Does quoting the Bible actually change the paradigm?

Question

Does having a Christian quote Bible verse have any affect on an Atheist? Does it just reinforce our argument in the Bibles fallacy, and the mindless servants? Or is it worse for an Atheist/Agnostic using it to prove discrepancies/hypocrisy or does it just sound a bit like an over inflated intellectual saying see I read it and told you so…
Does this just reinforce the dichotomy?

Answer 1

I just wonder why they never quote things like this:

Job 39:10 Canst thou bind the UNICORN with his band in the furrow? or will he harrow the valleys after thee?

Exodus 21:7 And if a man sell his daughter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do. 21:8 If she please not her master, who hath betrothed her to himself, then shall he let her be redeemed: to sell her unto a strange nation he shall have no power, seeing he hath dealt deceitfully with her.

Judges 3:29 And they slew of Moab at that time about ten thousand men, all lusty, and all men of valour; and there escaped not a man.

They always seem to leave out the parts of the bible with the unicorns, the slavery and the killing. Funny how that works.

Answer 2

Here's a quote for you "My [God's] Word shall not return void." Quoting that will more than likely not change anyone's paradigm, but that doesn't mean it's impossible to change one's paradigm by quoting scripture--how could anyone say for sure without surveying every individual that has ever lived or ever will live? Therefore, here are the answers to your questions.

1. It may or may not change someone's paradigm
2. It may or may not have an affect on an athiest (though they do seem to sometimes get angry, which is an affect and an effect)
3. Quoting something does not prove it is false (a fallacy)
4. Quoting something does not make one a mindless servant
5. Quoting something you don't believe in (athiests) does not make you a hypocrite.
6. Quoting something neither creates nor reinforces a dichotomy.

Thanks and have an open mind.

Answer 3

You know what?

It shouldn't be difficult for the amazing intellect of an atheist to figure out that a person who is truly Christian might lean upon some kind of guide in order to help them understand what they need to know.

The real cool thing about quoting a Bible verse that is relevant to the conversation is that people that are not guided by the Spirit of God won't understand it. It's like clockwork. They say things like,
" That doesn't mean anything to me. "

I've seen it myself, inadvertently.

So the whole arguement that Atheists have against Christiantiy is based upon their inability to connect what is within it. It's like clockwork. I can count on it happening every time.

So to an Atheist it seems that the Chirstian has lost it. The Christian is pulling meaningless things out of a book that has no relevancy. What the Chirstian just posted was a tangent at best, and whatever that verse is supposed to mean, ambiguous and irrelevant.

That to me shows the reality of God. Those He chooses are blessed with sight. WHOA! He promised that, didn't He?

And understanding comes through faith. Christians are Christians because the have faith that Jesus Christ rose from the dead. Atheists have no claim to that. In fact, they call that belief all kinds of things that are negative. And LOOK! They don't understand it! The Bible says that those who are His sheep will hear His voice and they do. Atheists don't claim to hear anything, they think that you are talking crazy talk if you talk about that verse too long. And yet they also claim not to understand the Bible. Just like Jesus said, the world wouldn't understand.

You see, it's happening right before your very eyes and you ask the question because you are trying to understand.

By saying this:
" Does it just reinforce our argument in the Bibles fallacy, and the mindless servants? "
For you it might! But if you are not called, you are set up for the fall. You are not supposed to understand. God does not want everybody. most people, even Christians, don't get that part.

Atheists are always acting like God owes them a sign. I'm telling you. The sign is in front of your face and you don't even see it.

Answer 4

If a person is an atheist it is also fair to say their bringing allot of baggage to the table as they consider the message, eh?

I will concede that sometimes the message of the gospel is communicated more superficially than it should be, it is however not fallacious but sound and reasonable The message of the cross is rational and reasonable and can come across through sharing of scripture

if a person has already decided they don't like something, it takes a major helping of grace to change their mind and in a real sense it isn't just the atheist but all men naturally don't like to hear it

the message is rational, but to get to the heart so the heart doesn't reject it... well that's the part that takes a mountain of grace from God to unload the baggage a person brings to the table and love the truth

Answer 5

Christians quote the Bible as though it were the truth and there should be no doubt after that. Atheists quote to bible because it seems that if Christians put so much stock in it, and we can prove the fallacy's in there, that perhaps they'll finally admit it's BS and think for themselves. It reminds me of the Matrix. They're plugged in to the Matrix, while atheists have woken up. They'd rather be plugged into the Matrix and kept calm than to know for real.

Answer 6

I suppose it depends on the Paradigm or the dichotomy? If your "box" is I am an athiest who can quote the bible then quoting the bible does not move you out of your box. If your box is I am christian "living" the words and following Christ then having an answer that includes the ever living word of the one you are following most probably WILL change the paradigm of those who are against you because NOTHING can withstand the truth of the word of God.

Answer 7

If the Bible is not printed in so many languages and so many copies so it can be discussed and quoted, what's the point in having a bible?

As for the effect it has on the listener, I doubt any generality can describe the purpose/motives/consequences for all cases.

I've quoted the bible and received both ignorant and thoughtful answers. Sometimes it helps, sometimes its ignored.

Consider the parable of sewing seeds: some fall on good earth and grow, some fall on barren soil and do not grow. Who is to predict the outcome before the effort is made?

Answer 8

It does not change anything. I often wonder why some Christians quote the Bible to people that don't believe. They don't seem to realize that Atheists think it is a fairy tale. You might as well pick up some Greek mythology and quote that to an Atheist for all the good it does.

Answer 9

The Bible is Truth. For the Christian there is no better nor more reliable book to quote from. Also as we answer questions about our faith, how else should we respond except from the inspired word of God.

Answer 10

It depends if the reader is attempting to read to understand the truth and is of a humble spirit. None can come unto Christ except the broken hearted and contrite in spirit. The spirit of meekness is one who seeks the truth and finds it.

If the reader does not desire or intend on seeking edification of what they read in the bible they will not read it and have an edifying result, they will only continue in their disbelief.