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You're not just quoting scripture, you are applying quoted scripture to a group of people for whom it was not actually addressed. That passage says nothing at all about atheists being any more wicked than Christians - it was written to the church in ROME thousands of years ago not to atheists in 21st century America and, as such, must be considered within that context. Instead, you're insisting on telling atheists that their unbelief stems from their wickedness when, in point of fact, many people are atheists because they honestly don't believe in god. It is not for you or I to judge the motivation behind their unbelief - it is for us to show God's love. Or do you despise the riches of His kindness, restraint, and patience, not recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead to repentance?
Lurker
Lurker
It's sadly ironic that I quoted scripture to you in the post you're replying to which you chose, apparently, to completely ignore. This thread is about atheism, not the theory of evolution, and my purpose is to point out that using this passage to proclaim to atheists that their unbelief is a product of their wickedness is inconsistent and counterproductive. No one is asking you to "cower", and using such language implies that you are looking at this as some kind of personal contest of pride in your faith instead of recognizing that God's kindness is intended to lead to repentance.
Lurker
Lurker
1
That passage does address atheists. It addresses all who choose not to believe, some of which happen to be atheists. Yes God's kindness does lead to repentance, but that doesn't mean we don't speak truth and show people the true reason for disbelief.
I'll continue to quote the Bible, reach people for God and the like on this site. I understand some view the word of God as a threat and will try to muck up the work by throwing wrenches in the gears. Regardless, I will continue the work of God.
I'll continue to quote the Bible, reach people for God and the like on this site. I understand some view the word of God as a threat and will try to muck up the work by throwing wrenches in the gears. Regardless, I will continue the work of God.
A
Stillie I found some more Bible verses:
Isaiah 5:18-21
New King James Version (NKJV)
18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity,
And sin as if with a cart rope;
19 That say, “Let Him make speed and hasten His work,
That we may see it;
And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come,
That we may know it.”
20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
Isaiah 5:18-21
New King James Version (NKJV)
18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity,
And sin as if with a cart rope;
19 That say, “Let Him make speed and hasten His work,
That we may see it;
And let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come,
That we may know it.”
20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil;
Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness;
Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes,
And prudent in their own sight!
I'm sorry but no, it isn't. Paul is not writing to the entire world, he's writing to a church in Rome in 57 A.D., which does not translate directly into secular America in 2011 A.D.. All atheists are not homosexuals, all atheists are not murderers, all atheists are not liars, cheats, gossips, unmerciful, or untrustworthy. But by saying that this passage is about all who choose not to believe then you actually are saying that all non-believers behave this way.
Most non-believers would take one look at such woefully inaccurate applications of scripture and think, "That doesn't at all describe my behavior or reasons behind my worldview, ergo this is a bunch of insulting garbage.". Modern day America is not first century Rome, and these issues are far more complicated than, "atheists are wicked and seek to deny god in order to perpetuate their wickedness". Beating people over the head with verses of condemnation doesn't work - history has provided ample demonstrations of this fact even if your common sense is malfunctioning.
You're not reaching anyone, you're trying to cram atheists into a comforting pigeon hole with no honest discussion of the actual reasoning/motivation for their non-belief. You will positively reach precisely 0 atheists by doing so. Good luck.
Lurker
Most non-believers would take one look at such woefully inaccurate applications of scripture and think, "That doesn't at all describe my behavior or reasons behind my worldview, ergo this is a bunch of insulting garbage.". Modern day America is not first century Rome, and these issues are far more complicated than, "atheists are wicked and seek to deny god in order to perpetuate their wickedness". Beating people over the head with verses of condemnation doesn't work - history has provided ample demonstrations of this fact even if your common sense is malfunctioning.
You're not reaching anyone, you're trying to cram atheists into a comforting pigeon hole with no honest discussion of the actual reasoning/motivation for their non-belief. You will positively reach precisely 0 atheists by doing so. Good luck.
Lurker
A
ah reading and posting scriptures is never a waste of time 
lol thinking that it is your words and not God will that is actually going to change hearts, well that can be argued as a exercise of futility
James 1:12-20
New King James Version (NKJV)
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
19 So then,[a] my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
lol thinking that it is your words and not God will that is actually going to change hearts, well that can be argued as a exercise of futility
James 1:12-20
New King James Version (NKJV)
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
19 So then,[a] my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
T
ah reading and posting scriptures is never a waste of time
lol thinking that it is your words and not God will that is actually going to change hearts, well that can be argued as a exercise of futility
James 1:12-20
New King James Version (NKJV)
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
19 So then,[a] my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
lol thinking that it is your words and not God will that is actually going to change hearts, well that can be argued as a exercise of futility
James 1:12-20
New King James Version (NKJV)
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.
19 So then,[a] my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
ah reading and posting scriptures is never a waste of time