To Atheists: In this R&S forum, how can Christians state their beliefs without you feeling attacked?

Question

I see mudslinging back and forth between theists and atheists.

As a Christian, I am wondering from those with a non-Christian (or, specifically, atheist - as there seem to be many here) system of belief, how can a Christian state the essential messages of the Bible (as one sees fit) in the answering of a question and not come across as offensive? (Note that the Bible does not allow for postmodernism where each person can have their own truth. Most Christians believe that reality is created and objective and will present their thoughts in such manner.)

I'm sincerely interested in seeing if it is possible to state my fundamental Biblical beliefs as a Christian without those who are of the atheist mindset sensing that I am attempting to attack them. (After all, the main message of the Bible is repentance leading to grace and mercy, which may be offensive right there - though, not intending to be.)

(Side note: this forum would be much better without the name calling - thank you.)

Answer 1

As an atheist, I do not try to offend anyone in my responses. I tend to only answer those questions that ask for my response (like yours). I will also respond to questions that are meant to challenge atheists and their views. Otherwise, I think it is only right that theists be given the same respect and freedom to exchange ideas or help each other with questions as everyone else on YA. Sadly, like in all human endeavors, there are a few idiots who try and create trouble just for the fun of it. We should all learn to use this site in a mature and respectful manner. Take care.

Answer 2

I'm an atheist and I generally don't feel attacked when Christians state their beliefs. I respect every ones beliefs, and just ask for the same. The only time I am bothered by it is when some Christians make it seem that the Bible is the only moral code to live by, and that I have no morals for not believing in God, and the word of the Bible. I have morals, and live a good life, I just don't get it from the Bible, that's all.

Answer 3

There is nothing wrong with a HEALTHY debate on the subject. What offends us, is when Christians say things like we have no morals, we have no values, we deserve to burn in Hell, we're evil, etc. We also get offended when they ask ridiculous questions like, "Why do you want to live?", or "Why do the right thing? Why not just run amok?" Another really annoying thing is when they make broad, grandiose (and incorrect) statements such as: "Atheists become atheists because they don't want the responsibility of obeying God's laws." (Yes, that was a real one from on here.) If someone genuinely wants to UNDERSTAND how we feel, or what we think, then we have no problem with that. Your question is a decent one that doesn't offend. You were respectful.

Answer 4

To be honest, I don't see how that can happen. Humans love a good fight (football... I rest my case) and religion is a passionate, personal issue. I think it comes down to your own statement:

"Note that the Bible does not allow for postmodernism where each person can have their own truth."

But this IS the post-modern era and we all DO have our own truth. Belief is one thing... fact is quite the other. Some of us prefer facts while others are comfortable with belief. Both are welcome points of view in the world AS LONG AS one side does not force the other side to give up their facts and/or beliefs.

Answer 5

I can hardly think of a single group of people on the planet who has not heard about christianity. Why do you feel the need to keep on and on about it. It isn't as if is a unique or original story, Mithra Christos is identical and older by c1000 years. Whats so special about it that you have to bible bash 24/7, scared its going to up and vanish if you don't keep nagging people to death about it. No other belief system feels the need to be so pushy. If you just want to massage each others ego, go use a christian only web site, there are plenty available. ;) Practicing Shaman.... quantum physics rocks.

Answer 6

There is something inherently insulting about quoting a book you know someone doesn't believe as an answer to a question. If you come on Answers and say "I think it would be great if everyone would be nice to each other," (as you have) then you should get some thoughtful responses from the non-believers. Start quoting scripture, and you lose many of them from the get-go. Talk more about ideas, less about dogma would be my advice.

Answer 7

Fundamentalism is, as it were, fundamentally opposed to my worldview; moreover, it is pretty much by definition an attack on my beliefs. So I don't quite see how you can state your beliefs without it being interpreted as an attack.

(I'll gladly second your no-name-calling parentheses. Just because we disagree on a pretty fundamental interpretation of Life, the Universe, and Everything, well, that doesn't mean we have to be uncivil.)

Answer 8

Depends on what beliefs you're talking about. If we're talking about the idea that communion wafers transform into the body of Christ, that isn't offensive to me, it's just weird.

But if your views extend to what others should do -- from pregnancies to gay marriage -- it may be that your beliefs are offensive, not the way you state them.

Answer 9

The fact is, you are attacking their point of view, no matter how you try to dress it up. And when they state theirs, they are attacking yours. You don't agree with each other, so, necessarily, when you state your view you are disagreeing with people who hold a different view.

Secure Christians and secure atheists understand this, and don't take it personally. But inflammatory words will naturally rouse both sides to equally inflammatory replies.

Answer 10

I admire you for the way you phrased that.

Alas, there are no guarantees that what one person believes to be true will not offend others. In the end you can only share your thoughts and feelings as honestly and as inoffensively as you can and accept that some will be offended anyway.