Atheist Friend

[Eduardo06sp]

I have an atheist friend, and he came up with some beliefs that I couldn’t take away from him. Maybe if I talk to him of the Truth, he will change his old ways…

He believes that there is no evil nor good, only beneficial and problematic. He says that it depends on each person, so something is always “neither” beneficial nor problematic; it depends on which side you’re looking at.

He also said to me that he “believes in science”.

Please help me, I want to give him the Truth. It would be amazing if one day he converted to a Catholic…

 

[mommy_k]

I would approach this friend with this in mind-

Philosphy is not an empirical science so there is the indicator that he has the potential to change his views if he studies theology and religion with the same fervor. I bet he did not.

There are many saints that were considered great philosophers and I would ask him what he thinks about them too.

Good Luck!

 

[JohnMPhilomena]

You are likely never going to convince your friend that there is a God.

I would avoid the deep conversations and just do small things.

When he says, “I believe in science”, you can just say ,“Me too! And I believe our Creator invented science!”.

But remember, start with Love in all relationships. After all your example will speak loudest. And you have a better chance of convincing someone of something if they like you. So whether your friends are atheists, homosexuals, drug addicts or whatever, just be kind and speak the truth without being judgmental and condemning. And set a good example.

 

[JRKH]

I have an atheist friend, and he came up with some beliefs that I couldn’t take away from him. Maybe if I talk to him of the Truth, he will change his old ways…

He believes that there is no evil nor good, only beneficial and problematic. He says that it depends on each person, so something is always “neither” beneficial nor problematic; it depends on which side you’re looking at.

He also said to me that he “believes in science”.

Please help me, I want to give him the Truth. It would be amazing if one day he converted to a Catholic…

First - in order to share the Truth of the faith - you must be both sure and confident in it yourself. Then, as you move forward, recognize that patience and a willingness to admit you don’t have all the answers are crucial…

There is a very real need in these kinds of conversations to be willing to:
a) Meet them where they are - and
b) Know that you will only be able to plant some seeds that might later sprout.

He believes in Science? So do we…That gives you a certain common ground to work with. Science and faith are very different things and the one does not work against the other.

As to the matter of good and evil - I would suggest that you start from the position of Love - Agape - Brotherly love, love that seeks the good of another over one’s self etc.
All else is then measured against this Love.
Jesus Himself summarized all of the Law and Prophets in just two commandments…Both based in and on Agape. (Mt 22:36-40) He then gave us a "new commandment (John 13:34-35) - that we Agape one another.
St Paul places Agape as more important than either faith or hope (though the other two are definitely needed). (1 Cor 13:1-13)
St John tells us that God IS Agape (1 John 4:7-8)

Now having suggested these starting points…let’s talk about meeting him where he is.
If you fist establish that he sees an agape love as a good thing, then other things can be measured in relation to it.
Be willing to recognize and acknowledge that in these things there CAN BE gray areas. Jesus himself spoke against being too dogmatic in following rules - and He Himself would bend or break the “letter of the law” where agape clearly indicated a greater good.

Doing the above will give you common grounds and starting points for discussion and can lead to much fruit for both of you…

Hope this helps.

Peace
James

 

[Eduardo06sp]

Thank you everyone. I like the idea of introducing him to the meaning of agape, and setting an example with my life.

When I told him everything has a creator, he actually told me “we don’t if it’s a he or a thing”.
He was talking about the big bang theory and how particles of dust and gravity came together to form rocks in space, I can’t remember exactly what he said. Then I told him that the dust and gravity must have been made from someone; God. Then he gave me the answer “we don’t know if it’s someone or something”.