Oizen

As unpopular as Christianity has become in today's pop'culture, how do you respond to militant atheists who want you to feel as spiritually lonely and rejected as they do by trying to disprove the divine in personally questioning you over the unanswerable mysteries of faith?

They state that they are content in their belief of nothingness but, rabidly demand that you justify your "imaginary friend" with an attempt to sway you away from your illogical tomfoolery. How do you respond without condescending their inquisition or causing them to be defensive?

Duo

It's simple, just politely say I made a personal choice to put my trust in something ( or someone if your referring to God Specifically, and not just your Faith ) intangible. Tell them that is your choice, just like it is there choice to be an Atheist, if they demand a reason then in return say "I do not question your beliefs so I would prefer it if you do not question mine."


Actually with todays youth, you would prolly just be better off saying :

You do you, I'mma do me.

Now if you try to tell them that God is a fact and such and such then yea I could see why they would be mad at you!

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Lewz and Jesus are my homeboys.
"Imagination and Memory are but one thing, which for diverse considerations have diverse names."

Oizen

I agree... and disagree...

I don't know if I agree with simply dismissing them as I'm rarely positive that they are not genuinely searching and longing for help.

I normally begin responding to requests for proof with something along the lines of: It's a personal journey into faith that no one can give you answers to... not wikipedia... not google... not coworkers... not your priest... not your parents... only you, the almighty vastness of questions, and your only real possession in life. Choice.

Reflect on the personal history of your life and you may honestly find divine miracles within your heart.

I also tend to challenge them to broaden their views by saying something like: I believe it is not the answer but, rather, the question that is truly important in life. Ask yourself WHY you must have the answer.

the_zeeba

Just keep in mind that God pretty much promises that if you name His name you will be persecuted. Youre never alone. Everything you go through, someone has already been through it. No matter how hard the temptation or persecution, God /promises/ to give you a way through it.

Do what the Bible says with no regard for what other people think about you and you'll be ok. Promise.

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evidence cannot create faith; it can only confirm it

Ruzan

We all get this, all of the time. I usually just remind them that I am not pushing my religion onto them, or invading their space in any way, so they should leave me the hell alone about it.

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"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Ruzan

Two things.

First, be very careful what you say, some things have insurmountable repercussions. This is not a threat, but rather a friendly warning that harsh and horrible words like that are not taken lightly by Him.

Second, and not to be a jerk, but why would you come and register at a site where the main purpose was something you "hate more than herpies" for any other reason than to troll?

I'm having a hard time understanding the purpose behind your post. Why seek some sort of revenge against a group of people who did nothing more than leave a piece of paper on your doorstep. Unless you happen to be one of those athiests who claim to hate religion, yet cannot seem to stop talking about it.

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"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Ruzan

Well I'll admit, thats very very sad to hear that from you, especially after reading that awesome story you posted on the coming-out section.

I wont act like one of those Christians I cannot stand and point a finger at you and go "you know whur yer goin dont che?", but I will say that after a story like that, how can you not believe in a compassionate God who loves you?

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"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Ruzan

My last few replies were aimed towards a troll (Ritul?) who posted some strange and offensive comments on the site, Eric deleted those posts and thats why they look so out of place, my apologies.

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"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9

TommyStrand

2 Timothy 3:12-15:
"Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

Every person you meet has a need that you through God can fill. If they are christian, then encourage them, if they are non-christian, then you show them God. This is done in many ways.

You just walk with God and the holy spirt will help you. Pray for wisdom to know how to answer everyone. Read and study the bible. Ask for advice here as well - a great step.

Be sure you love everyone, no matter if they make fun of you. If they understood what you do, they wouldn't have done it, and they would repent and live for God like you do. So be patient with them.

Ruzan

I've actually found since I have been saved that my life has opened alot of doors to be able to explain Jesus.

I'm a programmer at a software dev firm in Indy, I dont make a ton of money and I'm married with 4 kids so I carry plenty of stress with me daily. But, through Jesus, I have patience. I can calm myself by having a short conversation with Him. This has prompted others in my life to ask how I can continue on without blowing up, and I explain why.

I think living a Christian life, or the best you can, is one of the best selling points to others about what we believe.

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"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Proverbs 16:9