Share faith with athiests?

[EmmaFrans]

Online, I've been trying to spread the Word of God and atheists are not being so kind. They have commented many rude comments that are completely unnecessary. I want to try to help them but how? Should I leave them alone or send them messages about Christ?

 

[Percepi]

Sometimes, people are just jerks to those they disagree with. This happens all the time when it comes to religion and politics. It usually stems down to one person not taking the other seriously, therefore they act like jerks.

But, there are times when atheists aren't being rude, but the people they respond to become offended anyway.

Could you give us some examples of conversations you have had? It would be nice to have some examples of conversations in which atheists have reacted in a negative way, as well as a few conversations you felt they responded in a respectful way.

Almost every time someone tries to convert atheists to Christianity, they quote the Bible. This misses the entire reason why atheists tend not to believe in God in the first place. That's not to say quoting scripture doesn't work, it just depends on the type of atheists you're talking to. If you're talking to atheists as those like myself, who are very skeptical and ask for hard evidence, quoting the Bible comes off as no more reliable than quoting Harry Potter as fact. There are many atheists who aren't very skeptical who believe there's "something" or "someone" beyond our reality. These are the people who tend to be grabbed by scripture.

If you sincerely believe non-Christians are going to burn in hell, it would be cold hearted not to try and spread the word of God. Chances are, however, most of the atheists you speak to already heard the arguments in support of God's existence.

 

[Xioneks]

On the Internet, there is one very important rule of how the Internet generally works; "Haters will hate."

But, if u really want to change their perspective on Christianity, which I highly recommend and support, you must first learn the Bible thoroughly. Then, learn to think like atheists, aka being infinitely skeptical, and lastly learn theological philosophy.

There are many ways out there that you can check out BTW. Anyways this is just my opinion. And BTW Proverbs may be helpful.

May the Lord God Almighty grant you wisdom and understanding as you walk with Him. God bless you.

 

[wgeurts]

And remember not all Atheists are jerks just some, dont let a few bad eggs spoil your view of them.

 

[ToLiveIsToChrist]

Just remember that it's not you that saves them, only God can save them and that you can't argue any one to Jesus. My best friend is atheist and it is so hard but the best way to show Jesus is to reflect him in your everyday life so people notice something different about you. When I was training for mission work they tell us to ask questions because people don't like being told what they should believe. Create a relationship first

 

[Agricola]

Online, I've been trying to spread the Word of God and atheists are not being so kind. They have commented many rude comments that are completely unnecessary. I want to try to help them but how? Should I leave them alone or send them messages about Christ?

You have to learn most people are beyond help, they do not want it. It is best to just learn to ignore the hate and walk away. Learn who genuinally wants to know more. Learn to recognise the entrapment questions. Also remember that many athiests will be trying to cure you of delusional thinking.

Just sow the seed and move on. Invite any people who are interested to sign up on this forum and ask questions on here.

 

[DeanMarZ]

We just need to pray to God to open their eyes.

 

[Callmebadger]

My friend is convinced we're entering into a new era of Christian persecution. I can see why she would think that, just as it doesn't surprise me one bit that they responded so hostile to your proselytizing. It's very frightening to think among all this fancy technology and innovation of the ignorance Godless dogs can conceive. And nothing makes me more agitated when I'm casually scrolling through a website and I see these self-righteous (Percepi called it right) jerks use the name of God as a bad punchline to a joke, as if to somehow reinforce how unimaginably "intelligent" they are.

 

[cybertech]

I'm sorry atheist are being rude. I can say as an atheist, I enjoy talking and debating with Christians, but sometimes they get angry at me just because I say that I don't think what they say is true. I understand why that can be offensive, but it isn't me being rude, just saying what I believe. That's what makes me an atheist after all. And some atheists get very frustrated when they have multiple Christians making the same arguments hey have heard before. For example, I hear a lot that I just have to open my heart and god will show himself to me. This is not actually a reason to believe in god, and it undermines the 18 years I did believe in god and had my heart very open to him. It isn't as if atheists close their hearts, they just don't believe in your god the way you don't believe in other gods or "open your hearts to Zeus". So sometimes the rudeness and condescending tone is a knee jerk reaction. Not that that is an excuse to be rude, but maybe it will help you understand why they act that way. Try researching the Socratic method of persuasion. It often seems less aggressive and personal and you get less aggressive responses in return.

 

[1still_waters]

You probably shouldn't witness to atheists if you can't handle the sight of your own blood. Be prepared.

Warning…if you believe Jesus guarantees you your best life now…don't read the verses below.

John 15
18 “If the world hates you, [e]you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, butI chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.

