Witnessing to atheists?

[Ted]

A good number have that response, yes. Of that group, a large number are like that because they've experienced a pitiful excuse of Christianity. If you're going to "witness" on the internet, you must acknowledge that its a battle ground of ideas only. To that end you need to be able to challenge people's philosophies and present philosophies that are more consistent and more valuable. This will never be achieved by first assuming Christianity is (i) obvious and (ii) true, then pleading to those assumptions. An example of this is "Christianity is right because the Bible tells us Jesus is Lord".

That kind of knowledge isn't going to come overnight, so its time to put some serious study in. A good place to start is Timothy Keller's "The Reason for God". He outlines the most popular and most compelling philosophical arguments against both theism and Christianity and demonstrates in layman terms their inconsistencies. Keller is excellent reading to prepare you for the kinds of highly thought out arguments you'll encounter. Next is Ravi Zacharia, who's probably one of the foremost and compelling speakers in the world on the objectivity of moral standards and their pointing to a God. After that I'd read NT Wright's "Simply Christian" which describes the "hints" within reality that point to a God, specifically the God of Christianity. While doing this, be reading everything by CS Lewis, who was once an atheist himself and put substantial thought into answering their toughest questions (especially "the Problem of Pain")

Beyond lots and lots of research the only other thing you can do is avoid certain mistakes.
1) Do not suffer temptation to retaliate when they insult you.
2) Do not, like most other "evangelist" simply assume that these people are fools and treat them accordingly.
3) Do NOT answer unless you can honestly say that you've considered their question carefully.

Yer.advice.is.reely.good.

[chad]

Punchy possibly what your saying is not how do you witness to an atheists, but how can you share in a way that would get an atheist to believe?

Maybe it is just easier to just share what you believe with them and they can make up thier own mind if they choose to believe or not. We cannot force a person to believe, it must be of their own choice. Some atheists are very intellectual and the message of the gospel seems foolish to them.

For there are two wisdoms, one of this world and Gods wisdom. Not everyone accepts Gods wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:14).

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God and the wisdom of God is foolishness to those who are perishing (1 Corinthians 3:18-20 + 1 Corinthians 1:18).

[Youssarian]

Another thing you should consider is the audience you're debating with. Do they really want to know if God is real? Honestly, of the atheists I've encountered, most have already made up their minds. If an atheist approaches you with a genuinely inquisitive attitude then you have a chance. Otherwise, it's of no use. They are already too built up in their own arguments and beliefs to be worth it. It's kinda like an atheist trying to "witness" to a Christian. There are some Christians who will listen to what they say and consider it seriously; others are so built up in their faith that no amount of logic can dissuade them.

[cicero]

Most atheists (in my experience) base their philosophy on scientific evidence... so focus on

a) things from the bible which CAN be supported through evidence
b) that which CANNOT be explained scientifically.

just avoid the "cause the bible says so" arguments, and research enough to defend the "well Christians believe this..." traps.

[chad]

Just because a scientists can't scientifically explain Gods creation, doesn't mean that God does not exist.

I think of it this way. Scientists try to prove in a scientific way Gods creation. Does God need to know this. No, he created it and knows how it works better than man. And then man tries to say, well just because I can't prove it, I won't believe in God.

Has an Athiest ever thought of it this way... God doesn't need any man to explain, how something he created works.


(1 Cor 1:25 NIV) For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Most atheists (in my experience) base their philosophy on scientific evidence... so focus on

a) things from the bible which CAN be supported through evidence
b) that which CANNOT be explained scientifically.

just avoid the "cause the bible says so" arguments, and research enough to defend the "well Christians believe this..." traps.

[MyRock]

I would say that if the person you are talking to is completely died in the wool with their views then all you can really do is pray for them and let God do the work.

My wife's friend is a Dawkins admirer and she is very hostile to Christianity as a result. After having discussions about Christ we have both decided to stop bringing the discussion to the fore. She knows our views and all we can do is pray for a softening of her heart.

In this instance the internet is used as a tool. If they are ganging up on you then it's best to leave them. Maybe a parting shot may be to ask them why they are so hostile and angry at something they don't believe in? It would at least get them to think.

[fewarechosen]

witnessing is not about words its about your actions.

do they see you acting like Christ? are Christs actions seen in yours ?

are you patient ? do you help the needy ? feed poor ? let people see you doing such things and it will speak louder than any words with your mouth.

[chad]

You could always say to an Atheist, If there is no God, then everything becomes meaningless, life has no purpose. If there is no God, then why should you care what I think and believe in and why should a Christian care and think about what you believe in. It all becomes meaningless if there is no God, because life has no purpose.

Which brings us back to the question, what is the meaning of life? You could ask an atheist what they believe the meaning of life is?

[tango]

If an atheist is interested, then I would say we should witness to them. If they're not, then it is like beating a dead horse, or as Jesus said "casting pearls before swine."

This is a good point. Some people are interested in what we've got to say, others are just interested in ganging up and making fools of "the silly Christians who believe in sky fairies".

Talking to the former is worthwhile, talking to the latter is like challenging a centipede to a butt-kicking contest.

[Faithful One]

How do you do this? I seem to fail at wittnessing to atheists. They just completely ignore my message,.....

Punchy;
Its great you have the desire and courage to witness for Jesus. However, there are a few things that will keep you from getting clobbered.

First, realize that an internet message board is one of the worst places to begin.
1. The deck is stacked against you because there is an almost unlimited number of intolerant skeptics who are willing AND ABLE to tear you and your message to pieces and you certainly will not be able to repsond to them all....its one against 100 .....

