is it better to just pray for atheists or try to convince them?

Question

because obviously they feel annoyed by christians doing that so why not pray for them instead and let GOD do the real work?

Answer 1

As an atheist I'm surprised at that. I am completely and utterly against religion but I am well aware that a number of christian, hindu and muslim friends of mine pray for me. It doesn't bother me at all, although I do think they are wasting their time.

I also quite enjoy it when religious people try to convince me, largely because it gives me an opportunity to point out the numerous flaws in their belief system.

Answer 2

Wouldn't you feel annoyed if people kept coming at you, and kept trying to convince you that what you believe in your heart of hearts was false?

Christianity is no big secret. Everyone knows it is out there and knows what it can offer. Having people come around and try to convince you some more, once you've made up your mind to walk a different path, is a little much. With that being said..why not just pray for all those who you feel need saving. Don't tell them you're doing it. Just do it. That way you won't hurt anyones feelings, and you'll satisfy your need to 'help' people.

Just remember - atheists are no different then Christians outside of the spiritual realm. They're human and have feelings too.

Answer 3

I believe we should do our "good deeds" behind close doors instead of them get angry and sinning. We as Christians can be a stumbling block or hindrance more than a helper. WE should pray for them and not try to convert them. Speak the truth in Love if asked a question about our faith and don't compromise. I believe they are very annoyed with believers and you can definitely tell by some the questions and answers in the section. Good question!! God bless the atheists! Amen.

Shalom

Answer 4

As an atheist i would say that it would be better for you to pray for us than to try and convert us. We tend to be atheists because there is no evidence for the existence of god(s). If you try to convert us we will require that you meet your burden of proof before we would even take your argument seriously. Since there is no evidence that god exists that is a moot point. On a similar note since prayer is absolutely ineffective in producing any measurable result you would be expending much less energy on the latter while effecting the same result.

If you truly feel bound to "do something" for us atheists praying would be easier on you and us.

I appreciate your concern for our souls (though i don't believe the concept of a soul either). The fact that you care for our well-being is of note and i thank you.

Answer 5

One of my favorite sayings "let live and let God"
Pray for specific people. Or groups as you will and then" let God. Only he can convince an unbeliever he exists. Our attempts can only make them angry.
He has other ways of convincing and giving them proof he's there. And in his own time, they will know the truth and the truth will set them free!
It may not be till they cross the threshold of this life into the next, but Oh won't they be surprised!

Answer 6

As an atheist, I would rather you did neither.

It's a waste of time to us for 2 reasons; we don't believe in prayer and according to the bible we would go to hell anyway (for not accepting jesus). Instead do some charity work in my name. Do something productive with your time. This way you're helping many more people, and those who want to be "helped". And don't volunteer for religious charities or groups. Make your effort pure by doing it at a place that has no other agenda.

Besides, even if you're right and there is a heaven/hell, I'd rather go to hell.

Answer 7

According to Paul, we are supposed to do both (Yes, I know that only the Holy Spirit can actually "convince" anyone of anything, but bear with me for a moment.).

Isn't it unreasonable to just "pray" that someone will know the truth, if no one has told that person what the truth is? (See Romans, below). On the other hand, the Bible makes it clear that we cannot force someone to listen; but we do have a standing command from God to make sure that we tell everyone the truth whether they listen or not, and to do our best to clear up any misconceptions (Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 4:1-5). I suppose once or twice is enough.

Actually, I don't bother atheists unless they bother me first by asking a smart-mouthed question. Why are they always trying to convert us if they don't want us to convert them? Must the argument always be one sided? If they didn't "bait" us with silly questions, we wouldn't know that they were atheists in the first place.

2 Timothy 2:25-27 (New International Version)
Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Romans 10:14-16 (NIV)
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Ezekiel 2:4-8 (NIV)
The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says.' And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house ..."

New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

Answer 8

Well since god is an imaginary creature, what's the point?
As for praying, go right ahead. Who am I to dissuade someone from wasting thier time.
I would suggest however that you forgo that particular waste of time and turn on history TV or Discovery channel. Heck, you might learn something instead!

Answer 9

Its not the job of believers to convince anyone only offer the truth. once they turn you down you should move on to the next. But doing so in a kind way. everyone is not going to take to the word of God and never should we place judgment upon them. Nor should we address them in anger nor should we deny their right to believe in what they choose to believe. This is their free will so it should be respected. By hounding the non-believer all you will do is make matters worse and make yourself look foolish. we show people how to live not tell them how they should live.

Answer 10

properly, i've got by no skill had any sign of prayer being responded, and my kinfolk is many times very non secular. actual, to be honest, the main info i've got encountered of human beings arguing from lack of awareness is believers. Many make wild statements approximately atheists, or evolution or in spite of - many times stuff they reproduction and paste from the internet - that are only incorrect and point out they do no longer hassle actual analyzing up on the concern count. I won't attempt and push that argument on you. you're able to desire to make up your individual concepts the form you desire to stay. however the honour has to run the two methods.