Why do Christians use the Bible as a basis for argument with Atheists?

Question

I've never understood why Christians use the Bible as a point for argument, particularly when the one they are arguing with does not accept the Bible as valid. I have seen so many postings by Christians that quote amply from scripture, as though this is supposed to cause a light to go on in the heart of an Atheist. I think that they expect an Atheist to accept as a basis for logical argument their own stance, which is belief because "the Bible says so." I have, in fact, seen many Christians use those very words, that they believe a certain thing(particularly when it comes to homosexuality and bisexuality) simply because "the Bible says so." Christians, please realize something: we Atheists don't believe the Bible, so when you quote--none too eloquently--from it, it means nothing to us. Yet this same tactic is used over & over again. Jack finds it quite trying to his nerves.

Can anyone explain(without quoting from the Bible) why Christians constantly do this?

Answer 1

I'm a Christ follower, and it makes no sense to me to use the Bible as proof to someone who doesn't believe what's written in the Bible.

My guess would be, though, that Christians who quote the Bible to non-believers do so because it is the instruction manual for their lives. It is so much a part of them that they can't help but quote it. That, and they aren't considering their audience.
Incidentally, Jesus ALWAYS considered his audience, and catered how he presented what he said to those to whom he was speaking.

Answer 2

It sounds like you continuously find yourself debating with Christians whether a god exists or does not exist. The Christian point of view is the belief in the teachings of the Bible. Your atheist point of view is non belief in the Bible. So what exactly should be the context of the debate?

Do you believe in any god from other religions so that your argument is strictly with Christians? If not, when you argue your reasoning with those of other religions, those that do not quote the Bible, do they present a better basis for argument in favor of their beliefs such that they can sway you?

Other than your disbelief in religious literature, do you present a strong argument as to why atheism is best? What do you cite -- the evolution card? Evolution easily fits into the belief system of many Christians (probably not the fundamentalists though).

It's very simple. Either you believe or you don't. Don't look too harshly upon Christians that have strong beliefs but lack the capacity for logical debate to convince you that you are wrong. You may need to find your answers elsewhere....and that is probably in your own heart. Christians don't have all the answers. Neither do you. If you did, you should be able to show the believers where they are mistaken.

Answer 3

No, that's not always true. If you truly were curious you would have researched this and found out that many Christians use science and logic to debate.
I do admit that many Christians are hypocrites, and sometimes what they say doesn't truly reflect what they're supposed to believe, and the Bible is a universal truth for all Christians. So it kind of bothers me when for example atheists ask questions like "Why do Christians hate gay people?" Well, that's asking what Christians believe, and they believe in what the Bible says. Some may answer out of ignorance and say that God hates gay people or whatever, but that isn't true and I would use the Bible in a case like that to prove misconceptions like that wrong. Also...I didn't use a Bible verse for this question, so sometimes it's just a matter of using my brain. :)

Answer 4

I, as a Christian, will be happy to answer your question!
Some Christians use the Bible to defend their faith, some do not. Not every Christian uses the Bible to argue with atheists because, as you said , you don't believe in it.

But, sometimes it is necessary to use the Bible when arguing with atheists to show where OUR Christian morals come from. We can show you that we believe this or that thing because the Bible says so and not because we simply decided that something is good or bad.

Bible is a written universal text that Christians refer to when making moral decisions. Most "born again" Christians do not believe that moral values can have another legitimate source besides the Bible.

This is needed to explain to an Atheist that we do not believe things because we "feel like it" or because we "hate someone" or whatever.

Now, if you ask to explain to you why we think God exists that would be a different question which may not require the Bible to be quoted.

