Atheists: Can I ask you to play the "God's-Advocate" for a moment?

Question

What pro-God arguments are there that you respect?

What sort of arguments do you wish Christians would present you with?

If you had to argue *for* Christianity (and you have to do a good job of it), what one argument would you go with?

I'm curious to see how many people will spew hatred against Christianity instead of being mature enough to try to answer from another person's POV...

Answer 1

Innnteresting question. Let's give it a shot.

Attempting to persuade atheists of the existence of the Christian God, I'd head straight for the mystery. I would embrace the "magic" of science, and argue that until they could provide theories to explain everything, there is a place for the idea of a creator from "somewhere else" beyond the universe as we know it. I would begin by presenting the idea that all our gods are shades of that creator, and that it attempts to make contact with living creatures every now and then to guide them towards beign a positive influence on the universe, rather than a negative one. Once they'd come that far with me, I'd build on the idea that human beings often get things wrong. That way, I'd reassure them in the first instance that none of the things they disagree with in the Bible are actually direct and correct quotations from God, while focussing on the messages of love and stewardship. There would of course be time enough to establish a more rigorous understanding of what God "likes and dislikes" at a later point when they were thinking in a Christian mode.

The idea of the embodiment of the creator in human form I would approach in a particularly human way - the yearning to experience, to teach directly, rather than through the kind of distant dictation of the Commandments. And from there on, focus on the essential ideas of love and salvation - not from "sin" but through education, salvation from the path of negative energy.

Essentially therefore that'd be an approach I could respect, and one I would use - don't under any circumstances claim to know everything, cos that just pisses atheists off. Work on the idea that they don't know everything either, talk in scientific terms - other universes, positive and negative energy rather than good and evil, that sort of thing. Avoid the "wrath of God" episodes like...well, like the plague, come to think of it(!) Banishment From Eden? Noah's Very Soggy Day? The Big Revelations Ending? Stay away from these issues because they infer the kind of paternalism that annoys atheists, whereas the idea of love and teaching is pretty universal. That, I feel, would be the way to go in this quest.

Answer 2

This is not a debating society. I have heard all the pro-god arguments and found them each wanting. There are no arguments that do not beg the question at some level with an assumption of deity, when an assumption of no-deity serves equally well.

After spending 30 years in increasingly liberal churches, majoring in religion, attending seminary, and trying hard to rectify my perceptions and scientific knowledge of the universe with the idea that some deity existed, I eventually concluded that the universe has no room for a god, simply because science keeps making discoveries that push any describable divinity further and further out of the picture.

If there were an intervening god, then all scientific papers would have to include the statement, "Or perhaps this is just a miracle of God and all our data are untrue." But the universe has become increasingly predictable, although our knowledge doesn't allow us to make full predictions yet. With every new discovery, god's realm shrinks, with any interventions into daily life so highly unlikely that they are as easy to ignore as the probability that a Porsche will appear in my driveway overnight.

So, although I appreciate your effort to try to build a bridge, I find theism highly improbable, and Christianity positively ludicrous. However, do not jump to the conclusion that I dismiss all spirituality. I believe people can make incredibly meaningful connections with one another and with nature. But there is no need for God in that scenario.

Answer 3

The reality is there just aren't any good arguments for the existence of god. Thats why it's called faith. I have a lot of Christian friends. From time to time I have tried to get into intelligent argument with them about the existance of god. I try to be nice, because I understand how hard it is for some people let the idea of god go.
What every argument I've ever had with someone I respected over god's existance has come down to one of two endings.
1.) They begin to start doubting there beliefs and they see my point.
2.) We eventually come to a point where they won't admit they are wrong, but they have to start conceding things. At that point I usually get something to the tune of "You just have to believe in god, there is no why or reasons. It's just faith." Too which I say thats fine, believe whatever you want I won't try and change your mind, it's your business. Just don't try and change mind and we'll be fine.

All I ask is that christians understand that not only do atheists have good reasons for believeing what we believe, we probably know more about what we're talking about then you do. So don't look down on me, don't treat me like a bad person, and don't pass laws against me, and i'll do the same for you.

Answer 4

If I had to argue FOR Christianity it would be in the sense that I feel it has the right to exist and that other people should respect that. I could not be involved in a debate for it's rightness. I have no wish for any arguments to be presented to me, anyone who does is not really one of us...

Answer 5

I suppose if I thought there were any valid pro-god arguments, I wouldn't be an atheist.

The best I have found so far is Anselm's modal ontological argument. It's quite clever and tripped up rationalists for years until Russel busted it apart. In retrospect, it's trivially easy to demonstrate the flaws, but Anselm gets points regardless.

Answer 6

There really are no pro-god arguments that I respect.

If I want to bring more followers into Christianity I would use psychology, using their fears and desires against them.

1. You will go to hell if you don't believe.

2. Heaven is the place of eternal bliss

3. God will love you with all his heart

4. Jesus died on the cross for you

I believe these are the best way most Christians convert non-believers into their religion.

Answer 7

I'm an atheist. The best pro God argument I can think of, would be the rest of the world laying down arms instead of killing each other in God's name.

TO JEWISHGIRL: (answered above), what are you looking at????? There are many organized well thought out answers here. Stop hating and generalizing

Answer 8

I'd prefer arguments that presented actual evidence of their god instead of personal anecdotes, deliberate misinterpetations of scientific discoveries, and known pious frauds. I'd prefer solid evidence of the supernatural and testable hypothesis, not unprovable assertions and fairy tales.

If I HAD to argue for Christianity, I'd focus on the mythical aspects of the Bible and the Christian faith...and stay as far away from literalism as possible. I'd try to demonstrate that the Christian Way is not about what dogma or doctrine is superior, but who you help and who you love.

Too bad that Christianity's own Bible speaks against those ideals.

Answer 9

I respect all Christians and the fact that they believe in a higher power and act accordingly. However as an atheists I am my highest power and that effects my decisions. I do not wish for anyone to argue with me on my beliefs or their own because everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I would say arguing for any religion or none at all is this world's biggest problem. There is already so much division we do not need to create more. I respect everyone.

Answer 10

I can think of no pro-god arguments that I do respect. If I had to argue for christianity I would use what religions have used for centuries and it has proved effective. Religions of all types are all about fear, intimidation, and intolerance.