The Problem of Atheism.
Atheism has been on my mind recently. Any Christian is bound to encounter people who do not share their faith. Christianity is the most widely-observed religion in the world, but the majority of the population either is not Christian or expresses disbelief in religion altogether.
Atheism is a topic that offers almost infinite potential for conversation and/or argument. This week’s post will offer some suggestions for how best to approach an unbeliever with the ideas and ideals of the Christian faith.
The online Google dictionary defines an atheist as “a person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods.” This is a fairly generic definition and is the one we’ll use in this post. We’ll also use the terms “atheist” and “unbeliever” interchangeably.
Both Christianity and atheism are “belief systems,” antithetical they may be. And, since both systems consist of their own beliefs about religion, each can be referred to as a “theology.” Thus, for our purposes in this blog, we will identify atheism as a “theology.”
Now we have our nomenclature established. Let’s proceed to explore how best to approach an unbeliever to discuss the benefits of Christianity and why they should become a Christian.
Approaching an Unbeliever.
I’ve observed that the church utilizes two basic approaches when discussing Christianity with unbelievers. The first is to attempt to browbeat the unbeliever into philosophical submission. The second is to invite their participation in dialogue and to encourage their active consideration of Christianity as a legitimate replacement for their current theology.
The Church (as I’ve known it) has historically been much more inclined to utilize the first approach than the second. It persecuted unbelievers for centuries, even burning them at the stake during the middle ages. In more recent times, atheists and their ideas have been routinely denigrated and ostracized from Chriatian society.
The “you’re damned if you don’t believe” mantra is much overused and even misguided in its attempts to frighten unbelievers into the faith. Such caustic and provocative rhetoric frequently serves only to drive the unbeliever deeper into their position and to make them less open to dialogue and the benefits of Christianity. A discussion of damnation and hell is at some point necessary for the unbeliever’s full understanding, but beginning with this lead-in is not usually productive.
A Different Approach.
I suggest that the second method of engaging an atheist could be more successful. Exhibiting a willingness to allow the unbeliever to explain their position and to listen to their reasons for their unbelief demonstrates respect for them as a person and opens the opportunity for constructive dialogue. So, a better first approach to an unbeliever might be, “I understand that you claim to be an atheist. Would you mind explaining to me how you came to that position?”
Also, most atheists believe that their position is based on rational thought and reason. As flawed as we may think their reasoning is, attacking it is not likely to be productive. However, offering compelling alternatives to their ideas could be. Readers of this blog have often heard me say that a person’s faith should be based upon their own ideas and understanding of Christian principals. Guidance and information from others are frequently helpful, but it is the individual’s responsibility to determine their own belief system.
So it is also for unbelievers. If they are to accept the idea of God and the reality of Christ, they must be allowed to come to those conclusions on their own. Christian beliefs cannot be forced, only offered and explained.
Patience is Required.
We are unlikely to overcome an atheist’s closely-held ideals in one conversation. We must be prepared for extended dialogue and remain committed to their conversion should our initial efforts be rebuffed. Maintaining an active dialogue is the key to conversion, even if the timeframe is long.
Trust the Holy Spirit to do His Work.
The final point is that we need to trust in God and His ability to work through us toward the salvation of the person with whom we are talking. We must always remember that if an unbeliever is to be convinced of God’s existence, and the importance of Jesus Christ to their life, the Holy Spirit must be our guide as we talk with them.
We needn’t worry about impressing the unbeliever with our logic or our vocabulary. And, they are unlikely to be persuaded by an encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible or of religion in general. What may impress them and encourage them to give real consideration to our message is the attitude with which our message is delivered.
When we allow ourselves to be led by the Holy Spirit to engage the unbeliever with unfailing love rather than scorn or criticism, we have a realistic chance of giving them a reason to consider our faith. Our words may be clumsy, and our phasing confusing, but the depth of our belief and our reliance on our Lord must be evident. When the unbeliever can “see” the Holy Spirit in us, the opportunity for their eyes and ears to be opened exists. Allowing the Holy Spirit to shine through us is our most compelling argument.
Wrap-Up.
In summary, which religion would you most be attracted to? A. The one that tells you that you’re going to Hell and Damnation if you don’t’ convert immediately? Or, B. The one that values you as a child of God and invites you to accept His gift of Jesus Christ’s Sacrifice? I know which argument would be (is) more compelling to me.
So, when you encounter an unbeliever, start by listening. Then, offer your perspective. And, most importantly, allow the Holy Spirit to shine through you to do His work.
When we’ve done these things, we’ll have a real chance to make a difference in an unbeliever’s life.
We may not see results right away. It may be years before our approach and dialogue are effective. And, we may never see or experience the fruition of our labor.
Christ admonished all His followers to “…make disciples of all nations…” and that is what we must do. [Matthew 28:19] We have an obligation to Him, to ourselves, and to those we try to convince. And, when we engage in this task with the full weight of the Holy Spirit’s guidance, “…who can be against us?… In all these things we are more than conquerors.” [Romans 8:31-39]
God’s Blessings on You All.
Richard
July 26, 2019
