Evangelizing the "Nones"

[rfournier103]

More and more people in the United States and around the globe are turning away from God in general and Christ in particular. When asked what their religion is when filling out a form they check the box labeled “none” - hence the name “Nones”.

What can be done to evangelize them? Especially this so-called “millennial” generation? To them, the thought of God or religion isn’t given a fraction of a second’s thought. I think SOMETHING needs to be done so that the Faith is passed on, they can share in the glory of Heaven, and they eventually don’t turn against devout religious people even more than they already are.

I see alot of debate here about Catholic vs. Protestant beliefs (and vice-versa on Protestant web forums), but I honestly think that ALL Christians are ignoring the fire-breathing dragon in the corner - apathy. How do we engage those who just don’t care?

I think the “NONES” and how to deal with them is the greatest issue facing Christians of all stripes today.

Any thoughts?

 

[MaryT777]

It’s difficult at best and I think this is an excellent question. My sister is an atheist after a dreadful childhood together which I feel is part of the problem. It’s hard for her to get beyond it as she wonders why God “allows” children to be subject to any kind of abuse.

She has the typical objections of why God allows bad things to happen etc.

I have tried about everything but nothing has really worked sadly.

Always open to new suggestions or thoughts and now I say

Come holy spirit, fill our hearts and kindle in us the fire of your love and faith.

Mary.

 

[KnowtheSilence]

What can be done to evangelize them? Especially this so-called “millennial” generation? To them, the thought of God or religion isn’t given a fraction of a second’s thought.

Tip #1: don’t go into a conversation with this assumption. A lot of us have actually given this a lot of thought, and it doesn’t make a would-be evangelist look very good in our eyes if they condescend to us by acting like we’re either ignorant or apathetic. A good example of this is a friend of mine who majored in Biblical studies. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard people tell him that he “just needs to read the Bible” when they learn he’s an atheist.

 

[Karen107]

Tip #1: don’t go into a conversation with this assumption. A lot of us have actually given this a lot of thought, and it doesn’t make a would-be evangelist look very good in our eyes if they condescend to us by acting like we’re either ignorant or apathetic. A good example of this is a friend of mine who majored in Biblical studies. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve heard people tell him that he “just needs to read the Bible” when they learn he’s an atheist.

Respectfully, I don’t believe the poster mentioned the bible. However since you brought it up I wonder if that bible study was a Catholic one?

I personally would ask the person to start having conversations with God asking questions including ‘for belief’ before I would tell them to read the bible. The bible is meant for those who already have some degree of faith. 1 Corinthians 1:18

I have found that some people would never even consider asking God for help even if they were in dire need. I would say that’s pride standing in the way which is one of the most common obstacles of faith. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink!

 

[KnowtheSilence]

Respectfully, I don’t believe the poster mentioned the bible. However since you brought it up I wonder if that bible study was a Catholic one?

I personally would ask the person to start having conversations with God asking questions including ‘for belief’ before I would tell them to read the bible. The bible is meant for those who already have some degree of faith. 1 Corinthians 1:18

I have found that some people would never even consider asking God for help even if they were in dire need. I would say that’s pride standing in the way which is one of the most common obstacles of faith. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink!

The point is that this (all too common) assumption that the ‘nones’ simply haven’t put any thought into religious matters is not always the case. Making assumptions like that will not help you if you are trying to evangelize one of us.

For instance, you say you would ask my friend to “start having conversations with God.” Instead, ask if they have tried that.

 

[Crusaderbear]

Why blame the milennials? It’s their PARENTS who should have instilled the value of religion in them and CHOSE not to. Yes, I am of the parent generation, but have noq children (my loss)’ but I admit it’s my loss…

Push for their parents to show them it’s not too late to return to God!

You don’t tell them what is right, you SHOW them.

 

[Karen107]

The point is that this (all too common) assumption that the ‘nones’ simply haven’t put any thought into religious matters is not always the case. Making assumptions like that will not help you if you are trying to evangelize one of us.

For instance, you say you would ask my friend to “start having conversations with God.” Instead, ask if they have tried that.

Oh I agree with you that the ‘nones’ put thought into religious matters, but if you would be honest many times it’s to seek for flaws in our beliefs because of preconceived notions. I know it is a common place thing in places like colleges to try and discredit the faithful and their beliefs. That is really the point. The shoe on the other foot, how about the ‘nones’ accepting that we have belief in God because God reveals Himself to us, rather than assuming we’re ‘ludicrous or delusional" people? If we were delusional people why aren’t we in institutions? The answer is we aren’t because we are not delusional people, but normal everyday people who have faith in God. Now I’m not starting something up with you as I see you’re being rational. But why O why, can’t the ‘nones’. understand that we see things from the eyes of faith that someone without faith doesn’t, rather than write us off that way? Isnt’ that assumption on their part? Respectfully…

 

[Karen107]

Why blame the milennials? It’s their PARENTS who should have instilled the value of religion in them and CHOSE not to. Yes, I am of the parent generation, but have noq children (my loss)’ but I admit it’s my loss…

Push for their parents to show them it’s not too late to return to God!