Answer 5

If someone asks me why I base my beliefs the way that I do, I cannot do anything else but to show them the source of my beliefs -- scripture. Look at it in this manner. If I didn't believe in evolution and someone that I was talking to did believe in it, then they would use science books and documents to support their belief in evolution. I may not believe those sources are valid; however, that is what they base their beliefs on. I do believe in evolution, but you can see where I am coming from hopefully. You may not view the Bible as valid, but from a faith point of view, that is the very thing that we use to validate our beliefs. There is no other book that someone can quote to show as a source of opinions if that opinion IS based on that faith. Just because the Bible means nothing to you does not mean that it means the same for us. We base our faith on scripture. If you ask a question about our faith, you are GOING to get an answer BASED on scripture. I don't mean for you to suddenly believe as I do, but I do mean for you to see where it comes from.

Answer 6

Hey atheists Jack, if the bible is not the word of God then why does the bible describe exactly what churches like ours are doing out in the world today like: Laying hands on the sick so they can recover, through the power of God and by the faith of man, casting out the demons from demon possessed persons and speaking in unknown tongues. Some one in our church was laying hands on some at the Bell Shelter and he started to speak Chinese, when it was over one guy standing next to him was Chinese and told him he was speaking Chinese. We had people that were on their death bed and the doctors gave them days to live, after laying hands on them, they were cured 100%, the doctores were shocked. I have experienced the holy spirit numerous times. One time driving home after ministering I was falling asleep and on the third time God hit me with pins and needles into my head and down my arms, then I was wide awake until I got home. By faith and obedient you will experience these things. So the bible is the true word of God, without referencing any scriptures I can testify my experiences and if you do not believe, I do not know what Else to tell you.. You can not put limitations on God

Answer 7

I have never used scripture personally. I think for someone who knows nothing of the bible, or does not believe you are wasting your breath. If anyone wanted to know why I believe I usually use experiences in my life that have shaped my belief and my faith. As a Christian I think at times we can be a danger to ourselves. To truly represent Christianity is not a measure of how well you know the bible, it is in your actions, and how you treat others. Some Christians may not know how to talk to non-believers. That is not wrong of them, they simply do not understand. I would say to the non-believers, do not judge too harshly. For some it is easier to talk to others about your faith.

Answer 8

Various reasons,
One is They feel that even if someone cares to reject Jesus love letter-Athiests have a right to hear the Bible from Christians-Look up to the sky and see the handiwork of God, Look into the Bible seeing Him defined and know that there is Jesus.

In amazing grace declared in the Bible that saved a wretch like me (John 3), David

Answer 9

The bible is the source of Gods word. But if you want to know why I believe, it is because I personally have felt Gods love and I have personally felt Gods presence in my life. And why do you atheists always bring up quotes from science. Now because I know God to be real I read His book. And because He is smarter than me I also use His words from the Bible to tell people about His love and His desire for all peole (even atheists). The Bible contains the words of Good, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, it's histories are true. Read it to be wise, believe It to be saved, and practice to be holy. It contains light to direct you, spiritual food to feed you, and comfort to cheer you. does that answer your question?

Answer 10

and that i've got discovered it quite is hopeless utilising the Bible to attempt to coach Christians the failings, inconsistencies, and contradictions in it. for each verse, or theory, or section from the Bible that i've got used I pay attention indoctrinated patent solutions like clicking on a tape recorder. "you have taken it out of context" "that translation is not any good" "the unique language explains it better" "purely Holy Spirit filled people know it" "you're purely being prejudiced and insulting" "we have faith in technology too and the Bible proves it" and that's purely the elementary patent answersthat you may think of seeing the guy with a glazed over look on their face and drool commencing as much as come again out of their mouth. I made a humorous tale final nighttime approximately Christians questioning the earth grew to become into flat. The reaction grew to become into that there grew to become into Christians in contact interior the gap software so as meaning i'm being prejudiced and insulting. this is that this way of huge bounce in logic to me that no bridge would desire to ever bypass that gulf. And yet, it made ideal experience to the guy who suggested it. and that i think of that comes from having index enjoying cards memorized of their strategies for come backs for each project however many cases there theory and attempt at logic falls flat right into a around argument that they are in a position to't see the place they are going incorrect.