Dealing with an atheist is always an exercise in futility. First off bear in mind that you were talking to someone who believes he is intellectually superior to you and that he is just dealing with a stupid Christian. As Christians we base our beliefs on our Bible but when talking to someone who doesn't believe the Bible then you may as well be reading from a book about Bugs Bunny so this immediately becomes a moot point. Then they will ask you questions like why does God not do this or why does God do that. There are no correct answers to these questions as they will always have another irrelevant question loaded and ready to go. Finally they will always fall back on the indoctrination argument, claiming that we are only speaking from indoctrination. This is why our time is too precious to waste it on those who don't want to hear it.
Why dealing with an atheist is futile.
- Thread starter Dude653
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Resistance against an atheist's non-sense by providing them the Word of God or telling them about God is never futile. So resistance is not futile (As the Borg might say). I say this because I remember being an atheist and arguing with a friend that there was no God. However, little did I know that God had other plans for me. For even the next day, God sent yet another witness to talk to me that God is real.
I really don't agree. I was an atheist, and people kept on witnessing to me. If they hadn't I would never have heard the gospel.
We've been corresponding with a local atheist, and yes, he has all those stereotypes about Christians and is very arrogant. I don't even think we are planting seeds with him. But we are digging in the hard and dry ground. Maybe once the soil has been stirred up, someone else will come along and plant the seeds and someone else will water, and someone else will harvest. And we are leaving that to God, just doing what he told us to do.
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." 1 Cor. 3:6-9
Preaching to an atheist is preaching to someone upon who a foundation has not been laid.
"and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation," Romans 15:20
We've been corresponding with a local atheist, and yes, he has all those stereotypes about Christians and is very arrogant. I don't even think we are planting seeds with him. But we are digging in the hard and dry ground. Maybe once the soil has been stirred up, someone else will come along and plant the seeds and someone else will water, and someone else will harvest. And we are leaving that to God, just doing what he told us to do.
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. 8 He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. 9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." 1 Cor. 3:6-9
Preaching to an atheist is preaching to someone upon who a foundation has not been laid.
"and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else's foundation," Romans 15:20
Man has said what he thinks is right.................
Job 11:7
"Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?
Only God himself can get a blind man to see. All is futile in OUR OWN strength but all things are possible through Christ who strengthens us.
Sowing seed is NEVER futile in Gods kingdom. God has plans! Gods wants even the stubborn blind arrogant atheist to come to HIM.
If God is leading you; there cannot be failure. You may not see what God is doing but trust me: The Holy Spirit is busy at bringing the lost to him.
I pray that God mold you and soften your heart towards the atheist. Lord I pray that you teach Dude to love like you do and I ask that you give him a new measure of faith to believe that nothing is futile when sowing seed and bringing another soul to ever lasting salvation. Put a burden on his heart to love the blindman like you do Jesus . Teach him how to set up divine appts for your glory Lord. Help us all to do your will in making fishermen of men. Give us strength and give us more wisdom and discernment in the hour. Teach us in the hour Lord! Amen
1Corinthians 13: 12For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 13But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Atheist or no atheist...faith is a miracle of God...
1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
...it may even be more difficult for a religious person to see his need.
1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
...it may even be more difficult for a religious person to see his need.
A
So all that stuff Jesus taught about witnessing and loving others, and faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God is out, simply because it's inconvenient?
Yeah. Sure. So? How is your Marine's coffee break going? Apparently, I was talking to you.
Yeah. Sure. So? How is your Marine's coffee break going? Apparently, I was talking to you.
In Roman chapter 1 it states that creation testifies that there is a God and that He is good,so people should do good and love one another,so they are without excuse if they do not adhere to that.
Then it says that because hey did not like to retain God in their knowledge God gave them a reprobate mind,which means they only go by the flesh,which in the flesh dwells no good thing,and then it lists how vile they are according to the flesh.
I do not believe this is talking of the traditional atheist,for everybody that I met that was an atheist acted like everybody else,they were not as filthy as what is described in Roman 1,although they could have a few of those traits but not to that extreme.
