Christians, when the atheists bring pressure to bear... when they question you hard, what do you rely on?

Question

I'm just wondering, because it seems like every time I push a Christian hard for answers, they seem to do the following:

1) Try to employ their own understanding of theology, which eventually leads them to...
2) use sacrosanct information they've been indoctrinated with, and then they invariably...
3) Quote the bible directly, or...
4) Tell ME to go read the bible, and finally...
5) Pray for me.

When I get pressed hard about my atheism, I employ logic, rationality, the scientific method, and scientific laws. If I get to a point where I don't know the answer I simply say, "I don't know", or I'll do more research. And if they actually prove me wrong, I'll gladly admit it, because it usually means an entire branch of science is about to be rewritten, and scientists around the world would be grateful for their correction.

So how about Christians... do you always rely on God, Jesus and your Bible to provide all the tough answers?

Answer 1

Yes, the flying spaghetti is such a logical, scientific answer i predict the end of all religion by, say, next week...

Edit: yes, that is just as bad as the atheists response to most questions, so:

How is it logical to argue "fact" and "proof" and "scientific method" for what essentially can't be proven ? The argument that the onus of proof is on theists also holds no water with me. Why is it ? Surely the onus of proof works both ways, on whomever is making the statement. You say no higher being - prove it, don't ask others to prove there is and claim victory when they fail.
How many atheist questions/attacks begin with quotes from the Old testament ?
Science rewrites itself all the time - at which point do we say this is the definitive proof, science will not change from now on ? Illogical to think so, yet your "scientific" argument presupposes that exactly. Scientific facts pass scientific tests and proofs - all set by science. Scientists do not know everything, nor do they claim to, but atheists DO claim to know that no higher power exists. Hubris, pure hubris.

And if I hear one more time how logical people are more likely to be atheist....

Answer 2

Always assuming this is an honest question and not just a poorly-disguised excuse to put down Christians....

I don't think God gives us "all the tough answers". I don't have a problem saying I don't know or I am not sure.

But asking a Christian to defend their FAITH on something other than its basis, i.e., God and/or the Bible, doesn't make a lot of sense.

From a strictly intellectual or logical point of view, I can understand why this doesn't satisfy you.

But faith is not based on intellect, logic, or science.

If it were, it wouldn't be faith.

I don't know if that helps at all.

Without going into a long and for you probably very boring dissertation on how the Spirit works in mysterious ways ;-) I can only add that for myself, the mysterious, unfathomable, inscrutable, and, well, completely non-human nature of God is one of the things that most convinces me that He is who He says He is. And I can't apply logic or intellect or scientific method to prove that. Nor do I need to.

Answer 3

"When I get pressed hard about my atheism, I employ logic, rationality, the scientific method, and scientific laws"... very good.

What has science to do with atheism? You cannot prove your point using science,its simply not about the spiritual theological realm. The Bible on the other hand is, even if you don't agree or aknowlodge it.

Don't get me wrong, i really dislike loud and sensless Bible quoting and i'd much rather my brother christians would use logical thinking and strong arguments when pressed hard, i try to. Still what they do at least justifies what they believe in, science does not justify atheism it can't.

Answer 4

I hold firm to my faith, and I do my best to present my ideas in a calm and rational manner. If the question is not something I know off the top of my head, I research it to the best of my ability using the resources that I have bought on my own.

The "sacrosanct" information that you say people have been brainwashed into believing is not always what you think it is. What about the Golden Rule? Is that some sort of freak law that only applies to donating money to the church and keeping sex holy? Some doctrine Christians hold fast to is universally acknowledged, but when people who do not follow a faith are presented with it, they deem it utterly Christian and worthless and/or ridiculous.

I do in fact pray for you if I truly think that's the last thing I can do. I don't answer questions usually...I just pray.

Even if you don't think its doing anything, at least I know that I've done what I think is the most painless to try to help you.

Is faith in the form of Religion any different than faith in yourslef? My faith is what I have chosen to take into my life that keeps me going. Is it any different than going on a football field before the game and believing that you can score?
Religion is something (for me) that I just believe in. and in some cases..like on Y!A I try to explain.

Answer 5

The problem with your question is that we are talking about different starting points. When I am pressed hard about my faith, I can call up theology, rationality, even logic. I recognize that the Bible doesn't proove anything, and I don't look to the Bible to prove anything. My hunch is that the only answers that have value for you are ones based on factual evidence. That's fine for science, but not the two realms are entirely different. You can't measure or even fully define the soul, spirit, or faith. I'm willing to say "I don't know." But you are trying to assert that Christians, or people of faith should employ the scientific method to matters of faith, and when we don't, we are "stupid," "illogical" "brainwashed," etc...

Answer 6

I am answering this question as a Wiccan of over 10 years. The answers are usually the ones you already stated, yep it just works that way....with people of all types of popular faiths....they tall you what the book says and then urge you to read it. For some it is part of thier religious duty to shove it down your throat too.

Here is my best advice for you. Stop getting so frustrated with others and focus on yourself. It is like banging your head against the wall, every time you get into it with someone. It is totally not worth it. as soon as you open your mouth and state that you are an athiest, you know where it will go. It is a mixed blessing to be bold enough to be an athiest, or anything beyond mainstream. You have the ability to think for yourself, rather than being brainwashed and to be a strong, opinionated, educated individual. But you will always be criticized for such and ya gotta learn how to deal with that, without letting it bring you down to thier level.

Answer 7

We as Christians do deem the Bible as the source of all truth and rely on the knowledge and wisdom in the written word....however, we also have access to rational thought and logistics as well...I personally use whatever I feel to use at any given moment...oftentimes a bit of humor,other times a thought provoking question in rebuttal...We do not discard all scientific data or blindly disregard empirical evidence....but rather give place to and view all data in light of scripture....Remember, we were once as everyone else in our thinking as we came from the same streets,the same schools
before we became enlightened.

EDIT Now go read the Bible as I am praying for you....LOL

Answer 8

I rely on God and on my experience with Him. I have a personal relationship with Him and he leads me in the direction he wants me to go.

Quoting the Bible is fundamentally flawed because a non believer will not believe what the Bible says. The same thing goes for "church doctrines". Only God himself can answer the tough questions and I rely exclusively on the word he gives me through my spirit.

Answer 9

Yes, a true genuine Christian will rely 100% on Christ to provide the answers. His answers are perfect. That is true humility. I cannot, God can! God helps the humble and resists the proud. There is nothing more exilerating than having Christ take care of everything. When you experience his might within you and see him work through you it will literally KNOCK your socks off. It IS miraculus!!

GODS LOVE
Drew

Sorry I can't spell worth a beans

Answer 10

As a Christian I have to say this. I enjoy yall much more than the born agains and fundies on here. I believe how I believe because I follow my heart. I don't believe in the Bible. In their eyes I am a terrble person. In an Atheist's eye I believe what I believe and not more or less even if you don't agree. I follow my heart and what I feel. I can't give you proof or anything else. I have logic too. Logic tells me the Bible is all wrong. I accept you and you accept me. For that I am thankful.