I grew up in a christian family, and for many years I honestly shared their beliefs. One thing I was taught in church was "Who needs to hear the word of God more than those who are without God"? I never viewed encounters with atheists as something to be avoided, but rather as an opportunity to let them hear God's word. If some of them happened to be disrespectful towards my beliefs, that was ok, because Jesus had told me to turn the other cheek, and to love my enemies, and to bless those who curse me. And as a true and faithful servant of the Lord, I made every effort to do exactly what he told me to do.
You shouldn't be telling anyone they don't belong here. You should welcome everyone and see it as an opportunity to witness to them and share God's word. And if someone happens to disrespect you, turn the other cheek.
I'm an atheist now. You'll never get me back. But I haven't forgotten the rules, and I just thought I would remind you of them.
2007-06-30 18:07:36 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree with you. I'm glad the atheists are here. I used to be one. My dad was one and I know many. I love them. They know it and they love me. However as for your statement that we will never get you back, I have to say, we never had you. There is, according to the Bible no such thing as an X Christian.
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.1 John 2:19
Christians are sealed with The Holy Spirit and nothing can separate them from the love of God.
God bless!!
2007-06-30 18:13:32 · answer #1 · answered by BERT 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the biggest problem in sharing the "Word of God" is the mistaken assumption that its all about words. So many people are anxious to talk about what they believe about God and Jesus, but so few are ready to demonstrate the effect that belief has on their lives. If their faith is truly the life-changing thing they claim, it should be obvious without saying a word about it. Actions speak louder than words. "By their fruits you shall know them." But they'd rather discuss someone's "born again" status than actually feed a hungry stranger, comfort a sick person or visit a prisoner as Jesus taught.
A fair number of people, theists and atheists, come here to bait each other and trash each other's beliefs. If they thought a bit, they'd have something important to say to each other, but they'd have to be willing to listen as well. Conversion is not necessary. Every viewpoint is stronger, better formed, after it sincerely encounters a contrary one. When words are used to keep people at arms length, there is little point to the conversation.
Thanks for the perspective.
2007-07-01 03:22:01 · answer #2 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am a Wiccan and I have been working hard to watch and comment on things both sides have done. By far, the group that was the most nasty, the most judgemental, and the most bigoted has been the Chrisitans.
Atheists are NEEDED here. They balance the energy and they are more intelligent than most posters. As a Wiccan, I try to defend the person or group a Christiian is railing on about.,
Christians need to stop acting like buttholes and understand that they can talk about whatever they need. They show their true colors ,=. This is a true colotr email I got from a Christian when he didn't like the answer I gave him; ENjoy
Subject: excuse me liar?
My Message: I bet Jesus is really proud of your witness. Really proud. Way to support a bunch of completely disrespectful sh*t.
Fire brand's reply:
"Do not judge. ... You hypocrite!"
That's a verse talking to arrogant opinion bashers like you who hate God. And you aren't my God, and I don't follow your hypocritical opinions. K stupid? Now take your dumb opinions, which aren't my laws, and eat them. Way to go with being an opinion bashing idiot and showing what a blind hypocrite you are to your own immoral behavior. Bye, and stop playing God. And yes moron, Jesus would be proud that I'm rebuking an evil God-hater like you:
STOP JUDGING BY MERE APPEARANCES AND MAKE A RIGHT JUDGMENT! - JESUS
YOU BIBLICALLY IGNORANT PREACHER. STOP PRETENDING YOU KNOW MY RELIGION OR THE BIBLE, STOP ASSUMING IDIOT, STOP ASSUMING BABBLER. YOU ARE A NOBODY.
2007-07-01 01:17:40 · answer #3 · answered by yarn whore 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I also grew up an a Lutheran...I when down the same path you are going...I grew up a very happy child...and then circumstances in my life led me not be unhappy and to start rejecting the ways of the God...Actually, atheists desire the truth more than Christians do because they are also looking for the truth...I hope you don't go down that road and come back to Christ because he will eventually show you the way....
2007-07-01 01:20:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's funny that there are more atheists answering and posting these Christian questions and topics than Christians. Sounds more like bitterness and anger than so-called atheism. Besides, any good Christian knows that it's a person's choice to believe or not to believe. And every choice has it's consequence. So, do what you want.
2007-07-01 01:16:45 · answer #5 · answered by νí®τǘø§ ωǿмåņ 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well at least some people, even athiests are capable of respecting the bible and getting a benefit from its moral lessons and even telling christians how to practice christianity
well said
2007-07-01 01:19:31 · answer #6 · answered by ghostdude! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well said!
2007-07-01 01:10:42 · answer #7 · answered by Jenn ♥Cadence Jade's mum♥ 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Welcome to the club.
2007-07-01 01:09:55 · answer #8 · answered by S K 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