Is 'Christians insulting Atheists' the norm or the exception in this forum?

Question

And in any case, why don't they turn their multiple other cheeks?

Why not do as Jesus told them to do?

Answer 1

Mistakes Christians make when dialoguing
with Atheists
Most Christians mean well when they defend their faith. But, too often, many make fundamental errors when dialoguing with atheists. We need to make as few errors as possible, not simply to win an argument, but to help the atheist come to a saving relationship with the Lord Jesus.


Following are common mistakes made by theists when dialoguing with atheists.

Labeling Atheists


Some Christians have labeled atheists as evil, stupid, devil-worshippers, or morally void. Though there may be some atheists who fit these categories (as would many in the general population), atheists are not categorically evil, stupid, devil-worshipping, degenerates with no morals. Many of them are fine citizens, honest, caring, loving, and patient. For a Christian, or anyone for that matter, to make a blanket statement about atheists in a derogatory manner is wrong. It is the same thing atheists sometimes do when they accuse Christians of being irrational, psychotic, or stupid. Such accusations have no place on either side of the argument of truth.

Generally speaking, atheists are not stupid. Many of them have thought through their position over a long period of time and arrive at conclusions after much thought. Some were raised in religious homes, have seen what religion has to offer, and have rejected it. Of course, I think that atheists have drawn incorrect conclusions about God, but it doesn't mean they are dumb. Some atheists have presented very cogent arguments against the existence of God, which need to be addressed.

So, just because someone believes in God and encounters someone who doesn't, that does not mean that either side is stupid. Labeling and name-calling have no place in the discussion.

Ignoring Atheists' Questions


If you were standing on a railroad track and a train was heading your way, closing your eyes and ignoring the locomotive will not make it go away. If an atheist asks a question and you ignore it repeatedly, it would be fair for him to conclude you were incapable of answering the objection. Of course, this does not mean you have to always answer everything because dialogue flows both ways. But, it is important that you face issues. If you don't have an answer, admit it. That's okay. It doesn't mean you are wrong. It means you don't have an answer. Go study and get an answer and get back to him.
Stating that Atheism is a religion


Atheists will repeatedly tell you that they are not in a religion. A religion almost always is defined to include belief in a deity of some sort. Atheism is non-belief in a deity. It isn't necessarily a "belief that there is no God," (though it can be)but is "not believing either way."

To label an atheist as a religious person is to put up a roadblock to effective communication. It would be like someone saying to a Christian, "You believe in a mean, tyrannical being who likes to torture people." The Christian would simply role his eyes and think that the person doesn't know what he's talking about. So, how much effective conversation could there be in either instance? Not much.

Stating unsupportable facts


No one has all documentation for everything they say. It is not reasonable to require proof from an atheist on everything said. Nevertheless, if you are going to state a fact or two, it is good to have the documentation at the tip of your tongue -- at least occasionally, of have access to it. It adds to your credibility. Of course, you don't have to document everything, but if you have some illustrious fact to use, try and have it documented.
Never admitting when you are wrong


Pride is a harmful thing. It caused the fall. It ruins marriages. It leads to anger and self-righteousness. It has no place in the Christian's life. Never admitting you are wrong is being prideful. If an atheist, or anyone, proves you wrong is something, be kind and courteous. Admit you made a mistake and go on. Everyone makes mistakes, even atheists. There is nothing wrong with admitting an error. It no more proves you are wrong about Christianity than being wrong about the color of a boat means boats don't exist. But, if you never admit when you are wrong, you will not be able to convince anyone in a discussion of your position. You will simply loose the respect of the one with whom you are debating.

Answer 2

Some Christians insulting any non Christians is the norm here, as are the responses to these guys...

Answer 3

The great part is that after a Christian bashes an Atheist, all they have to do is ask Jesus for forgiveness. No harm, no foul.

Atheists, on the other, must be responsible for their own actions.

Answer 4

Jesus Himself was not afraid to confront.
You can find the disciples doing the same thing.

Christians should NEVER be afraid to expose the darkness

John 18:22-24
22And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?

23Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?

24Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.

Answer 5

I might desire to assert that as a individual of the christian faith, that's somewhat the christians that condemn others to hell for being sinners quicker than what Christ might. Christ somewhat pronounced himself "those without sin forged the 1st stone". I relish "back row" baptist the main. those are those understand they do no longer seem to be ideal and luxuriate in a courting with God and least in all probability to show palms. Atheists do no longer hardship me in the event that they understand what christianity is approximately and do exactly no longer stick to. you ought to no longer shove your perception down someones throat. i do no longer desire them to inform me i'm incorrect anymore than they desire me to inform them an identical element. I somewhat have contacts that i'm especially specific are atheist and luxuriate in conversing with them. I somewhat have in no way been made to sense undesirable by making use of them approximately it and don't do anymore or much less sinning for having them as acquaintances.

Answer 6

Hey...we're all human. Sinners from the day we are born.

But I try not to 'insult' anyone in this forum. If I state my beliefs apposed to a question asked, and it insults someone. I'm sorry!

Answer 7

Unfortunately, the norm on this forum.

Answer 8

I agree no one should insult another on this forum.

On the other hand some people consider any disagreement of opinion or belief as an insult.

We need to attempt to treat each other in a civil manner or as the Bible puts it "treat others as you would have them treat you."

With love in Christ.

Answer 9

It goes back & forth. Atheists seem to take great pleasure in stirring up the religious folk, and vice versa.

Answer 10

Yep - and visa versa. Big difference is Christians REPORT people who displease them with postings.