Frusturated! Why the ignorance?

Question

A lot of these people swear up and down that there is no God, no heaven, no hell - yet they continue to demand that Christians PROVE everything to them. If they don't believe they why do they keep asking?

I know we should be patient when trying to tell people aout the Lord but these people aren't even asking thoughtful questions -they're all insults.

How can one stay calm and answer a valid question that a person might actually have?

I appreciate the mature answers even from those who do not believe. Thank you.

Mean Gene - you are right. Sometimes you get sooo wound up in trying to prove what you believe that you fail to see that it is IMPOSSIBLE to fight a persons beliefs.

Becka Gal - yes...it's 90% entertainment isn't it lol?

To the Non-Believers....yes you have a very valid point. The same way you ask why we believe - I wanna ask why he doesn't. It is a two way street as one of you said.

Thank you

Answer 1

How can one stay calm and answer a valid question?
Well if the question is valid then it probably won't make you angry. If the question is ignorant then ignore it. Remember all the instances when people tried to ask Jesus rhetorical, tricky questions. He never became angry.
Follow the example of the master.

Answer 2

1. say a silent prayer for patience. The fact is that Christianity, by design, is based on faith. That is why Christ after performing a miracle normally admonished not to tell anyone. He wanted people to come to belief without any hollywood miracles. There is bits and pieces of evidence in support of Christianity. If you read the book of Genesis and it's description of the origin of earth, you will find it amazingly similar to a layman's explanation of what the universe was like before the big-bang and in the moments following. If you can take a step back, and assume that the person who recorded the story was a late stone age/bronze age man, then replace the words "water" with "space" and the word "land" with "matter". Ironically, the order of the animals are also listed in the order of their appearance in the evolutionary schedule.

Historically, there are also bits and pieces of support. The bone box of Caiphas has been found, mile markers for Jerusalem referring to it as the "City of David". Biblical cities have been found where the old testament says they will be. Even secondary and very minor figures in the bible have turned out to be real people based on non-bible related written records.

People have to have an open mind to believe. you might start by evaluating just how open this person is to an honest discussion on the issue and if they are truly interested, simply start. (the big guy will give you the words).

If they do not have an open mind (but others listening do) you still might engage them for the benefit of the listeners. If there are no other listeners, and the asker is truly not interested in a serious and open discussion, then say "it's a matter of faith... and historic record"... and leave it at that.

Reading up on Biblical archeology can be helpful in discussions of this nature.

Answer 3

If you're going by the YA board, remember that half of them are doing it just to evoke a response.

People who don't believe are normally just as quiet about their convictions as believers are.

Thoughtful, insightful and open minded people will try to start an open, thoughtful debate about a topic.

Immature, rude, or ignorant people will try to insight people and accuse, point fingers, and take a stance or an attitude.

Requesting to hear the story of what proof or evidence you found in your life is fine. Requiring scientific proof is juvenile and the most uneducated of arguments against religious doctrine there is. Don’t take up the charge against these people – they are not worth your time or effort. Smile, nod, and turn the other cheek.

Answer 4

I think you jump the gun here....

We dont ask for you to prove that God exists FIRST. We simply say he doesnt. Then, you run your mouthes and claim that he does and that he is going to place us all in Hell, and at that point we ask for proof. Whats wrong with that? If I claimed that I had a tiny pink elephant in my hand that would grant you any wish as long as you worshipped it, would you believe me and worship it without question or demand proof? I certainly hope you'd demand proof - anything less would be unintelligent, wouldnt it?

And, is asking a question "insulting" to you? I know the question that caused you to ask this, as I saw your response to that question - that you werent going to leave a response due to his 3rd question. I found nothing "insulting" in asking that question.

Its truly a shame that questioning your beleifs is seen as an attack. If it is a valid question (as your last sentence suggests), then why are you losing patience and becoming frustrated?

Answer 5

Tell me something about the Lord I don't already know. Better yet, give us one valid reason to believe he actually exists. That is the issue Noelle. You tell people about the Lord, but provide no evidence that he exists in the first place. How are people to believe?

The door of ignorance swings both ways, Noelle. Keep that in mind.

Answer 6

I don't think all the questions are insults, they may be frustrating and appear as if designed to hurt your faith, but in reality, all Christians should be able to justify the questions posed by Atheists.

If you can't then, there is something wrong with your faith, because it is built on weak unanswered premises.

Instead of getting upset at these people and the questions, look at it as a challenge to overcome, to help you build your faith.

If people aren't receptive to your pleas and thoughts about God, then maybe its the approach, or maybe, if you arm yourself with great, logical answers, you will be more effective.

Answer 7

No one can prove anything on this forum. You and they are beating your heads against the wall. Very few people here actually want to learn anything. Most either want to prove their point or just be obnoxious. You have really answered your own question. Be patient, help those who are actually interested, ignore the rest.

Answer 8

i think you're seeing one side of the banter. there are certain christians & atheists that like to bait each other. not all do. not all the questions are insults. but you must understand, christians try to bully atheists out of this forum (i'm personally very spiritual but i'm a non-theist / atheist). i've been told by a christian that they have lighter fluid & aren't afraid to use it, esp since they already know i'm going to burn in hell....
so how do you think I can stay calm & answer valid questions?

Answer 9

Both sides want to win the argument. Us atheists are required to have scientific proof of every question you ask. However, religious people only require faith to answer our questions. To someone who is arguing the scientific side, it is sometimes nice to turn the tables and ask for proof by religious people. Faith in God and quoting the bible is not proof to someone who doesn't believe.

Answer 10

Listen! it's only important to discuss this when it comes to education and teaching evolution in schools, which is itself trying to prevent ignorrance.

If we ask you questions, don't be prepared to argue, because IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to argue with beliefs, you will NEED FACTS at some point. So lay off the pushing the religion.