Whenever I debate atheists over the existence of God I think I do a pretty decent job, especially when we get on the subject of the creation of the Universe which I have read extensively about. However, I have to admit that I struggle when I debate people on why Christianity is better than the other major world religions. Some of that may be because I don't know enough about them. I have a few points to make but I always walk away from the debate feeling like I didn't make a good enough case. Please help me by telling me what you do in that situation. Also, if you know of any books that could help I would appreciate recommendations. I work with very well educated folks and desperately want to improve my skills in relaying to them why Christianity is better than the others. I would like to gather lots of good talking points to make the case. Even if you only take time to post your favorite single best reason I would appreciate it. Not only would it help me but it May help other readers on this thread in leading people to Christ. Thanks!
I think we might err when we try to sell Christianity as 'better than other religions." It isn't the best way to make friends and influence people.
But we can thoughtfully and without being smug, self-righteous, 'superior' et al honestly relate the following:
1. Christianity is not a religion at all though many have made a religion of it and identify it as a religion. Christianity is a relationship with the living Christ who came to Earth in human form to assure us of our salvation and eternal life. All who have that relationship are Christian and most of us believe it is offered to all.
2. Despite fear and resentment of Christianity and determined efforts to stamp it out first by both the Romans and the Pharisaic Jews and then others, no religion has had such a profound effect as has Christianity with the Bible remaining as the best selling book in the world and few places remaining in which the people are unaware of any Christian teaching/belief.
3. Despite the efforts of corrupt monarchs and popes and others in positions of power who have used Christianity for less than noble and even evil purposes, there has been no greater force for good in the world than Christianity:
--It has been the catalyst for learning, for education, for the arts, for scientific discovery.
--It has produced the least corrupt and most peaceful nations on Earth and furthered human rights. Before Christianity, almost all societies were organized, intelligent, but savage. Over the next 2000 years, Christianity has changed all that establishing more democratic governments and recognizing human rights in most/much of the world where it has been able to gain a strong foothold.
--It has provided services for the poor and needy and desperate all over the world in homeless shelters, food kitchens, ministry to orphans and lepers and others who have been helpless to help themselves, relief efforts in the wake of natural disasters, and havens in time war and violence, prison ministries and much more, and it does this regardless of the religion or lack thereof of the people who are served. Apart from any notion of earning any kind of reward, it prompts people to have concern and compassion for those they do not know, have never seen, will likely never meet, and who won't even know who is helping them. And it prompts many to risk much in providing hands on up close and personal ministry in many different ways. Many religions do wonderful charity, but none are as universally motivated purely by compassion in the same way as we see among Christians.