Rather, you should ask God for a different platform that will afford a one-on-one opportunity. This will keep the negative interference at bay at least as long as you have the person's attention, AND he will walk away thinking about what you said without the seed being immediately trampled upon and stolen by the enemy.

What are some one-on-one ops? There are dozens everyday, most we simply are not aware. How about when someone calls you on the phone, when someone knocks on your door, when you are dealing with a clerk in a store trying to sell you his wears.
The advatages are obvious.
1. The subject must respond to you alone, and typically feels more obliged to do so since he is hoping you will respond to HIS invitation or sales pitch.
2. You are able to ask sensitive QUESTIONS without his fear of feeling like 100 others are listening to his responses.
3. I have found that due to the above the reasons, the subject is far more honest about his sinful condition.

Just today I had an atheist call me on the phone asking me to do a 'survey". Instead of refusing to do his simple 10 question survey, I participated. And then afterward it was natural for me to asked if I could ask HIM a few questions. He agreed...So I immediately asked if he knew Christ in a personal way. ? I asked if he knew where he would spend eternity. ? I ask if he would like to know for sure. ? I asked if he knew what the Scriptures had said about it, and if he knew why God sent Chrsit to earth. ? (Notice I used a multitude of QUESTIONS).

He politely answered ALL of these questions....and I then proceeded to tell him the reason God sent Jesus and why He had to die for our sins, and did he recognize we are all sinners....and told him how to repent of sin and receive eternal life through putting his trust in what Christ did on the Cross.
HE LISTENED TO EVERY WORD.
Because he was "on the job" he was probably more polite than usual even though he was not willing to pray with me due to fear of being overheard in the boiler room. However, he did agree to pray the sinners prayer when he got home.

That was quite a step forward for someone who admitted he has never read the Bible and knew nothing of God's plan of salvation. This never would have happened on a 'message board'.

So ask God for ONE-ON-ONE opportunities; you'll be amazed at what God will do..... People you meet every day in coffee shops, on sales calls, in doctor's offices, etc. ....the list is endless.

Remember, life is not limited to the internet....in fact, the web is NOT the real world...
Keep up the good work, ....God is with you ! and He will bless your efforts with success.

Faithful

[t1mlew1s]

Interesting topic. I have found that sometimes when witnessing to an "undecided", an atheist or group of atheist will begin berating me with all kinds of blasphemous remarks. I've found it is useless to try to engage those folks, they have been turned over to a reprobate mind. But sometimes, they will appeal to the "undecided" and I feel like I've lost the battle. Of course I know that all that is required of me is to present Christ and it will not return to Him void. But it fills me with so much indignation that these people will insult my God and my faith in such a way. I hate to give up on the ones I have tried to witness to, but sometimes it just feels like I'm among wolves. I pray God will bless your tongue when you confront such as these.

[Daniel]

To all:

Read Romans 9:18. God chooses who will believe and who will not believe.

Our job is not to convert sinners. Our job is to present God's Word, through Christ's teachings, to the world. When it is rejected don't take it personal. It is not you they are rejecting. It is the One who sent you that they are rejecting.

So do spread the Word, but be as tactful as possible about it. Do not be surprised when it is rejected, and do not get upset. Just move on to the next place.

Blessings,

Dan

[Faithful One]

To all:

Read Romans 9:18. God chooses who will believe and who will not believe.

I wouldn't be so quick to blame God for man's sin of unbelief, Dan.
Clearly, "God.... is NOT willing that ANY should perish but for ALL to come to repentance" (2 Pet. 3:9).

and Scripture is clear that "(God)...desires that ALL men be saved and come to the knowledge of truth". - (1 Tim.2:4)

God has already made His choice ....His soverignty and forknowledge doesn't preclude man from making his.

Blessings...
Faithful

[Hannah]

I tried to find a Swedish Christian forum, since my native tongue is Swedish.
But there were only two and both had more atheists wanting to quabble with Christians, than actual Christians on them!

The atheists seemed to get a real kick out of asking a seemingly "innocent" question, then wait for a Christian person to give a Christian answer, then jump straight in and start telling the Christian how stupid, ignorant, un-PC, brainwashed and pathetic he/she was for believing what she believed.

I saw this repeated in thread after thread. It was impossible for actual Christians to have a discussion between them because for every honest Christian question or answer, there'd be five trolling atheists.

I'd say that 60% of the atheists are kids who just want to be cool and provocative, then 20% each of people who have an issue with religion from their upbringing, or people who are intelligent and just have a very strong belief in science and reason, and who like debating.

Never the less the debates were fruitless because nobody ever changed their positions. The atheists were not seeking anything other than a "stimulating" argument.

I don't think you can convince somebody about the truth of Christianity unless there is a part of him that wants to believe and has an open mind.

[Youssarian]

Only the Holy Spirit can convince somebody. Honestly, I'm sure that a lot of atheists refuse to believe or take Christianity seriously because of the way Christianity has become in recent decades; we're all talk about the hope and joy the faith brings but in day-to-day events, the general appearances has been anything but that. Plus we have a society which inherently equates religion with ignorance. There certainly are Christian thinkers out there. The problem is, atheists don't want to look that stuff up! However, I believe there's also a spiritual side to this. I can't recall exactly where the Bible says this, but there's that demonic blinding out there that stops people from believing. As Christians we need to pray for that blinding to be removed. Only once those demons have been kicked out can a person be willing to receive the Gospel.