Christians: Agree or Disagree?

Question

The challenge is not to prove to atheists that God exists, but to convince atheists that they can actually experiment successfully with reliable methods by means of which they can determine for themselves whether God exists.

(1) I asked the question of Christians only. (2) Of the first 4 who answered, not one read the question correctly, or chose to ignore it and answer something else instead.

I guess it was a hard question to understand; maybe I could have been more clear. But a couple of you did seem to get what I was trying to say. No arguments are needed, no Bible-thumping, no empirical evidence or traditional lab experiments, no invasion of privacy....just simple human communication, conversation, to reveal the fact that God will communicate directly with those of a sincere heart who wish to know whether He is real.

Answer 1

Yes, I agree 100%. That is exactly the challenge that we face.

It is primarily a challenge in communication ability. Theists need to know what the experiment is through applying that experiment in their own lives. We then might have a clue of how to explain it to atheists... and even then it can be difficult.

You're absolutely right that we should not be trying to convince atheists that God exists. We should be allowing them the same freedom we allow to ourselves, and simply offering them a way to do the experiment for themselves.

To me, it shows much more faith in God when people stop trying to convince people, and just show people how they can to obtain their own evidence, direct from the Source.

Answer 2

I have to dis-agree. When did you ever get a job of having to convince anybody of anything.
That would be like trying to manipulate their thinking.
Your job is not to go where you are not welcome, but where you were invited.
By doing this you are treating people with the respect they all deserve.
Live by the kind of example others would desire to have themselves, the kind of love, gentleness, kindness, peace. Then they turn to you and ask, what makes you have such an attitude, that lifts them up?
Then you can convince an atheist that they can actually experiment successfully with reliable methods by means of which they can determine for themselves whether God exists
Edit: Method 1? Ask Forgiveness? (whether they believe or not?)
Basically believing in G-d is the only method that could work. That mutes the experiment, for them to decide for themselves whether God exists because they already have, unless there is some kind of experiment for atheist that you have come across, please share.
In order to experiment with reliable results, someone would have to accept there is a G-d.
When you believed did you experiment with doubt?
If so you are not alone.
Many atheists dare experiment with belief as well.
If I'm wrong please correct me.

Answer 3

The challenge is to live in such a way that athiests see the hand of God at work in our lives and see that our faith and motives are pure. Following organized religion leads most people away from this path.

I don't think any experiments could be offered to athiests as whole. You would have to hand pick a sub-group of athiests based on your own ability to spot God's people before they even know that God exists. It's not an impossible task, but it does have a high probability of failure.

Answer 4

Quite frankly, the difference in the responders automatically does the experiment for you.

How many believers (myself included) say you know there is a god because you feel a relationship with him.

And how many discuss it in empirical terms. That's the difference.

Either the believers are all sharing the same type of delusional phenomenon, or they prove the existence of God.

Those that don't, use other methods to approach the question.

Answer 5

You don't really need the experiments, you just need to provide compelling evidence of the global flood, exodus or other miraculous events of the Bible.

Of course, experiments or other forms of confirmation would be nice as well.

Edit:
Understand this is a public forum, and trying to limit who answers, is not within the spirit of the community.

Edit 2"
Contrary to what overseer says below me, it is the responsiblity of the claiment to prove their claim. This is true of any claim and not specific to religion. It has long been acknowledged that you can not prove the negative.

Answer 6

Without compelling evidence that God exists, there is no strong reason for non-believers to look for him. Even if you find some reliable method to discover God, it will be useless without compelling reason to use it. You thus need to overcome the first task before you attempt the second one.

Answer 7

Neither. Read the parable of the sower. My challenge is to get myself to tell people about Christ (sow the good seed). It's up to the holy spirit to determine if the soil is any good.

I have been given neither the responsibility nor the ability to change someones heart into fertile soil.

Answer 8

I disagree in general because most won't accept archaeological, geographical, geological, Biblical or historical evidence. They definitely are not interested in opening their minds, mouths and hearts to prayer. Further most are not interested in opening themselves up to the possibility or to allow Jesus to come into their lives. Therefore, many, if not most, will challenge any attempt of proof regardless of the method. We, as Christians can only pray that their hardened hearts are opened and a seed is planted so that they will allow Christ to enter and His spirit grow within them.

Answer 9

Disagree. We don't have the power to do either. We're commanded to share the Good News. The Holy Spirit will soften hearts and "convince" people. God already knows who will accept Him - we're irrelevant in that. It's that when you know Him, if you truly know Him, you can't *not* share Him and talk about Him.

Answer 10

Partially agree.

However, I think atheist need to be given time for God to do his work. So the challenge is to leave them alone until the Spirit moves you to approach them, rather than jumping in and arguing.