I believe Romans 1 is speaking in a general aspect of the world that creation testifies that there is a God and of His goodness,for He provided food,shelter,and clothing,so they should be good,so they are without excuse,and then later in the chapter narrows it down to a certain group of people that do not believe in a God,or are antagonistic to His ways,which would be the occultist,that is hungry for power,and very fleshy,that believes they obtain power from nature.
I do not see how the vile things of the flesh mentioned in Romans 1 can apply to an atheist,but I can see how it can refer to an occultist that hungers for power,and because of their lust for power,and wanting to exalt themselves through nature,God does not deal with them,and they only go by the flesh.
An occultist is intentionally antagonistic to God's ways,where the atheist is not although they do not believe in a God.The occultist wants to hear no authority,no rules,no regulations,no opinions,and no advice,and because they believe they can harness the power of nature,they believe they are the elite of the world,gods walking among mortals,kings,walking among peasants.
Their lust for power,and wanting to exalt them self in a godlike fashion causes God to not deal with them.
So I was thinking that Romans 1 might not necessarily be talking of people who do not believe in a God,but people who do not believe in a God,and people who believe in a God but are antagonistic to Him,because they do not fear Him for they think that God cannot touch them,probably because they think nature is protecting them.
The Bible says that they are haters of God,but how can you be a hater of God if you do not believe in a God,but an occultist might believe there is a God,but do not fear Him because they do not think God can touch them,because of them being part of the occult,or it could be talking indirectly hating God.
The occultist might believe there is a God,but are antagonistic to Him,His rules and regulations,because they do not fear Him.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
[SUP]13 [/SUP]For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
[SUP]14 [/SUP]I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High(Isaiah 14:12-14).
Lucifer thought that he could exalt his throne above the stars of God,and be like the most High,so obviously Lucifer thought he could accomplish this and God could not touch him to stop him.
When Satan tempted Eve and said God does know if you eat of that fruit you will be like gods,he is saying if you eat of that tree you can do what you want and God cannot touch you.
Since the occult is of Lucifer,the people that follow the occult can think the same thing,I will do what I want and exalt myself in a Godlike fashion,and God cannot touch me.
So Romans chapter 1 might be talking in general to the world that if they do not believe in a God,they have no excuse,because creation testifies there is a God,but then narrows it down to the occultists,who are antagonistic to God's ways,whether they believe in a God or not,so God gives them a reprobate mind that is terrible.
They do not like to retain God in their mind,could be they do not believe in a God,or they believe in a God but they antagonistic to Him because they believe God cannot touch them.They do not care about His rules and regulations,which I can only see coming from the occult who want to exalt them self Lucifer style.
Atheists made their decision because they believe the scientific community,they had an outside source help them to make that decision,but the atheist deceives himself,and there is no facts to back up that they can achieve godlike power through nature,but their lust for power causes to believe in that,like Lucifer's lust for power blinded him thinking God could not stop him from exalting himself.
I seen atheists and they do not act any different than someone that believes in a God that does not go for religion,which I am saying that there is a good chance that the atheist could change their mind,the only thing is that they like to believe they are rooted in reality and facts,and do not fall for the mumbo-jumbo,fairy telling ways of the world,and the vain imaginations of people,so it is kind of hard to reach them,especially when it it by faith we are saved,and faith is the substance of things not seen,the evidence of things not seen,and we walk by faith and not sight,and Jesus said,blessed is he that has not seen but still believes,so we have to believe in a God and a kingdom that we cannot see,so it is hard to give them enough concrete facts for them to believe.
But God said there is evidence to lead us to the conclusion that there is a God,for faith is the 'evidence of things not seen',the main one being creation,and that is why I believe there is a God,because I do not believe in evolution,but a God created all things,which I believe I have enough proof of reason to believe that.
But God said people will be reached to accept the truth by different means,but do not do it like the Roman Catholic Church when they persecuted people to accept.
Then it says that because hey did not like to retain God in their knowledge God gave them a reprobate mind,which means they only go by the flesh,which in the flesh dwells no good thing,and then it lists how vile they are according to the flesh.
I do not believe this is talking of the traditional atheist,for everybody that I met that was an atheist acted like everybody else,they were not as filthy as what is described in Roman 1,although they could have a few of those traits but not to that extreme.