Romans 8
36 Just as it is written,
“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

[maxwel]

I'm sorry atheist are being rude. I can say as an atheist, I enjoy talking and debating with Christians, but sometimes they get angry at me just because I say that I don't think what they say is true. I understand why that can be offensive, but it isn't me being rude, just saying what I believe. That's what makes me an atheist after all. And some atheists get very frustrated when they have multiple Christians making the same arguments hey have heard before. For example, I hear a lot that I just have to open my heart and god will show himself to me. This is not actually a reason to believe in god, and it undermines the 18 years I did believe in god and had my heart very open to him. It isn't as if atheists close their hearts, they just don't believe in your god the way you don't believe in other gods or "open your hearts to Zeus". So sometimes the rudeness and condescending tone is a knee jerk reaction. Not that that is an excuse to be rude, but maybe it will help you understand why they act that way. Try researching the Socratic method of persuasion. It often seems less aggressive and personal and you get less aggressive responses in return.

If a Christian wants to understand why atheists are rude, or why they do the things they do, they aren't going to get the answer from an atheist.

Atheists have a spiritual problem, and a Christian isn't going to get any analysis of a spiritual problem from an atheist.

I still don't know why atheists keep coming on this forum to argue about a God they don't even think exists.
Seems odd to me.
If he doesn't exist... why are you so threatened by Him that you need to debate all the time?
I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I don't go around trying to debate against him.
People who spend all their time debating and fighting against something they think is imaginary...
I think that's indicative of some serious unresolved issues.

"There's this imaginary thing out there... and by golly I'm going to fight it!"
Yeah... that makes a lot of sense.

 

[cybertech]

If you want to understand why someone does something, I think they are the best ones to ask. If I wanted to know why a Christian does something, should I ask an atheist? If Emma wants to know why an atheist does something, should she ask you? You seem pretty biased against atheists, reacting in a pretty hostile and inflammitory manner. Just like I wouldn't ask an atheist who thinks Christians are awful and vindictive why they do something, I wouldn't ask a christian who thinks atheists are all bad why some of them are rude. I never said I came here to debate. I came here to talk to Christians of differing views because I study religion. And Emma asked about an attitude problem, not just a spiritual one. Not all atheists are rude or condescending, regardless of their lack of spirituallity.

As far as why an atheist would spend time debating about religion, there is plenty of reason. It isn't as if you decide you don't believe in God and then it never affects you again. Our families are religious, our societies are religious, our governments are religious, and many of these religous people want us to be religious too, or at least adhere to the rules they put in place because of that religion. Would you say an anti-Islam protestor spends his time debating about the religion because he secretly thinks it is true, or that he protests it because the beliefs of Muslims negatively impacts the lives of him and those around him. So it isn't the imaginary thing an atheist is up against. It is those who impose rules based on the belief in the imaginary thing and try to make you believe in the imaginary thing and teach children about the imaginary thing.

Again, I am not here to debate with you. If you ask what I believe, I'll tell you, but I think I have just as much right to offer an opinion as anyone here. Nothing I said to Emma was anti-Christian or inflammitory. I was apologizing on the behalf of rude atheists, and offering possible insight into why they behave that way. I even suggested a method of conversation that would be more likely to get them to accept her views. I know I am a minority here, but I didn't expect such hostility from a Christian just because I am not a Christian myself.

 

[maxwel]

Cybertech,

I'm not arguing with you.

But this is a site for Christians... people who believe in God, and believe the bible.

The BIBLICAL perspective is that it's foolish to expect, or seek, any kind of spiritual assessment of ANYTHING from a non-believer. The bible (not me) says clearly that a non-believer is a "fool"... and that a non-believer is void of even the requisite basic foundation to even BEGIN to understand any kind of wisdom.

That isn't my personal opinion... that is all stated in the bible.

That is the biblical view.

Sorry if that upsets you.

I'm sure you'd encounter views more palatable to you on an atheist website... but not here.

 

[cybertech]

Well actually, you are the only person who has expressed such a view here. Others have ensured me I am quite welcome. And surely the Bible doesn't say that you must be a believer to have any wisdom. If that that were the case, how could anyone ever become a believer if they cannot comprehend basic wisdom? How did all the desciples of Jesus ever convert gentiles if they were void of any ability to comprehend the wisdom behind Christianity, I repect your view that I am not guided by the Holy Spirit and cannot offer advice on what is right or wrong spiritually. I definitely don't have the Holy Spirit guiding me. But that doesn't keep me from having a valid viewpoint on any non-spiritual matter as well. I am not upset by your belief that I am devoid of wisdom, although maybe I should be. I hope you don't get upset that I am going to continue to post here and have conversations with Christians even if I'm not one. I do indeed participate in atheist forums as well, but I can't very well study Christianity there can I?

 

[twotwo]

Online, I've been trying to spread the Word of God and atheists are not being so kind. They have commented many rude comments that are completely unnecessary. I want to try to help them but how? Should I leave them alone or send them messages about Christ?

