Would any of you atheists ever consider reading a book that will threaten your disbelief?

Question

I was wondering if atheists are fearful of literature which will threaten their disbelief in God. Before you throw this back at me, yes, I have read atheistic type literature and I have also visited atheist websites and, guess what, I used to be an atheist. I challenge you to read "The Case for Christ" by Lee Strobel. He used to be an atheist, too. He began research for his book to DISPROVE Christianity. He learned the truth and is now a Christian. I wonder if you're afraid this might happen to you if you read and learn. I expect to get hate answers from many of you because this has been my experience in the past. You will be very much offended at my "arrogance" and are so blinded by sinful pride, you don't recognize you own arrogance. You will accuse me of intolerance and, again, you don't recognize intolerance in your way of thinking. You will call me ignorant, but I have been willing to learn. It's alright. I used to be the same way. No animosity intended, I'm just being honest.

Was I correct about the answers I would get? Read them for yourself.
How do you know how many books I've read?
Yes, I'm VERY familiar with Dawkins.
If your reaction irritates you, then change the way you react. I told you my assessment comes from my past experience and you guys really came through and proved me right.
If you're Jewish, why are you answering a question specifically directed to atheists? Oh, and thank you for your support. Atheists can use all the support they can get.
You say I'm ignorant, but I knew exactly how you people would react and the hostile attitudes you would display.
BTW, I don't believe the majority of you who claim to have read Lee Strobel's book.
For those of you who flatly refuse to read it and give such lame reasons, I'm sorry you feel threatened by the truth. I sincerely hope, for your sake, someday you'll get over your fear.
Yes, darling, I really, really was a REAL atheist, but I grew up.

Answer 1

Most of them are close minded and I too used to be an atheist before I accepted Christ as Lord and savior. I dont think I was close minded though. I have always been open to truth and when I find it, I hold onto it. Maybe thats what helped lead me to Christ but all too often the atheists downfall is pride. Pride to let go of their sin, pride to admit anybody may be right, etc. But many are like me and are always searching for the truth even if its something we're initially opposed to.

Dont let the scoffers on here make you defensive. Let them say what they will and you say what you will and your love for God and your fellow man will always win and prove them wrong!

Answer 2

I'll read just about anything. I've actually read excerpts from Strobel's writing and found him pretentious, and so haven't read the book in entirety. Maybe I'll give it another shot...I just really don't like the way he writes. I've read all of C.S. Lewis' writings on Christianity though (he seems to be a favorite among current apologetics) and remain unconvinced.

Not all atheists are hateful. In my experience, if we expect negativity we're more likely to receive it. Try to ignore the jerks and just talk to the nice ones! :-)

Answer 3

Hmm, I'm arrogant, your honest. Got it.

After reading the last Evidence That Demands a Verdict, I believe I'm full up on Christan apologist.

How about this. You compact him principle belief into a few well worded paragraphs, and I will read it and respond in length.

It certainly will take you less time than I would spend reading the whole book. I haven't read a good argument that couldn't be reduced to a series of simple statements, supporting evidence, and conclusions.

I await you e-mail.

Answer 4

"You will be very much offended at my "arrogance" and are so blinded by sinful pride, you don't recognize you own arrogance. You will accuse me of intolerance and, again, you don't recognize intolerance in your way of thinking. "

and you don't intend any animosity? what you said may be true for some people, but you just insulted an entire group to get at a few. you call atheists arrogant & intolerant and presume to think, because of your OWN vanity, that you are not because, of course, you are "right"

you should say that again.... in the mirror

but to answer your question, i always read things that "threaten" my beleifs. do you?

Answer 5

Well, I've read a fair amount of the Bible and I went to Catholic school for 12 years. I would honestly say that it is my exposure to religion (in both literature and personal life experience), and not avoidance, that has lead to my current status as a non-believer. I think it's funny that you automatically assume that a book about Jesus threatens my disbelief. In fact, my disbelief isn't even somehing that can be "threatened" (i.e. it's not something I necessarily cherish or hold dear to my heart. It's just how things are to me). It's kind of like asking someone if a book about the historical basis for Christmas threatens their belief in Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer. I could not care less. To pose a somewhat antithetical question to you: would a book advocating Buddhism threaten your belief in Christ? I bet you could care less about it.

Answer 6

Good for you, but I'm perfectly happy with my religious choices, and I don't see that they concern anyone but me. I have no reason to read anything about the "God of the Gaps" or "God of Complexity."

There may or may not be an omniscient and all-powerful being out there (and I lean heavily towards "not") but you'll never be able to tie that being to Christianity, with all it's petty rules and infighting. Why not Quetzalcoatl? Or Krishna? Or Odin? Or Pele?

Answer 7

Yes. I have seen clips by Lee strobel and other fundies. I would read a book even if it threatened my disbelief. I would even volunteer to read it. Why? Because if i find flaws in the book's arguement, then it would strenghten my atheism.

Answer 8

Atheists are not fearful of literature. I have read many, many books that you would say "threaten my beliefs" but I never felt threatened by them. Atheism is not about beliefs or believing. It is about accepting the world as it is, not as some fairy tale makes it out to be. Empiricism. Knowledge. Truth. Not belief. I have read more books than you will ever dream of reading, and yes, I do consider you and all believers ignorant, because you believe rather than know.

Answer 9

I've read it, and a 4th grader can see the false assumptions he makes, due to his religious bias.

He over and over again argues from a perception that a god obviously exists. It's typical circular reasoning, he just wrote it several different ways.

I challenge you to read "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins.

He backs up his facts... with facts... he doesn't bother making assumptions. It's not necessary.

Answer 10

I am a former Christian.

I've read the Bible cover to cover sixteen times as well as all of the Apocrypha, the Nag Hammadi Library, the Dead Sea Scrolls, the writings of the early Church Fathers and probably every major theological work from St. Augustine to Dietrich Bonhoeffer and beyond.

And now I am an Atheist.

Whatever silly little feeble books of fables you're pushing, you can keep it.