How do I explain christianity to someone who doesn't believe?

Question

I really like this guy but he questions so much about God and faith and religion...I'm a christian myself but I'm so bad at debating..I wan't to be encouraging but I can't find the right words to get him to be more open to learn more about it without being critical or negative.. I wish I was gifted with the right words so that he could just understand what it means to have the lord in your life..I really care about this guy but it hurts to know that he has no faith..

Thanks for all the reply's so far...let me say that I am not the one who is initiating the debate..he is all about it. I told him I will not debate because i do agree that is another way of saying "argue"..I can tell he is very interested but instead of finding all the answers for him...you guys are right..I will pray for him..ask him to attend church with me...the rest is in god's hands right?..his name is Troy...mines Jessica. please pray for him and for us :) thanks

Answer 1

Don't try to push your faith onto anyone else, You should like him for who he is and if christianity isn't him then you should accept that...

If you can't, Really really can't.

Move on.

Answer 2

First, let me encourage you to be careful how far you take your relationship with this guy. Many of the women on my mom's side of the family married men who did not share their faith, they aren't hostile toward the Christian faith, they just aren't spiritual. The odds seem to lean toward the non-spiritual member in the relationship pulling the more spiritual member away from their faith, rather than the other way around. Please keep this in mind as you consider your feelings for this person.
Now to your actual question. I've read a few different books on methods to share your faith, and the one thing they seem to agree on is sharing your own testimony of how God has changed your life since accepting Christ. People can't argue with your personal experience. They might rationalize that any change you experienced was just due to chance or your own will and desire. When it comes down to it, there isn't much that you personally can do to convince someone of the reality of Christ. Prayer is the key here. Pray for your friend, and ask those you know that share your faith to pray for him as well. God is in the business of changing hearts, and he is the only one with the power to do it.

My advice is to pray and look for opportunities to share, but don't necessarily think that you need to start a debate every time you meet with this person. Your goal should be to share what you know of Christ, and if all he wants to do is argue with you, perhaps you might need to stop and say, "You know, I'm just trying to share something that is important to me, and I would like you to hear it. I'm not asking you to agree with it right now, just to hear what I have to say."

As far as what to say, one book that I found to be helpful for ideas to start conversation in a non-threatening way and to share what you believe in a simple straightforward fashion is Sharing Jesus Without Fear. Really, though, you could probably find plenty of good information with a couple of well worded web searches.

Answer 3

First of all, don't debate.

Second, live it in front of him instead of trying to talk to him about it too much. Living is the best way to show someone what being a Christian is about.

Third, let him bring it up. Pray constantly about what you will say when given the opportunity. Then just share from your heart what Jesus Christ means to you. It's best not to jump into Bible verses and such unless they ask for that. It's most important for you to be able to share your testimony.

Hope that helps! :)

P.S. Do Not marry him if he is not a true believer. I have seen it happen too many times and it will only lead to heart ache.

Answer 4

Teach it to him and be respectful. Rather then debating (which is a lie for argueing.) ask him if he would be willing to learn about what you believe. Do not force him to take your view. Just explain it the same way you know it. Remember your goal is to explain Christianity to him, not convert him.

"Question, even the existence of God, because if indeed he does exist, he would appreciate the homage of reason, rather than that of blindfolded fear"
---Blind Faith in Bad Leadership is Not Patriotism

Hails,
Silence

Answer 5

I know the feeling, my parents aren't Christian. What I would do, watch "The Way of the Master" by Kirk Cameron and another dude. It is an awesome serious showing you how to Biblically share your faith and how to witness like Christ. It is a 4 DVD series but I think they are also on some Christian TV channels. Go to http://thewayofthemaster.com for more info. But this is a great way to learn how to get over your fears and how to get to his heart.

Answer 6

Well, start with what he DOES believe in and move on from there. For example, ask him what he believes about life's origins, purpose and meaning. Use his answers against him, i.e. from his answers show him why they are false or wrong, hopefully you can persuade him of that. Once he concedes a point, offer the Biblical answer and ask "Does this make sense to you?" And stick with the issue and not get distracted over red herrings.

Answer 7

some people are ready for the lord to come into their lives. this guy that your seeing is not ready. Just by living your life is the guidance and light of the lord is enough. Your young, learn from being with him, don't try to change him, if its really important for you to get him to understand, try introducing him to someone you know in the church.

Answer 8

Maybe he is just to smart to buy that mambo jumbo in which case you will never convince him. He might very well realize that religiosity is a universal human trait that fills a psychological. This need includes but is not limited to need to believe in ones own specialness and immortality. Beliefs are or at least were until recently geographically localized.

Answer 9

Hello friend,
May I suggest that you refrain from trying to debate religion with your friend if you want to remain friends.

What I believe your best approach to be is just live out a Godly life before your friend in all that you do.

Keep him in your prayers, read your Bible, especially passages having to do with how to lead him to Christ, and as God softens his heart, you'll be ready to gently answer his questions with confidence.

Stay strong in the faith dear one.
Blessings,
2 Tim. 2:7

Answer 10

Religion is not something you can force or persuade anyone to have. They have to figure it out for themselves.

Missionaries look to do good acts for a community they go to first before they start preaching. They do things to help people to put them in a better mood.

If this guy questions your faith, it means he's had bad experiences with it. Ask him why he was issues with it. Listen to what his problems are. Realize that if he's had many poor experiences with christianity it will require many good experiences with it for him to change his mind.

Answer 11

Pray for him asking God to enlighten him and open his mind and heart to His Truth. Also there are many good books out there and web sites where he can check it out if he so desires. The best way to evangelize is to be a "follower of Jesus" in all your areas of life.