How can I convert my atheist friends without violence, bribery, whiny pleas, or trickery? (REDO)?

Question

This is a pretty much a redo of a question where the asker ended up picking the answer of "higher a stripper" So I just think it is worth asking again.

For those who would give short answers to this redo: probably don't bother…because I've taken my training from wayofthemasterradio.com...a radio show that talks about presenting the gospel the way Jesus did.

Now if Jesus was the most intelligent person who ever lived then can an idiot follow that method? A lot of atheists listen to the show, btw, which I think is amazing!

Again, this is a redo of a question where the asker picked a disconnected answer. Btw, I do, in fact, want to use rational thought and argument so I took that out of the question. But, maybe the first asker has something that works good despite whatever else.

This time the question is said tongue and cheek…Whereas for the original asker it was just a joke or whatever.
Don't forget the email link to me if you want ask something or even give me a hard time

Answer 1

First, read the parable of the sower. Everybody won't accept Christ - it's neither your job to make them, nor within your ability. That's the Holy Spirit's job. You have a good seed (the Gospel) to offer. Believe that and you won't need to be pushy.

Read Writersblock's answer - it's telling. He's been approached by Christians trying to earn points with their upline (I liked the Amway reference). What a good friend is supposed to do is OFFER the opportunity to their friend - for their friend's sake, not your own. Also read the very next answer Jtrusnik's - it too is telling. He's telling you that it's not humanly possible to convince him - and he's right. Only the Holy Spirit can do that.

Just like Amway, we are just supposed to offer the opportunity. If the timing's right, then sign up - if it's not for you, I CANNOT FORCE YOU TO BE SUCCESSFUL IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE, so don't sign up. People who you force to "just say this prayer" are not really saved. They may come to church and put a fish on their car, but they are just the "tares".

Answer 2

First step? Never, ever, reference the Bible or ask for faith. Do that, and you get everybody ignoring you. No matter what the question or topic, you can only start with the points that are agreed upon by all parties.

Present a logical, deductive argument that proves the existence of god. Define the term god, as well, solely on the basis of that argument.

Nobody in the entire history of the world has managed to do this successfully. But, I am open to the possibility, and if you end up being, I will extend my congratulations to you.

The other option is to prove such a being existed with empircism. But, in my experience, god is defined and/or attributed in such a way that direct observation is not possible. The physical universe tends to be religiously ambiguous.

If the argument survives, you've made your first point. Now, go through and keep doing the same method to demonstrate, not just that there's something called "god," but that Chrisitanity is the only logical choice. Remember, proving a "creator" doesn't really mean that the Bible is correct, nor that he had a son who died for the sins of mankind, or that faith is the answer. You have your work cut out for you...one step at a time, every single fact.

Or, you'd need to prove the truth of the supernatural events of the Bible, and let the rest fall from what each reader believes about the philosophy and messages that the book presents. This, however, may be impossible. It's easy to find evidence for the mundane events (such as the fact that Jericho did, in fact, have walls, and that they fell). It's a lot harder to show that a virgin had a son.

Answer 3

Why can't you just allow them to believe what they do? One of my biggest pet peeves as an Atheist are all the converters who just can't let someone be until they've sold them thier God like an Amway product. It's quite alright to hold intelligent conversations (I said "converSATions--not conversions!) with them about beliefs... but if you keep pushing the "Good Book" up their noses, they're bound to get sick of it sooner or later. It's happened to me more than once.

You're not a friend, you're a salesman. Think about it! Friends actually keep the other person's best interests at heart--not thier own. Salesmen fake friendship to sell their product. In your case, the product is God.

Knock it off.

[Edit] Hey, Dear Reader? He tried to convert me through my profile's email. I guess he isn't taking my advice to heart.

Answer 4

You can be used by the Holy Spirit. Your life must demonstrate something better. You can share what makes the difference - faith and trust and Jesus in your heart. That is your job. The job of convicting is the Holy Spirit's.

You can share all the proofs but the power is in the Holy Spirit working through you.

Be attractive as a Christian and let the Spirit work.

Answer 5

Start by answering this question for me.
How can a person believe these two statements?
God is all knowing.
Man has free will.
Arent these two logical contradictions?
If God is all knowing then it necessarily follows that He knows the future, but this conflicts with the idea that man has free will, "The problem is: You are free to do something only if you can refrain from doing it. If it is not in your power to do otherwise, you are not free to do it. But if its possible to know the future, then the future is determined and you are powerless to change it." (Schick/Vaughn) You cannot believe one without disbelieving the other.

statements like this cannot be taken seriously in religion since they are logical contradictions.

Answer 6

Firstly, there is no evidence, biblical or otherwise that Jesus was particularly intelligent, nor was there any need for him to be.

Secondly, it is god who is purported to convert people, not his followers.

Thirdly, conversion is a term applied to followers of other religions. Other believers are converted, atheists are inducted.


Just prove to me that heaven has a Popeye's and I'll sign up today.

Answer 7

But avoid foolish questions and geneologies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Titus 3:9

A man that is an heritick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself. Titus 3:10

Answer 8

Talking about the way Jesus presented the gospel, he did not "sell it" He lived it. We are to be a shining light, when those around us see our good deeds the Father will be praised. Be a good example, don't shove anything down their throats, give an answer when asked, and if someone is disinterested, leave them alone because their hearts are hardened, and unless God softens their heart, they will never understand.

Answer 9

Obviously, you want to ease into the conversations with them (I've had this happen to me before with Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, and atheists). Be sure to find common ground with them- don't explode into a spiritual rant. I find it easiest to let them ask questions, and then answer them the best you can with a Biblical, well-thought out answer. If you don't have the answer when they ask it, don't be afraid to tell them that you'll have to get back to them on that. Oh, and don't forget to PRAY!

Answer 10

As an atheist and someone who believes in freedom of belief, I am offended that you would force anyone to conform to your beliefs.

There's something called pluralism of belief and the first amendment, and frankly, I don't like people such as you for that reason.