Why do Christians entertain atheists?

[ChristCameBackFromTheDead]

Where have you expressed the glory of God? Your entire thread is about the deficency of atheists. Perhaps the question should be "Atheists Why Would You Entertain Christians?"

It's an interesting question actually. I have no answer.

I have never once talked down to anyone on these forums. Nor have I came bashing atheist. My specific question was why do Christians debate atheists when they offer no enlightenment on eternal salvation.

@Hetta

When have I acted more special? We are all undeserving sinners, I am merely attempting to understand the logic of "debating" with atheists who are firmly set into their beliefs. But you are becoming resentful, for what? Am I not being biblical? Have I said I do not converse with atheists? I converse with atheists about Him or to show the love and compassion Christ has.

You are arguing against me? Why? Have I said anything that contradicts scripture?

If I am not saying anything that goes against scripture, what is the problem with fellow Christians? Are you not my brother? My sister? Should we not praise Him together?

Everyone is talking about everything but my original question, Where does your glory come from, from debating an atheist who thinks you are a fool for your beliefs? Christ sat with tax collectors, to fulfill his purpose and to glorify God and spread the good word.

I will pray for the unbelievers to see.
I will pray for my brethren to eliminate their worldy views out of the bible.

 

[lost999]

Atheists are fascinating, my dear chap.

I don't know what I admire about them more; their omniscience or their malice towards people that acknowledge God's existence.

Either way, they're awesome! Hopefully more show up on this forum, and congregate in the science forum.

 

[Davian]

Thank you agua for that post. It truly does give me a different view point on His word.

I think I came into this being judgmental based off who I was as an atheist.

I think the better question should be, what are atheists trying to receive from a debate with a Christian?

I have never believed in gods, and never had the chance to discuss religion with anyone other than the JW's that come to the door prior to joining this site. There was a standing invitation on another skeptical/science site to come here and discuss some wacky YEC stuff. I came, I lurked, I joined.

This is far less awkward than trying this with the relatives, and my older kids watch over my shoulder sometimes to see what we miss out on in this corner of the world. We just don't get to see this (evangelical/creationism/anti-science) stuff in our daily lives, at school or at work.

 

[ChristCameBackFromTheDead]

I have never believed in gods, and never had the chance to discuss religion with anyone other than the JW's that come to the door prior to joining this site. There was a standing invitation on another skeptical/science site to come here and discuss some wacky YEC stuff. I came, I lurked, I joined.

This is far less awkward than trying this with the relatives, and my older kids watch over my shoulder sometimes to see what we miss out on in this corner of the world. We just don't get to see this (evangelical/creationism/anti-science) stuff in our daily lives, at school or at work.

That's a wonderful response and it's definitely that grabs my interest, you are someone I would love to share my faith with and let you know the wonderful things He has done.

Honestly, it is becoming a rarity for Christianity to spoken of. Now understand my concept of Christianity is far different from what mainstream America has created. The "Lazy Christian", people who "accept Christ" one time and expect salvation.

I think being a Christian is one of the hardest things in life for anyone to do. It requires dedication and sacrifice, constantly pushing yourself to be closer to God so that he will shed your wordly desires. It's a day to day struggle against sin/temptation and unfortunately a lot of "Christians" do not want to grab onto that concept.

 

[Gene2memE]

Atheists are fascinating, my dear chap.

I don't know what I admire about them more; their omniscience or their malice towards people that acknowledge God's existence.

Either way, they're awesome! Hopefully more show up on this forum, and congregate in the science forum.

Want a hand setting up those strawmen?

 

[ChristCameBackFromTheDead]

By the way, I love your picture. I adore it, it's exactly the concept of American Christianity I was talking about!

 

[lost999]

Want a hand setting up those strawmen?

All I need is the head.

 

[JGG]

I have never once talked down to anyone on these forums. Nor have I came bashing atheist. My specific question was why do Christians debate atheists when they offer no enlightenment on eternal salvation.

I think you'll find they don't. Like you, they will simply pose question to remind other Christians that they hate atheists: "how are atheists different from satanists?" "How can atheists be moral without god?" "If you could pick between an atheist and a Christian why would you bother with the atheist?" Or "why talk to atheists?" There's no point to the question, and nothing to debate. The message is simple: "Atheists aren't even leigitimate [sic] human beings."