I believe Romans 1 is speaking in a general aspect of the world that creation testifies that there is a God and of His goodness,for He provided food,shelter,and clothing,so they should be good,so they are without excuse,and then later in the chapter narrows it down to a certain group of people that do not believe in a God,or are antagonistic to His ways,which would be the occultist,that is hungry for power,and very fleshy,that believes they obtain power from nature.
I do not see how the vile things of the flesh mentioned in Romans 1 can apply to an atheist,but I can see how it can refer to an occultist that hungers for power,and because of their lust for power,and wanting to exalt themselves through nature,God does not deal with them,and they only go by the flesh.
An occultist is intentionally antagonistic to God's ways,where the atheist is not although they do not believe in a God.The occultist wants to hear no authority,no rules,no regulations,no opinions,and no advice,and because they believe they can harness the power of nature,they believe they are the elite of the world,gods walking among mortals,kings,walking among peasants.
Their lust for power,and wanting to exalt them self in a godlike fashion causes God to not deal with them.
So I was thinking that Romans 1 might not necessarily be talking of people who do not believe in a God,but people who do not believe in a God,and people who believe in a God but are antagonistic to Him,because they do not fear Him for they think that God cannot touch them,probably because they think nature is protecting them.
The Bible says that they are haters of God,but how can you be a hater of God if you do not believe in a God,but an occultist might believe there is a God,but do not fear Him because they do not think God can touch them,because of them being part of the occult,or it could be talking indirectly hating God.
The occultist might believe there is a God,but are antagonistic to Him,His rules and regulations,because they do not fear Him.
[SUP]12 [/SUP]How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
[SUP]13 [/SUP]For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
[SUP]14 [/SUP]I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High(Isaiah 14:12-14).
Lucifer thought that he could exalt his throne above the stars of God,and be like the most High,so obviously Lucifer thought he could accomplish this and God could not touch him to stop him.
When Satan tempted Eve and said God does know if you eat of that fruit you will be like gods,he is saying if you eat of that tree you can do what you want and God cannot touch you.
Since the occult is of Lucifer,the people that follow the occult can think the same thing,I will do what I want and exalt myself in a Godlike fashion,and God cannot touch me.
So Romans chapter 1 might be talking in general to the world that if they do not believe in a God,they have no excuse,because creation testifies there is a God,but then narrows it down to the occultists,who are antagonistic to God's ways,whether they believe in a God or not,so God gives them a reprobate mind that is terrible.
They do not like to retain God in their mind,could be they do not believe in a God,or they believe in a God but they antagonistic to Him because they believe God cannot touch them.They do not care about His rules and regulations,which I can only see coming from the occult who want to exalt them self Lucifer style.
Atheists made their decision because they believe the scientific community,they had an outside source help them to make that decision,but the atheist deceives himself,and there is no facts to back up that they can achieve godlike power through nature,but their lust for power causes to believe in that,like Lucifer's lust for power blinded him thinking God could not stop him from exalting himself.
I seen atheists and they do not act any different than someone that believes in a God that does not go for religion,which I am saying that there is a good chance that the atheist could change their mind,the only thing is that they like to believe they are rooted in reality and facts,and do not fall for the mumbo-jumbo,fairy telling ways of the world,and the vain imaginations of people,so it is kind of hard to reach them,especially when it it by faith we are saved,and faith is the substance of things not seen,the evidence of things not seen,and we walk by faith and not sight,and Jesus said,blessed is he that has not seen but still believes,so we have to believe in a God and a kingdom that we cannot see,so it is hard to give them enough concrete facts for them to believe.
But God said there is evidence to lead us to the conclusion that there is a God,for faith is the 'evidence of things not seen',the main one being creation,and that is why I believe there is a God,because I do not believe in evolution,but a God created all things,which I believe I have enough proof of reason to believe that.
But God said people will be reached to accept the truth by different means,but do not do it like the Roman Catholic Church when they persecuted people to accept.
In addition to the planting of seeds, I believe it was love that was the tipping point for me. I had a crush on a girl in high school who was nicer in ways than other girls. I heard she was a Christian. Not a perfect person, but someone who was unlike the world certain ways (Because she did not judge me by the fact that was I was overweight at the time). I also ran into another Christian woman after graduation, who again was also different and nicer because she was a Christian. There was much to admire about their inner beauty (in both these women) that was far more important to me than just the exterior beauty. Anyways, it made realize that there was love in the world; And if there is love... well....then surely there is a God indeed. For God is love.
