Christians Vs. Atheists = A non-angry debate.?

Question

My brother is a Christian and I am an Atheist. We like to debate. This is how we do it first we read the book then we switch books.

Right now I (the Atheist) am reading "Mere Christianity" by C.S. Lewis.

My bro (the Christian) is reading "ATHEISM, The Case Against God."

Questions:
1. Does anyone else do these kind of exercises?
2. What is your opinion of what we do?
3. Would you be willing to do this why or why not?

I am not looking for fast answers so please consider carefully and respond thoughtfully. We have done this 2 times before with different books and we both still hold to our beliefs.

Answer 1

Yes, I do. Not against my brother, but against myself...

I too have read Mere Christianity, as well as THe Case for Christ and several other pro-christian books. I do this because I feel that it is not fair to discount a position or philosophy or religion without at least trying to come to terms with it. So, I read and educate myself about them.

I think that it is a great exercise for you both - you might learn some interesting facts about religion, and he might learn how to be a critical thinker - nothing bad about that. I dont think many conversion come from exercises like this, but I think it is great that you are both at least making the effort to learn and debate with each other.

Answer 2

It's great that the two of you are doing this. I'm a Christian, have been for years and will continue to be. You see, being a Christian is a matter of faith, true faith in Christ. I'm not in any danger of being "converted to atheism." Hopefully you, and your brother are both keeping an open mind, and heart. But don't expect to convert your brother to atheism, if that's what you're trying to do. This kind of debate is the same kind of debates that the Apostle Paul had all through his ministry, and Christ as well. Good luck to you. And if I may be so forward...May God hold you in the palms of His hands.

Answer 3

My husband is Muslim and I am an atheist.

We discuss religion sometimes. Usually I am asking questions about his. He answers my questions, and I have learned quite a lot about Islam and what Muslims believe. I have read books and listened to others speak about it, as well.

On the other hand, he cannot seem to comprehend even the most basic things about what I believe, and any discussion about my beliefs ends with him scoffing at me. He could not argue for a single point of atheism, even though I could argue for many points for Islam. It makes me sad that he doesn't understand my beliefs better than he does.

I wish it was more like you & your brother, where, hopefully, he can at least understand where you're coming from. Or can he?

.

Answer 4

I think it's great if you have someone to do it with that will not flip out. I don't have anyone to do this with, as the Christians I know would not be open to it. I feel that reading the Bible through five times releases me from having to read anything more about Christianity because anything new would be made up (like the Bible is in the first place). But more power to you!

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Answer 5

I think this is a WONDERFUL thing - two people with completely different views ABLE to at least open up to the views of someone on the other side!!!

Sadly, this is a VERY rare thing - so your first question would be a big NO!!!

#2 - I covered with my opening statement...

#3 - DEFINITELY - but finding someone who will be RATIONAL (and not just start spouting bible verses) is a DIFFICULT thing in this world!

Answer 6

I think that's wonderful! I kind of do that with my friend Tyler. He's more of an atheist and I'm more agnostic (alright, not THAT much different but we do have some different ideas).

I think it's fantastic. I just wish there were more Christians willing to read materials that I suggest (i.e., my mother who won't read anything that isn't Christian).

Answer 7

No, i do no longer agree. initially we are able to coach with an extremely intense point of self assurance that each and every person gods and the religions according to those gods are the products of human mind's eye. including to that the full loss of information that any of those gods ever existed outdoors the human mind's eye could lead on any rational questioning individual to the top that believing gods exists is impractical. there'll continuously be disagreement between faith and people who do no longer persist with that faith. Religions have been designed to segregate their followers from others. the two substantial worldwide religions, Christianity and Islam, the two mandate their followers to proselytize. as long as human beings proceed to blindly persist with those religions, there will be disagreement. That’s the character of the beast faith has unleashed on the worldwide.

Answer 8

I do this time to time with a friend. We generally debate time to time in a light-hearted manner though not to the extent you two are. We generally try to avoid religious matters.

I think what your doing is healthy as your trying to be unbias, looking from the other persons perspective. I think most families would prefer you try to understand eachother's belief system rather then bicker like idiots....

Answer 9

It is so lovely to see you 2 debating and not arguing, everyone is different and has different beliefs, it doesn't mean one is right one is wrong just different and it is always good to learn about and understand other beliefs and points of view, even if we don't take them on board personally.
Best wishes x

Answer 10

Wow, hats off to you and your brother if you can do this without killing each other. :-) My family is so closed off to anything other than what they believe, I could never make this work.

Nope, I've never been able to do anything like that ... but if you two can respectfully examine each others' points of view, I say congratulations.