So why should we entertain your notions of superiority?

 

[Archaeopteryx]

Atheists are fascinating, my dear chap.

I don't know what I admire about them more; their omniscience or their malice towards people that acknowledge God's existence.

Either way, they're awesome! Hopefully more show up on this forum, and congregate in the science forum.

I know of no atheists who claim to be omniscient. By contrast, I have conversed with theists who appear to deny basic fallibilism when it comes to their religious beliefs.

By the way, the image in your signature is a poor reflection of Dawkins' actual position. It's not "Because I say so."

 

[TheImmortalJellyfish]

ChristCameBackFromTheDead, Why are you debating with atheists on and about your post about why Christians shouldn't debate with atheists...? A certain pot and kettle come to mind...

 

[ChristCameBackFromTheDead]

ChristCameBackFromTheDead, Why are you debating with atheists on and about your post about why Christians shouldn't debate with atheists...? A certain pot and kettle come to mind...

I think if you read through the posts, you'll find no debate on my side about the proof of divinity. It's mainly me defending myself from Christians and Atheist alike.

 

[ChristCameBackFromTheDead]

I think you'll find they don't. Like you, they will simply pose question to remind other Christians that they hate atheists: "how are atheists different from satanists?" "How can atheists be moral without god?" "If you could pick between an atheist and a Christian why would you bother with the atheist?" Or "why talk to atheists?" There's no point to the question, and nothing to debate. The message is simple: "Atheists aren't even leigitimate [sic] human beings."

So why should we entertain your notions of superiority?

What notions of superiority? I love you all the same. There is no difference what your lifestyle is. Albeit it'd be a lot nicer if you were saved

My question was why do Christians debate with atheist, possibly I should have been more specific, why do Christians debate with atheist on subjects of divinity.

I would also strongly recommend any other atheist who responds to me to cut out the pity party. I am not out to get you nor do I think lesser of you as a human being.

I cannot conjure up feelings I do not have for you, I have compassion and love, not a single drop of superiority or hatred. It's strange how atheist are looking for acceptance and Christians are the ones who are being judgmental of other Christians!

Strange times!!

 

[TheImmortalJellyfish]

I think if you read through the posts, you'll find no debate on my side about the proof of divinity. It's mainly me defending myself from Christians and Atheist alike.

Semantics...besides, you brought it up here, where atheists are welcome. Did you honestly expect silence from them?? Put yourself in their shoes...er...back in your old shoes...I guess...what would you have said on this thread...?

 

[ChristCameBackFromTheDead]

Semantics...besides, you brought it up here, where atheists are welcome. Did you honestly expect silence from them?? Put yourself in their shoes...er...back in your old shoes...I guess...what would you have said on this thread...?

Well first, I am not in forum savvy and have no idea where I should have posted this. I was expecting responses from all Christians as I took the website name at face value.

If I put myself in my old shoes I think I would have strongly brought up the question of morality and the comparisons of good deeds vs salvation.

I would of brought up a strong subject to debate on rather than nit pick at small bits to make that other person feel stupid. I most likely wouldn't have been nice in my approach but I certainly wouldn't come across as petty.

 

[TheImmortalJellyfish]

If I put myself in my old shoes I think I would have strongly brought up the question of morality and the comparisons of good deeds vs salvation.

I would of brought up a strong subject to debate on rather than nit pick at small bits to make that other person feel stupid. I most likely wouldn't have been nice in my approach but I certainly wouldn't come across as petty.

Okay, now this is getting interesting...and how would you answer those questions now as a Christian?

 

[JGG]

What notions of superiority? I love you all the same. There is no difference what your lifestyle is. Albeit it'd be a lot nicer if you were saved

My question was why do Christians debate with atheist, possibly I should have been more specific, why do Christians debate with atheist on subjects of divinity.

I would also strongly recommend any other atheist who responds to me to cut out the pity party. I am not out to get you nor do I think lesser of you as a human being.

I cannot conjure up feelings I do not have for you, I have compassion and love, not a single drop of superiority or hatred. It's strange how atheist are looking for acceptance and Christians are the ones who are being judgmental of other Christians!

Strange times!!

