical survey of influential atheists of the past four centuries shows that this "defective father hypothesis" provides a consistent explanation of the "intense atheism" of these thinkers. A survey of the leading defenders of Christianity over the same period confirms the hypothesis, finding few defective fathers. Vitz concludes with an intriguing comparison of male and female atheists and a consideration of other psychological factors that can contribute to atheism.

Professor Vitz does not argue that atheism is psychologically determined. Each man, whatever his experiences, ultimately chooses to accept God or reject him. Yet the cavalier attribution of religious faith to irrational, psychological needs is so prevalent that an exposition of the psychological factors predisposing one to atheism is necessary.
+++
OK, I confess. The above is a paste job from Amazon. I ordered a Kindle copy. I need people to think I'm smart.
Well, I struggled through the first chapter, got fed up, and went to the last chapter. Then I went to the first page with all that edit-ness and copywrite gobblygook, and saw the book is post-graduate Ph.D. level. Way too heavy for my near-senile brain. I did take PSYCH101 at Macmaster University, but that was 50 years ago. If you are in university or college, the book is probably in the library.

If you want to reach out to an atheist without first understanding them, you are wasting your time.

 

[oikonomia]

Does anyone know a decent discussion board they have attended where Christians and unbelievers can
have civil discourse?

 

[Merrill]

Atheists are all about analyzing and dissecting the claims of the religious, but seldom analyze and dissect their own ideas (same can be said for post-modernists). Not all of them are combative or egotistical, but the militant ones are the loudest.

Dawkins claim “I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world.” Is a good example of the silly ideas that some atheists have. History has shown us that some of the greatest philosophers and scientists were religious people (both from the Islamic world and Christian). A French priest is credited with formalizing the Big Bang Theory.

Christians, as a group, have never been "satisfied with the world" either in terms of their curiosity or the state of that world

Atheists like Dawkins and Harris rarely get seriously challenged on their claims and positions. They then start believing their own headlines, the ego grows, and the claims become flimsier.

Let's look at a good example.

Sam Harris asserts that there is no "free will", and that the universe is largely determinist. Nothing is in the mind that did not come from physical reality, every response of every organism can be predicted if we understand all the underlying stimuli and influences.

so let's look at that a little closer by making some related claims, and ask questions:

1. I cannot conceptualize or imagine anything that does not exist in reality, because everything in my mind came from a real, and determinate universe, and every thought I have, has a clear and identifiable stimulus and influence.

So ...then how do I imagine a God? You see the problem here: if there is no God in this universe, there is no way for me to imagine one under Sam's system--that would be impossible, as the "idea" of a God is "outside all possible realities"

2. If free-will does not exist, and everything I think and believe is contingent upon the material exigencies of this world

so how does a person deny the existence of something that is manifestly in front of them, or which has clearly happened, and is impacting them? Remember the funny scene from the movie "Oh God" where God is in the court-room, and performs miracles in front of everyone --and yet a couple people simply refuse to believe what is clearly happening before them?

Now Sam or Richard may say something like "it is possible to have delusions and hallucinations! And that is a biological problem"

which is nonsense, because it suggests that billions of religious people are literally, biologically insane

so we can conclude that human beings do have a will and imagination, and the universe is not determinist

Atheists are angry about uncertainty, and they don't like the "idea of God". Many are sympathetic to authoritarianism (Marxism, etc.) because they want to be "told" what is real, and how to behave. Some want a kind of Christian morality, but without Jesus, and they will deny that they operate under a Judeo-Christian ethical system, even though they clearly do.

Believe me, very few Atheists would want to live under an absolute monarch who didn't think people had inherent rights, value, or that things like equality under the law, racial harmony, were worthless and pointless.

In closing, I would say that Atheists are not looking for philosophical discussions about God --they are looking to attack the Christian faith for ideological and political reasons, and many are simply intellectually lazy. Not all, but many

 

[Fervent]

I think atheists all have their own personal and individual motives for engaging with believers, rather than there being a single collective reason or group of reasons. After all, simply being united in skepticism towards the existence of God does not mean they share other philosophical commitments.

 

[kingrandrei]

IMO, atheist love to argue about everything. I know a lot of them and they always try to bait me into theology. Especially on the subject of whether god is real or not. Irony is sometimes the same people will worship demons, practice witchcraft, shamanism, paganism, voodoo, sanitaria (saint worship), contact spiritual entities or imaginary for good fortune, and literally admit that there is higher power but will always deny the name of GOD and/or Jesus.