Do Christians ever debate with atheists to strengthen or test their the validity of their beliefs?

Question

I know I do this.

But I'm just your friendly neighborhood atheist heathen.

Answer 1

I didn't think so at first, but inevitably it has happened.

You, personally, have asked many questions that have caused me to think, "Hey, yeah, what IS with that anyway??"

The difference with me is I go to the Bible and find valid answers. You strengthen my faith everyday. Thank you.

Answer 2

Yes. I am a Christian and I think it is very healthy for anyone (regardless of their religion) to question their beliefs and consider other points of view. Sometimes new information changes my opinions on subjects, but I have found that my religious beliefs have only been strengthened by healthy conversation/debate. That being said, I always require that the conversations happen in a respectful & open way. If you expect me to learn something or be open to your point of view I expect you to grant me the same respect. Just seeing some of the responses here shows how heated & disrespectful religious discussions can be.

Answer 3

By the Atheist I understand the man who not only holds off, like the sceptic, from the affirmative, but who drives himself, or is driven, to the negative assertion in regard to the whole unseen, or to the existence of God.

Moreover, the breadth of comprehension in such a use of the term admits of divisions and cross-divisions being framed under it; and at the same time limits the number of systems of thought to which, with any propriety, it might otherwise be extended. Also, if the term is thus taken, in strict contradistinction to theism, and a plan of its possible modes of acceptance made, these systems of thought will naturally appear in clearer proportion and relationship.

Thus, defined as a doctrine, or theory, or philosophy formally opposed to theism, atheism can only signify the teaching of those schools, whether cosmological or moral, which do not include God either as a principle or as a conclusion of their reasoning.

The most trenchant form which atheism could take would be the positive and dogmatic denial existence of any spiritual and extra-mundane First Cause. This is sometimes known as dogmatic, or positive theoretic, atheism; though it may be doubted whether such a system has ever been, or could ever possibly be seriously maintained. Certainly Bacon and Dr. Arnold voice the common judgment of thinking men when they express a doubt as to the existence of an atheist belonging to such a school. Still, there are certain advanced phases of materialistic philosophy that, perhaps, should rightly be included under this head. Materialism, which professes to find in matter its own cause and explanation, may go farther, and positively exclude the existence of any spiritual cause. That such a dogmatic assertion is both unreasonable and illogical needs no demonstration, for it is an inference not warranted by the facts nor justified by the laws of thought. But the fact that certain individuals have left the sphere of exact scientific observation for speculation, and have thus dogmatized negatively, calls for their inclusion in this specific type. Materialism is the one dogmatic explanation of the universe which could in any sense justify an atheistic position. But even materialism, however its advocated might dogmatize, could do no more than provide an inadequate theoretic basis for a negative form of atheism. Pantheism, which must not be confused with materialism, in some of its forms can be placed also in this division, as categorically denying the existence of a spiritual First Cause above or outside the world.

Answer 4

I'm not atheist, but they don't know that. I never give out what belief I am to people around me. For no other reason then I want to strengthen their beliefs and test them. I am a believer in all religions and beliefs, it's not what you are but that you are something, that even includes atheism. I don't just test christians, but any belief I come across. I've made sure I am knowledgable enough it all beliefs to do what I need.

Answer 5

The whole point in choosing whether you believe in God or not and being able to call yourself a theist, atheist or agnostic is that Christians can have different beliefs. We don't persuade others to think differently. If you don't believe in God, fine. If you do, fine and if you are not sure, fine. No one should try and be turned against their beliefs and there is no evidence that God exists or that he doesn't. I say let people believe what they want.

Answer 6

i do it just for fun mostly and also because I can't NOT express myself. Sometimes I'm shocked at what most people believe to be truth. Alot of times someone brings up a point and it gets me thinking and reading up on that subect....it just strengthens my faith.

Answer 7

I think some do, but most seem to be genuinely horrified that we don't share their delusions, and sincere in wanting to try and point us to the right path. I don't think many of them come here just for the fun of practising debate and refining their arguments.

Answer 8

Sometimes I am reminded of scriptures that I have forgotten and it's good excersise to keep the word refreshed in my heart as I search for the answers with my mind.

Answer 9

Not exactly that. I have discussions to bring up issues I would not have thought about before, which gets me reading and thinking. It also forces me to be more articulate and communicate clearly. It is mostly a learning exercise.

Answer 10

Nope no need to. We already know the truth. The only reason Christians will ever bother talking to Atheist is to show them the truth.