Should Christians just ignore Atheists outright?

[Neithan]

Friendships and discussions with atheists have helped me to strengthen my faith, and still do. It’s valuable and should not be ignored. By this I mean the informed, educated atheists who really care about philosophy, not the ones who think philosophy is some outdated, archaic idea that doesn’t matter in the face of Science, or who think that religion is simply obsolete superstition. Internet debates are always a stalemate, in my experience, but real understanding can be achieved with people you meet in person and befriend.

 

[commenter]

Historically atheism, agnosticism or secular humanism in the West, grew out of the desire to free Philosophy (who once included Science) from the alleged shackles of Theology, as well as other blinders.

Any atheist who thinks about his or her position will bump against Philosophy, which Catholicism emphasizes. In the 19th century it seemed simple, the Christians with their Faith against atheists saying Reason is enough.

But in recent decades there is a flight from Reason by many with no apparent faith. Some atheists and some Christians are alarmed by this trend. Perhaps Reason can be the common ground for Catholics and atheists.

 

[PeaceBeWithYou]

Remember Matthew 7:12.

 

[Pattylt]

As an agnostic that has many discussions with people of faith, the first thing to realize is that the two of you are often coming from completely different world views. That doesn’t mean we have nothing in common!

I would argue that debates often seem to go nowhere but you’d be surprised at those listening in the background and what they pick up and process…this goes for both sides!

Talking to anyone needs to start with areas you agree on. What’s not necessary is telling the other what they believe. Instead, ask and listen to the answer. Make sure you understand what they are saying. You don’t have to agree but always remember, everyone has a right to their beliefs and thoughts. No one likes to be told they’re wrong. It’s much nicer to say instead, I think differently or my faith says. Confrontations just lead to everyone digging in their heels and no longer hearing the other at all.

I enjoy hearing various religions views and how and why they believe what they do. I have no trouble recognizing that my views may be very different. Sometimes they aren’t! Some atheists have recently left religion and some of those still carry anger and resentments. They need time to heal before they are ready to hear you. Some atheists are atheist for no actual reason…they were raised that way, they just never believed, etc. These atheists probably haven’t thought through why they are atheists…some Christians are the same…they were just raised that way.

Finally, some atheists have thought long and hard about God, the supernatural and faith. They have reasons for their disbelief…reasons you may not be able to overcome. Reasons that may challenge your beliefs. Just be aware that atheists are no more a single block of people than Catholics or Protestants are…they come in many flavors.

I know many atheists that would prefer that an apologist or street preacher never approach them. They just want to be left alone on the religion front. It’s your belief that they need to hear the Gospel, not theirs! Above all, remember they are humans, too!

 

[Hodos]

For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” – Romans 10

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age.” – Matthew 28

I would say just proclaim Christ crucified to whomever, whether theist, agnostic, or atheist, and let God’s word do what it was sent out to do. Its not really your job to decide for the Holy Spirit who will benefit from His proclaimed Word.

 

[halogirl]

This is mostly what I come across in my day to day life. Anti-theists. Basically when I share my faith their reply boils down to ‘how can an intelligent woman believe in a sky daddy?’ or similar. As if by adding a compliment I will not mind them disrespecting the most important thing to me. They are the folk that won’t be happy until everyone doesn’t believe in anything, apart the ultimate pointlessness of existence that they do. Ironically they often aren’t truly happy in other aspects of their lives. I listen to what they have to say and just try and be a good example. My faith helps me navigate thru life and I honestly don’t see why they would seek to remove that from me, despite not sharing my views

 

[Freddy]

Charity always. That can be a struggle. For me anyways.
The perennial problem is that in almost all cases, atheists aren’t really rejecting Christianity or even discussing Christianity. Or maybe to be more accurate they are not addressing Catholicism. They are usually addressing fundamentalist caricatures and knocking them down. (which they should for sure)
And that’s understandable if a person has had negative experiences with Christians. You address what you know.

Folks like Bill Maher are just incredibly simplistic in regards to religion, and I don’t think Christian apologists ought to be addressing viewpoints like his that are based on flawed assumptions. You need to address the false assumptions. And that becomes uncomfortable.

That’s a fair point. But we (atheists that is) can only discuss that which is put to us.

Someone just referenced Matthew 7:12 and that’s something on which we surely could all agree and discuss how it affects us personally and how it can be used as a basis for morality. But if someone then describes gay people as perverts and uses odious comparisons to paedophiles or if someone denies science and pushes creationism then there will be an argument and not a discussion. And these are not caricatures of Christians - they are Catholics holding to fundamentalist views.

Both Maher and Dawkins generally rail against fundamentalism, not theism per se (although Maher tends to play to the crowd for effect - he is first and foremost a comedian so hyperbole and a good punch line are his tools of the trade).

There are many versions of God. I can be talking to someone and think ‘You know, if I was thinking of becoming a Christian* then the God that she believes in would be the God I could believe in’. Then another discussion with someone else and I’m ‘Whoa, you have to be kidding me’. There are obviously different versions of the one deity for many Christians.

• I’m definitely not.

 

[Dan_Defender]

In my long experience, nobody ever changes their mind in online argumentation.

This is my experience too. And some only want to provoke one to anger and name calling.

 

[Pattylt]

This is why, if you are getting into a heated discussion about religion, you should stop and tell yourself that…even though my opponent isn’t listening to a thing I’m saying, many others are reading this post. They are the ones I need to keep in mind and speak to!

Basically when I share my faith their reply boils down to ‘how can an intelligent woman believe in a sky daddy?’ or similar.

I’m sorry…that’s totally rude a wee bit too passive aggressive. I’ve had christians tell me…How can you be moral since you don’t believe in God…or, So you really have no reason to live, it’s all meaningless. Also unkind and unnecessary!

No one should ridicule others because of different beliefs. It’s rude and childish behavior and no way to have any kind of a productive discussion.