You don’t tell them what is right, you SHOW them.

Well you could say that, but then at some point the sons and daughters have to make their own mind up. That said, todays modern culture has no time for religion because it’s more important for them to pay attention to the material things in life rather than faith. And, there are many who are out to destroy a persons faith. Remember the devil is out in the world seeking the ruin of souls so prayer is important. The good thing is when children grow and begin to have children, many realize the need for faith in their life as a moral compass they want to pass on to their children.

 

[Karen107]

The main difference I can see between the two groups is that the “nones” don’t often feel the need to de-evangelize theists to change their beliefs…but theists often feel they must evangelize the “nones”.

.

In all sincerity I disagree with that assessment. There are many ‘nones’ who do try to change the believers and it’s becoming more and more prominent in our society. It is something that Jesus said would happen and it’s all too common now when people want to run their own lives instead of having to answer to God. If you know Christianity, you would know that it is an important part of our belief system to evangelize but everyone does it in a different way and that has never changed. So we are doing what we are supposed to do while living out our faith. Can the ‘nones’ accept that? There I believe is where the real struggle is at.

 

[Karen107]

For instance, you say you would ask my friend to “start having conversations with God.” Instead, ask if they have tried that.

Back to this… I have asked ‘if’ they have prayed or would they pray even in dire need…Whats your take on this…? Have you ever sincerely prayed for faith? I mean on a regular basis, not just one moment in time? Would you pray if you were in dire need of something? Like saving another or saving yourself? Curious what your answer would be…

 

[KnowtheSilence]

Oh I agree with you that the ‘nones’ put thought into religious matters, but if you would be honest many times it’s to seek for flaws in our beliefs because of preconceived notions.

Confirmation bias is a real problem on every side of this debate, yes.

I know it is a common place thing in places like colleges to try and discredit the faithful and their beliefs.

I think this is less common than some people think. It happens, sure, but it’s also sometimes the case that people who aren’t used to being exposed to viewpoints outside the ones they were raised with will see the presentation any sort of critical or even neutral views as some sort of attack.

The shoe on the other foot, how about the ‘nones’ accepting that we have belief in God because God reveals Himself to us…

Of course, those of us who believe that God doesn’t exist can’t “accept” that; that would be like me asking you to accept that the reason I don’t believe is because God hasn’t revealed himself because he doesn’t actually exist.

What I can do is accept that you believe that God had revealed himself to you and accept that it is possibly true that he has. That should be enough for a civil conversation.

… rather than assuming we’re 'ludicrous or delusional" people? If we were delusional people why aren’t we in institutions? The answer is we aren’t because we are not delusional people, but normal everyday people who have faith in God.

I don’t assume that believers are automatically delusional or unreasonable, and I try to convince fellow atheists to do likewise.

Now I’m not starting something up with you as I see you’re being rational. But why O why, can’t the ‘nones’. understand that we see things from the eyes of faith that someone without faith doesn’t, rather than write us off that way? Isnt’ that assumption on their part? Respectfully…

It is an assumption on their part, when they do it. And it’s an assumption I try not to make. Now, I do know people who, while not delusional, are admittedly unreasonable when it comes to their religious beliefs; they admit that the do not have evidence or reasons to believe what they do, and they insist that neither are necessary. But I do not assume that those people are the norm, and I don’t automatically assume that someone will be like that just because they say they are a person of faith.

 

[KnowtheSilence]

Back to this… I have asked ‘if’ they have prayed or would they pray even in dire need…Whats your take on this…? Have you ever sincerely prayed for faith?

Yes.

I mean on a regular basis, not just one moment in time?

Yes.

Would you pray if you were in dire need of something? Like saving another or saving yourself?

Possibly. I’ve done it in the past, but it’s not very frequent that I would feel like doing this.

 

[powerofk]

Honestly, the best way to evangelize is through everyday actions. Pray, pray, and pray some more. Obviously, there are many different reasons for unbelief. And a core reason is due to the actions of the believers. In fact, one of the main drivers for unbelief is the actions of the believers not matching the preaching of the believers.

Work with faith and love. Be authentic! And if someone asks why you are how you are, then tell them, “My love for Jesus commands me to obey Him. And His command is to love each and every other human being as I love myself. If you have any questions about what I believe or why, please ask, and I’ll do my best to answer them. If I can’t answer the question right away, I’ll tell you. And if you ever feel like you want to come with me to Mass one day, just tell me. I’ll be happy to bring you along.” And leave it at that. You’ve opened the door, but it’s up to them to walk through.

 

[puzzledtoo]

Behavior is believable. Whatever faith practice you profess to follow, model it. This would show me that your are serious about your professed beliefs and make your immediate community and the world a better place. I have my beliefs and the more I study and learn (about different traditions) the more I see that where I’m at on the path I need to be right now. It’s not that I’m against anyone’s beliefs I simply don’t believe anyone has the whole truth and I’m content with seeking while believing no one system is the only way to whatever is true. I guess I’m a none since I don’t believe in any revealed religion that I’m familiar with. Being a poorly catechized catholic (most of the fault mine) I try to learn as much as possible here on caf as possible and I go to a Buddhist site sometimes and a Taoist site sometimes. Like I said at the beginning-behavior is believable.

