What do you think GOD would want us to SAY to Atheists/non-believers?

Question

I have my beliefs; so, no negative comments is going to take that away! For BELIEVERS, what do you think God would want us to say to those who choose to persecute those who have faith??

yes, My God certainly did get me THROUGH my troubles; when my daughters were injured, MY FAITH SUSTAINED me, when I had none! So, THEREFORE, I speak from that which I KNOW!!

as usual, stop focusing on ONE WORD (persecute) and just answer the question! hahaha

as usual, stop focusing on ONE WORD (persecute) and just answer the question! hahaha

as usual, stop focusing on ONE WORD (persecute) and just answer the question! hahaha

Answer 1

Sister, I truly appreciate what you are asking here. I would start by saying what I believe to be the wrong approach. No one appreciates being called a sinner or being told they are going to hell. This is wrong I believe for two reasons.

First the atheist doesn't believe in sin and doesn't believe in hell. So telling them they are sinner is meaningless to them. Telling them they are going to burn in hell is not a threat as they don't believe in hell. So either approach will either be dismissed or cause offense.

Secondly, with the exception of Judaism and Islam, most other religions do not have a strong sense of hell. They are religions that appear to feed this generation's need to be loved and affirmed. So to tell them that they are sinners and are going to burn in hell is a turn off and only reinforces their belief that their gods are better than our god.

So what do we say? I believe that most people need to feel loved. If they are to believe in a religion, that religion needs to be real and it needs to be something powerful enough to make a difference in their life. Also, a religion needs to work on the problems they face and fear.

So the first thing we tell them is that God is Love. We tell them the story of a loving God. We don't couch that in language that says God loves you so much he wants to keep you from eternal punishment. Frankly too many people today grew up in homes that were punishing and abusive. For them talking about punishment brings up images that WILL NOT draw them to God.

We tell them of a loving God and how that God reached into our lives. We tell them of his power and how he has made a difference in our lives. We tell them that this loving God wants to reach out and bring his power and love to them. But that he because of his love he will not force himself on them. That he waits for their invitation. If they ask, we help them understand how they can reach out and invite God into their life.

The next thing we do is remember that we are not God. If God is willing to wait for them and be patient, we NEED to remember that we are not God and we must also wait for them to want to reach out. We remember that God is in control of their conversion. We remember the words of Paul, I planted the seed, but Apollos watered it and God brings the Growth.

Most of the time, the word of love we have planted in their hearts will not make an immediate impact. But we remember this simple truth - we have planted a seed in their heart. Others will enter their lives and water that seed. But only God can make the seed grow to conversion. And if the seed never grows, it is their choice. If the Father is willing to let them make that choice, why are we unwilling to follow our Father and try to force them to convert. It isn't God's way.

May I offer a personal word to you? The reason people are focusing on the word "persecute" is because of the power of that word. There are Christians in prison in parts of the world because of their faith. There are Christians who will be brutally killed today because of their faith. Also, many atheist do feel and frankly are persecuted. They are attacked by Christians and feel a sense of isolation in a country that has strong faith in God. So be careful in the use of that word. As you have seen it can be a turnoff to many.

Also, I am sorry about the injuries your daughters suffered through. I am grateful that our loving Father helped you through that experience. The story of HOW God strengthened you and helped you through that experience is something that people who don't believe in Christ would listen to at the right time. And it would show them the depth and power of our Father's love.

God bless you sister for a very meaningful question and for your love for our brothers and sisters who have not yet opened themselves to the experience of God's love.

Pastor John

Answer 2

Okay, now. In this case I partially have to agree with the comments, above, that say that Christians are not persecuted; however, I cannot say that *no* Christians are persecuted. The vast majority of *American* Christians don't have a clue what persecution is. I have to wonder how we would respond to the kind of persecution that the early church faced. Until we develop the character of Christ, we are in trouble, church!
That being said, I believe that God would have us say -- at most -- to unbelievers, "I love you." But if we don't live and breathe and walk in love, we ourselves haven't truly believed God's word that says (in essence): Love is patient, love is kind, love doesn't envy, love doesn't boast, love is not proud, love isn't rude, love isn't selfish, love doesn't get angry easily, love thinks the best of others, love doesn't rejoice in sin, but in the truth, love bears all things, has faith in all things, hopes in all things, and endureth through all things.

Answer 3

If I were God I'd suggest you learn the difference between someone disagreeing with you and someone persecuting you.

I'd also suggest that if you are having trouble making yourself understood, it's possibly because you're not listening hard enough, not because you need to shout louder.

But I'm not God, so I'm only guessing what he'd say. I could be way off.

[Edit] "Persecute" was your word. It might be part of your communication problem. It's very difficult to communicate clearly with someone if you feel they're persecuting you.

Answer 4

Well, since there is no such being, the silence would be wonderful. Unfortunately, it's always broken by the wailing by the poor persecuted Xians. They're so abused. Yeah, right. Perhaps if they would stop persecuting others, they'd be left alone. Alas, they know not when to stop and would rather whine and wail, anyway.

Answer 5

one million- atheist does not always imply evolutionist. two - atheists do not think there used to be a "who". That is why they are atheists three - Who says we aren't overpopulating the earth? four - the end result and greens tailored to unfold their seeds through passing via the digestive tract of relocating animals. five - there are plenty of crops on this planet that we can't devour. 6 - Something some distance past out energy DID create existence on the planet. It is egotistical to think that the motive of that drive has to do with our conduct, that the complete universe used to be created to nurture and educate people to think a specific means. 7 - fans? you appear to suit the definition to a T.

Answer 6

Hello. How are you? Are you feeling well today? God Bless You. See You later!

(Or a variant thereof)

Please be sure to mention WHO you are referring to when you say "non-believer" though as from MY Point-Of-View you are most likely a "non-believer" as you do not believe in the same Gods as I do (From your phrasing of this question I would tend to think you are a monotheist -- probably a Christian, and I am a Hellenic Polytheist)

Answer 7

Sorry, but non-believers aren't exactly persecuting people of faith. It's usually the other way around -- do you know how difficult it is to be an atheist in the U.S. Bible Belt?

I wouldn't consider debating on Y!A as persecution.

Answer 8

So, you're saying that all Athiests persecute? Well, how would you like it if I said the same about Christians?
Exactly.
God wouldn't want you to treat them any differently than if they were a Christian. Isn't that a sin if you judge people incorrectly? Or is the Bible merely contradicting itself?

Answer 9

the cat has god's tongue but just before his man showed he asked us to say a few words on his behalf , quit persecuting those non believers and stop the condemnation trip I'm seriously considering closing it down before the judgment anyway pass it on .....?

Answer 10

God wants us to tell the story of His Son, how He hung, bled and died on a cross for our sins, was buried in a tomb for three days and nights, and then rose victorious over death, hell and the grave. That's it; easy, huh? (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

If you choose to believe it, fine; if not, that's fine too, but there is a price to pay if you don't.