Yes, that's all very easy to say. Folks like you love to talk about love and compassion. Of course everything else you've said undermines that. Just remember what side of your fence you're on, and perhaps you ought to seek help.

 

[ChristCameBackFromTheDead]

Okay, now this is getting interesting...and how would you answer those questions now as a Christian?

My prior self would have argued that we need to dedicate our lives to creating equality among men, abolish the system, feed the hungry, etc. I've said this, that by doing so and understanding the real need of this planet I would not want to know the Christian God because if a humanitarian who doesn't believe but helps many goes to hell, that God is not the God for me. Basically a good deed over the idea of salvation.

My answer now is that this world is only temporary, this world is the way it is because sin made it this way, the fall of man, it is not going to change. I discovered there is a real hunger that needs to be fed, the hunger for the Body of Christ. People cannot see pass the city sky scrapers, they cannot see pass the walls of their fancy homes, they cannot see pass their television, they cannot see pass what their hand touches. The sin in the world keeps you rooted in the world, by understanding who God is, we have a chance for salvation. Glory to Him who saves anyone who believes, no matter how much we distribute our good works, it's only sweeping the dirt under the rug! Our good works are and will never be good enough, He has come to pick up the rug and clean under it and even clean the rug!

Probably getting carried away, but how exciting it is His love for us!

 

[ChristCameBackFromTheDead]

Yes, that's all very easy to say. Folks like you love to talk about love and compassion. Of course everything else you've said undermines that. Just remember what side of your fence you're on, and perhaps you ought to seek help.

I don't know what kind of folk I am but I am His servant. When I talk about fences I talk about the Kingdom of Good and the Kingdom of Evil, there is a very real fence there.

You are right, I ought to seek help every single day. I sin and I'm disgusted by it, but unfortunately I cannot just erase it from my life. I am tempted into sexual impurity, I smoke cigarettes, I drink entirely way too much coffee, sometimes I can get side tracked by video games, and I can be quick to anger.
Did I mention judgmental? Sometimes neglectful to his kids? Vain when I look into a mirror, egotistical on many subjects, and many times just grumpy when I wake up!

I am not any better than anyone who does not believe in Christ. I am wretched and disgusting and I do NOT deserve his salvation. He loves us so much where he would die for us in the most inhumane way... the pain he went through for us

I just don't know how else to convey to atheists that I do not think of myself any better!! The reason for my post was simply wondering why other Christians would debate such personal subjects with people who are obviously not going to believe! Every Christian is human, so we are tempted by intelligent reasoning that is not from Him.

 

[TheImmortalJellyfish]

I don't know what kind of folk I am but I am His servant. When I talk about fences I talk about the Kingdom of Good and the Kingdom of Evil, there is a very real fence there.

You are right, I ought to seek help every single day. I sin and I'm disgusted by it, but unfortunately I cannot just erase it from my life. I am tempted into sexual impurity, I smoke cigarettes, I drink entirely way too much coffee, sometimes I can get side tracked by video games, and I can be quick to anger.
Did I mention judgmental? Sometimes neglectful to his kids? Vain when I look into a mirror, egotistical on many subjects, and many times just grumpy when I wake up!

I am not any better than anyone who does not believe in Christ. I am wretched and disgusting and I do NOT deserve his salvation. He loves us so much where he would die for us in the most inhumane way... the pain he went through for us

I just don't know how else to convey to atheists that I do not think of myself any better!! The reason for my post was simply wondering why other Christians would debate such personal subjects with people who are obviously not going to believe! Every Christian is human, so we are tempted by intelligent reasoning that is not from Him.

Well, like I said earlier, nobody's going to convert anyone on this forum, so I'll grant you that...I just think it's the wrong attitude. And I'd venture to say that most of the individuals on here aren't trying to change anyone else's mind on what they believe...something like that needs to happen on the individual's terms, in his/her time, if it ever does. Personally, I find most atheists to be highly intelligent, and much more knowledgeable about the world around us than so many Christians. You can learn a lot from people regardless of their God/no God stance. If you allow someone else to destroy your faith, that's on you...

 

[ChristCameBackFromTheDead]

Personally, I find most atheists to be highly intelligent, and much more knowledgeable about the world around us than so many Christians.

And there lies my disagreement. I believe we should not be concerned with the world around us but the eternal world after.