 

[Karen107]

Confirmation bias is a real problem on every side of this debate, yes.

I think this is less common than some people think. It happens, sure, but it’s also sometimes the case that people who aren’t used to being exposed to viewpoints outside the ones they were raised with will see the presentation any sort of critical or even neutral views as some sort of attack.

Of course, those of us who believe that God doesn’t exist can’t “accept” that; that would be like me asking you to accept that the reason I don’t believe is because God hasn’t revealed himself because he doesn’t actually exist.

What I can do is accept that you believe that God had revealed himself to you and accept that it is possibly true that he has. That should be enough for a civil conversation.

I don’t assume that believers are automatically delusional or unreasonable, and I try to convince fellow atheists to do likewise.

It is an assumption on their part, when they do it. And it’s an assumption I try not to make. Now, I do know people who, while not delusional, are admittedly unreasonable when it comes to their religious beliefs; they admit that the do not have evidence or reasons to believe what they do, and they insist that neither are necessary. But I do not assume that those people are the norm, and I don’t automatically assume that someone will be like that just because they say they are a person of faith.

Thank you for your honest answers and your attempts to see the other side of this, though I admit I’ve experienced some pretty harsh things said about my faith. See, what I believe is that faith is a gift. Some grab on to that gift and cherish it, some let it go because they don’t see it as a gift and takes it all for granted. But were they to see how that gift has the power to change their lives for the better they may see things differently. Today we celebrate the Holy Trinity of God. God the Father, the designer, God the Son, who shows us the way to the Father, and the Holy Spirit who’s power helps us get there. We look at all the beautiful creations surrounding us such as the Grand Canyon in all its’ splendor, and even the human person an all it’s intricacies and many come to the belief that God is not only grand, but anything we could ‘paint’, pales in comparison to what God paints.,Gods gifts are all around us, coloring our planet… in how we love and how we forgive and how we have gratitude for all we have and who we are…God gives us Faith, Hope and Love and the greatest of these is love…

 

[Karen107]

Yes.

Yes.

Possibly. I’ve done it in the past, but it’s not very frequent that I would feel like doing this.

Maybe just maybe you might pray again and keep your heart open to God…Even the most faithful have times of doubt. We are told that if we stay close to Jesus, Jesus will stay close to us… The problem runs when doubt overcomes any faith that may come… We have to be open to God and often times Gods actions are slow… Anyway, have a good day!

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

… What I can do is accept that you believe that God had revealed himself to you and accept that it is possibly true that he has. That should be enough for a civil conversation. …

This is right. This where the nearest anyone will get to “proof” lies.

Those around us in every generation need it.

Blaming their parents is not appropriate because our Church didn’t evangelise their parents (and probably their grandparents) either.

The Church must train us - without including Girardism.

 

[Karen107]

Yes, the nones (I keep wanting to write, “nuns”!) understand about the evangelizing. After all, it’s been going on for thousands of years. It’s when the theists want the non-theists to live by theist doctrine where the problems arise–and vise versa, I assume.

I think there are many “nones” who want to debate the topic of religion, yes. But of course, they are not doing it because they’ve been encouraged to do it by a leader or boss. Rather…
.

The thing is that there have been bosses, or leaders of the present anti-Christian movement. You mentioned them in a later post. Hitchens, Dawkins, Sam Harris or Laurence Krauss… And religions of ‘atheism’ have come out of anti-Christian movements called Satanism and Secular Humanism. The thing is that they wouldn’t exist if God didn’t exist. more proof of Gods existence…

 

[Karen107]

And again, as you say, the shoe can be put on the other foot.
Many theists would never consider reading the books of Hitchens or Dawkins or Sam Harris or Laurence Krauss to see what they have to say.
And I’ve seen many posts here telling others to stay away from any books that could rock one’s faith and to not even go to Sunday church service in other churches for fear they could be swayed.
But like your example above…are theists willing to hear, see, learn what the other side is thinking and why?

To parallel your own question…have you? Perhaps so. But not many I know do.

.

I’ve learned a lot about beliefs of those non-believers. I just see more into it than they do. I find the beliefs false. Like the FSM theory, the misinterpretations of the bible, and on and on… You know the typical arguments against God. I have very strong faith AND a strong understanding of God so these books are a waste of time, though I have read parts of them, and heard the repeated arguments, watched the videos, and I personally think they’re really off the mark. To know God is to love God… And we can’t love what we don’t know… Those who don’t know God may be swayed, but the more they know the more they grow closer to God. God wants a relationship with us, and that can’t be found in any of those books.

 

[Karen107]

I hate to sound like a broken telephone…but just want to point out that many theists who gave up religion talk passionately about how their lives have changed dramatically for the better because of it–this is why many are so outspoken about their experiences.

So what you say above…a nonbeliever would want to say to you and urge you, as well

.

And there are many many more believers in this world with unshakable faith… Those that know that we need God in our lives… And those that have that inkling that there is something to this that they need to seek out because the spirit of God calls them to seek…