If you were passing out New Testaments on the street

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CeaselessMedik

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And an atheist said something nasty, how would you respond? What if they politely asked why you believed the Bible?
 
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I think I would say something like “I hear what you are saying, and many people think as you do. I understand. However, I invite you to read this and give it some consideration.”
 
It would depend on what nasty thing they said, and if it was directed at me or just a general comment to no one in particular.
 
As long as you specify that it should be read within the context of the Church’s sacred tradition. Simply reading through the New Testament is great, but it isn’t enough. Don’t want to promote a Protestant Sola Scriptura mentality.
 
HomeschoolDad said:
However, I invite you to read this and give it some consideration.”
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I’d note that many, many atheists and agnostics have already read the Bible. They tend to be quite knowledgeable about its contents. They just understand it very differently that you do.

Perhaps asking if they’ve read it first would be best then you’ll know how better to proceed. If they are nasty about the question, politely leave. There is no point to discuss as minds are closed.
 
twf said:
As long as you specify that it should be read within the context of the Church’s sacred tradition. Simply reading through the New Testament is great, but it isn’t enough. Don’t want to promote a Protestant Sola Scriptura mentality.
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I thought of that. Quite frankly, though, if you raised the issue of Catholic tradition, in today’s climate you would probably get outright rejection based on the sex abuse scandal and our counter-cultural teachings on marriage and sexuality.

We do have a bit of a PR problem anymore.
 
I would politely point out that Christianity is the pillar of Western Civilization. Any history book is a witness to that.
 
Do not return evil for evil, but love your enemies, do good to them who despise you. Turn the other cheek.
CeaselessMedik said:
What if they politely asked why you believed the Bible?
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Because Jesus Christ came to start a Church. That Church has given to us the Holy Scriptures. I choose to believe the Church teaches truth.
 
The eyewitness testimony is compelling (2 Peter 1:16), the church continues as a living witness of its inspiration, and it’s a transcendent message of hope, not only for humanity in general but also personally for myself as well — something secularism can never offer.

As for the nasty comment, I’d listen if there is something interesting I could ask about it that might lead to some dialogue. Otherwise ignore.
 
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Either way I’d ask them if they wanted to have a drink (Tea, Coffee, Beer, Mead, etc) and talk about it. Don’t judge them if they do join you…

As to why I believe in the Bible, that one is deeply personal and everybody will find a different scripture that reaches them. It slowly reached me. Perhaps the most important thing is just to sit down and talk to them.
 
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