Living as a true disciple of Christ is the best way to evangelize the world.

 

[maxwel]

Cybertech,

I never said you were not welcome.

It is just like an atheist to come to a Christian place, speak things contrary to what we believe, and then when we speak up and disagree, the atheist immediately plays the "victim" card... and pretends we attacked him.
That is typical, and it's old.

I never said you were not welcome.

In fact, according to site policies, EVERYONE is perfectly welcome up until the point you start expressing views contrary to the core fundamentals of the Christian faith.

YOU determine whether you are welcome or not by what you do.
It has nothing to do with me.

To clarify, all I said was that the atheist perspective of spiritual things is unbiblical, and that the bible (not me) says the unbeliever is a fool.

In fact, the bible says the unbeliever is not only a "fool", but is already under God's judgement BECAUSE of the unbelief.

What the unbeliever needs is not a debate...
what the unbeliever needs is to repent.

Those are views clearly expressed, over and over, in the bible.
It is not a personal attack.
It is not my personal opinion.

If you come to a Christian site, you should expect to get a biblical view.

 

[cybertech]

Cybertech,

I never said you were not welcome.

"I still don't know why atheists keep coming on this forum to argue about a God they don't even think exists. "
But this is a site for Christians... people who believe in God, and believe the bible."

Can you see how I might think you are implying I am not welcome here.

It is just like an atheist to come to a Christian place, speak things contrary to what we believe, and then when we speak up and disagree, the atheist immediately plays the "victim" card... and pretends we attacked him.
That is typical, and it's old.

Just like an atheist? Pretending you attacked me? You said "a non-believer is void of even the requisite basic foundation to even BEGIN to understand any kind of wisdom." I realize you say this is the Bible that says this and not you, but you agree with the Bible and this is your view. And since it is directected at me as a non-believer, and since your first response was prompted by the fact that you think my opinon is not valid and I am incapable of providing insight into why an atheist does something, yea I'd say you were sort of attacking me. If the shoe was on the other foot, and I was saying that a believer cannot possibly offer any insight because their beliefs are wrong, I think you might say the same thing.

I never said you were not welcome.

In fact, according to site policies, EVERYONE is perfectly welcome up until the point you start expressing views contrary to the core fundamentals of the Christian faith.

YOU determine whether you are welcome or not by what you do.
It has nothing to do with me.

To clarify, all I said was that the atheist perspective of spiritual things is unbiblical, and that the bible (not me) says the unbeliever is a fool.

In fact, the bible says the unbeliever is not only a "fool", but is already under God's judgement BECAUSE of the unbelief.

What the unbeliever needs is not a debate...
what the unbeliever needs is to repent.

Those are views clearly expressed, over and over, in the bible.
It is not a personal attack.
It is not my personal opinion.

If you come to a Christian site, you should expect to get a biblical view.

I don't expect you to not hold biblical views, but everyone else seems to be capable of holding them without insulting fellow members of the forums. If you disagree with a claim I make, go ahead and use the Bible to tell me why. But to say that nothing I say here is valid because I am a fool and devoid of wisdom is rude and no way to treat another human being. I would expect better of anyone, especially someone belonging to a religion based on love and compassion.

 

[maxwel]

You came to a Christian site to propagate contrary views...
views that you knew in advance would be confrontational, argumentative, and upsetting.

Why on earth would I let you play the victim card here, and act like WE are the mean ones, when YOU CAME HERE LOOKING FOR A FIGHT???

The height of absurdity.

You came her, on purpose, looking for debate and controversy.
As soon as you get some, you act like a victim.

Just absurd.
I'm already tired of this conversation.
These are tired and old tactics... and we see them every day by atheist apologists.
You'll have to argue with someone else now.

 

[cybertech]

Why do you keep saying I came here to argue or fight? I never said anything contrary to your beliefs. My only post on this forum was an apology on behalf of rude atheists and a suggestion to use the Socratic method to have a better chance of CONVERTING PEOPLE TO CHRISTIANITY. Nothing negative was said here until you responded to that by calling me a fool devoid of all ability to comprehend wisdom. I never propagated contrary views, nor do I intend do. I have not once said anything against Christianity just that your insistence that my being an atheist means nothing I can say here is of any value is rude and uncalled for. You can't say something offensive like that and expect me not to be offended. Just because I'm an atheist doesn't mean I came here to argue against Christianity. You claiming that's what I'm here for is nothing but a personal attack based on a personal prejudice of your own. And I am certainly not saying Christians are mean, so I don't know where the "we" comes from. I am not playing the victim. I am calling you out on an ad hom, non sequitur attack. Just you. I don't at all think you represent a Christian majority.

 

[Simona25]

You should share faith with atheists only if they ask you to tell them and only if they are honest seekers. Otherwise, don't cast pearls before swine.