When a Christian debates an atheist?

Question

In this question

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Ahm3mondrLuVx0ZQMAiEUEzsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071114063246AApVwAM&show=7#profile-info-u8ILIhh4aa

the first answer says that the questioner is asking that atheists "Use logic to prove the non-existence of a being I posit is impervious to logic."

is this how atheists feel Christians debate?

Answer 1

yes.

Answer 2

Honestly, I'm an atheist and I think Jesus sounds like an awesome guy. Somebody I wouldn't mind being friends with (if he weren't all against atheists, I mean). I just don't believe he was the son of God, because I believe there is no God. I also agree that all faiths have a right in this world. Especially if those faiths promote tolerance and understanding and love (like most do). But I don't think they have a right to pry into my life and beliefs and then try their hardest to change me. Personally, I don't believe I need to be prayed for, as I truly am a very happy person; I actually prefer the idea that life isn't a test...and I have no need nor want for "eternal life". I also don't like the idea of so many good people possibly going to hell for something trivial. I do appreciate the sentiment, however.

Answer 3

There are many things that Christians believe or have been taught to believe from a young age. By this i mean by face value, some dont fully understand aspects in much detail but follow their peers in belief. To me religion is about self acceptance and understanding it your own way. I have looked into Christianity in many ways and in alot of detail, I admit I was an atheist back then but part of me believes there is a God, its the minor details that hold me back so I cannot say I am 100% Christian. I have to say, atheists have the power of common sense and science behind them, but Christians have the power that humans do not understand science to its fullest. There was a point when scientist believed the world was flat. Christians believe that there is a heaven and hell. How do we know who is right or wrong and if Christians have been right all along, hell will be quite a busy place!

Answer 4

The "debate" between atheists and Christians always goes the same way.

The Christians will claim that they are going to use "science" to prove god exists, but invariably... WITHOUT FAIL... eventually they will get down to the heart of the argument.

And that is... god uses magic, so therefore he can do anything.

They will call this magic "miracles" to lend it a bit more credibility. But in essence, they will ALWAYS be reduced to this.

And then they will leave in frustration, saying, "I have faith, and you don't".

But the atheists knew this from the beginning. And that is the point the atheists are attempting to drive home. Christians believe in "magic". Atheists do not.

And that is the only topic that needs to be debated. Is magic and/or "miracles" a real thing.

And of course magic is not a real thing. But no matter how much logic you use to prove this, it still boils down to the fact that Christians will not admit it. If they did, they would cease to be Christians immediately.

Answer 5

I think the type of question being asked shows a sad lack of logic regardless of who is asking it.

Personally I don't care what people want to believe. It doesn't affect me in the least. If someone says they believe and are confident in that belief that they need no proof what can anyone say? You can't say "no you don't and yes you do" thats also illogical.

But I also think we all have trouble with factually wrong statements. We can't simply leave them unchallenged. Such as what 'King Arthur' above me just said.

" I believe in creation because of the science to back it up and because Jesus saved me from my sins."

Had he simply said he "believed in creation and jesus saved him" what can you say those are personal feelings and oppinions that require no evidence beyond the statement.

However when he says "science to back up creation" and "This is like changing from a cow into a whale which has never been seen and is a lie." these are patently false statements. I have no doubt he believes both but there is an objective definition of science that creationism simply does fit into and he may believe that Satan put all of those transitional fossils in the ground but until he proves that claim the science points to evolution.

Honestly I think people like this are playing a game. There is no conflict between science and religion. I think people like 'king Arthur' want to be challenged because they can then claim to other Christians that people are attacking god or belief or religion. When the reality is they are intentionally causing the friction.

Answer 6

That and that many Christians, like the questioner, seem to have no grasp on the concepts that they are using. In this case, the questioner was using a defined term as a concept to be proven. There is a clear distinction between the two concepts. This is also seen in creationist claims, they will take a "watered down" generalization of a science principle and twist it to "support" their belief. The second law of thermodynamics is a good illustration of this.

In a logic proof, the claimant must provide evidence to support his claim, and this is true in science as well, you must present evidence and date to support your hypothesis.

Answer 7

I don't like that question because if someone were an atheists they can just say how do prove the non existence of something. I believe in creation because of the science to back it up and because Jesus saved me from my sins.

The first thing I would do to a Atheist if they believe in evolution is ask them what they mean by the word evolution because it has two completely different meanings. One is Micro Evolution which is a Variation from one kind to another. For example the Brown Swiss Cow compared to the Brahma. They are both the same kind of animal but just adapt to a certain environment. The second kind is Macro Evolution which is a from one kind to another. This is like changing from a cow into a whale which has never been seen and is a lie.

Answer 8

That's about the long and short of it. Atheists use logic. Christians says things are true because the bible says it's true. It's really the only way that Christians can argue, because if their beliefs were backed up by evidence, there wouldn't be any need for faith, and faith is what it's all about.

Answer 9

As an agnostic, not atheist, I believe that everyone out that that believes in religion must do so without logic. There is nothing concrete that will ever prove if god exists.

Answer 10

the whole atheist/religion thing is kind of silly. both are most likely wrong. the concept of god is logical. when you strip away all the superficial notions and differences of any religion, it all comes down to what allows us to be. since we do seem to exist. whatever allows that, would be god. whether thats just energy, or some white guy with a beard, no one can really know. and the best way to show we cant know is, name one person who cant be wrong. name one person who can even understand half the concepts of the outside world. hell, some people cant even do long division, yet think they can know what creates the universe? both sides debate poorly usually, trying to get into a pissing contest that can never go anywhere.

Answer 11

Christians don't use logic, they use belief from word of mouth and if you've ever played the Chinese whisper game then it's not going to be very accurate now is it? You can't really expect to win an argument with that against facts and science....it's a no brainer.