Hi friends! I'm an atheist, my primary goal is to clear up questions and hopefully create some understanding about what it is to be atheist. I am familiar with the stereotypes that we think we are somehow intellectually superior and I can assure you intelligence is not related to your position on god, theist/atheist, education is available to all who seek it. Some of the smartest people I know consist of both theist and atheist. I'm not angry with your god or anyone else's. That being said, hello!
To those who seek to witness effectively among atheists, check out some of the recent videos on YouTube around the subject "Irrefutable Proof of God". I'm not saying the proof is, in fact, irrefutable, but the line of reasoning is sound. Essentially, if all we are is bags of chemicals arranged by chance, then there are no laws of logic. Yet atheists continually and often inadvertently appeal to such laws. At which point you may ask how such laws exist if we ourselves only exist by chance. The videos say it better.
The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts and brings to repentance, in His time, as others have said. Our role is to be prepared and equipped.
Blessings,
Dino
The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts and brings to repentance, in His time, as others have said. Our role is to be prepared and equipped.
Blessings,
Dino
You can tell if the atheist is honest or not by his attitude and questions he makes. If he is the kind of person who simply loves to argue and copy-paste cliches taken from atheist blogs, channels, books etc. than the best thing a christian can do is follow Christ' advice of not casting pearls before swine.
Or they think you owe them an explanation as to why you believe in God and why you believe the Bible. Imagine if you believe in a purple banana dragon and I don't, then why would I want you to explain why you believe in the purple banana dragon? Since I don't believe in a purple banana dragon then the purple banana dragon is irrelevant to me
"and I can assure you intelligence is not related to your position on god"
Actually, it is! It is directly related to my position > born again IN Christ. God. < Big G required here for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom ...Wisdom comes ONLY from the LORD. Ask and it shall be given to you.Seek and you shall find. Knock and it will be opened to you.
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.
Matthew 7:7
Ask and it shall be given to you.Seek and you shall find. Knock and it will be opened to you.
Actually, it is! It is directly related to my position > born again IN Christ. God. < Big G required here for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom ...Wisdom comes ONLY from the LORD. Ask and it shall be given to you.Seek and you shall find. Knock and it will be opened to you.
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 14:12
There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.
James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.
Matthew 7:7
Ask and it shall be given to you.Seek and you shall find. Knock and it will be opened to you.
Friend, I see the atheist cliched "apologetics" have poisoned your reason. Otherwise you would not compare believing into the One Living God with believing in a banana dragon.
This is one of the major mistakes we, christians, do. We let ourselves fooled by the atheist deviated reasoning and dive into that reasoning and talk about God from the interior of that twisted reasoning (the classic atheist reasoning where the Living God is placed on the same ontological level with Tooth fairy or leprechauns).
This is one of the major mistakes we, christians, do. We let ourselves fooled by the atheist deviated reasoning and dive into that reasoning and talk about God from the interior of that twisted reasoning (the classic atheist reasoning where the Living God is placed on the same ontological level with Tooth fairy or leprechauns).
I find this post interesting, because in the relationships I've had with people who are atheists, they've never acted intellectually superior to me. The only time I've encountered that attitude is online. But then again, I've encountered fellow-believers who acted intellectually superior to me based on their doctrinal beliefs, so it's hardly the cornered market of atheists.
Mostly people get frustrated with atheists when they try to debate them into the kingdom...which is altogether different than just accepting and loving the person. I do think it's a waste of time to act as if we can present a set of statements and an atheist will say, "Oh wow! I am so overwhelmed by your logic that I am convinced God is real." I think it's far more effectual to love the person, pray for the person, and let the Holy Spirit be at work.
Mostly people get frustrated with atheists when they try to debate them into the kingdom...which is altogether different than just accepting and loving the person. I do think it's a waste of time to act as if we can present a set of statements and an atheist will say, "Oh wow! I am so overwhelmed by your logic that I am convinced God is real." I think it's far more effectual to love the person, pray for the person, and let the Holy Spirit be at work.