Difference between revisions of "Persuade an Atheist to Become Christian"
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#*You're not just arguing facts. You're discussing faith based on the truth about God's son. That's the best you can do. The way to do this isn't by trying to badger or prod someone to convert, or by engaging them in a "tic-for-tat" of competitive debate about the virtues of Jesus (but you need to be ready to answer how your faith in Him is not about arguing the "fallacies" or bad/good points of the world's religions or various past or present civilizations and their deities). It is vital daily life in Christ. | #*You're not just arguing facts. You're discussing faith based on the truth about God's son. That's the best you can do. The way to do this isn't by trying to badger or prod someone to convert, or by engaging them in a "tic-for-tat" of competitive debate about the virtues of Jesus (but you need to be ready to answer how your faith in Him is not about arguing the "fallacies" or bad/good points of the world's religions or various past or present civilizations and their deities). It is vital daily life in Christ. | ||
===Talking About Your Faith=== | ===Talking About Your Faith=== | ||
| − | #Tell your friend what your Christianity means to you. Explain how your faith in Christ has helped you to live a better life and discuss what Jesus Christ means to you. It may also be useful to tell your friend about people you've met at church and the community that you've built there. Keep the conversation focused on the tools that following God's son gives you.<ref>http://www.ebonmusings.org/atheism/theistguide.html</ref> | + | #Tell your friend what your Christianity means to you. Explain how your faith in Christ has helped you to live a better life and discuss what Jesus Christ means to you. It may also be useful to tell your friend about people you've met at church and the community that you've built there. Keep the conversation focused on the tools that following God's son gives you.<ref name="rf16197">http://www.ebonmusings.org/atheism/theistguide.html</ref> |
#*Why do you feel you're better off for being a Christian, in getting through your day-to-day life? In general, it's best to avoid discussing the concept of eternal punishment for non-Christians with an atheist, which will turn into a debate. If someone feels like you're trying to "save" them, it can seem condescending and frustrating for your friend. | #*Why do you feel you're better off for being a Christian, in getting through your day-to-day life? In general, it's best to avoid discussing the concept of eternal punishment for non-Christians with an atheist, which will turn into a debate. If someone feels like you're trying to "save" them, it can seem condescending and frustrating for your friend. | ||
#Establish a common language. When you have a discussion, it is best to speak the same language. This means that you will have to back up and use secular reasoning and vocabulary to establish your theological ideas. It might be helpful to discuss Christianity in terms of morality, practical tools for living, and other more secular | #Establish a common language. When you have a discussion, it is best to speak the same language. This means that you will have to back up and use secular reasoning and vocabulary to establish your theological ideas. It might be helpful to discuss Christianity in terms of morality, practical tools for living, and other more secular | ||
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#Be patient. See if this person develops any interest in attending your place of worship. You may extend an invitation to attend church with you, but it would be best if your friend comes along due to their own curiosity, feeling comfortable and in control. Don't push too hard. The more your friend has to come to you, the more invested they'll be in the result. | #Be patient. See if this person develops any interest in attending your place of worship. You may extend an invitation to attend church with you, but it would be best if your friend comes along due to their own curiosity, feeling comfortable and in control. Don't push too hard. The more your friend has to come to you, the more invested they'll be in the result. | ||
#Be persistent. Show the practicality of Christianity through your own successes and friendships with Christians. If your friend truly sees that being a part of a church is like gaining dozens of new family members who demonstrate love and admiration toward others, then your friend will know where to turn in hard times.. | #Be persistent. Show the practicality of Christianity through your own successes and friendships with Christians. If your friend truly sees that being a part of a church is like gaining dozens of new family members who demonstrate love and admiration toward others, then your friend will know where to turn in hard times.. | ||
| − | #*Know when to call it quits. When talking about deeply-held beliefs, people can often get emotional or even angry. If possible, try to talk to them when they seem fairly open and when you are both in a good mood. Some atheists prefer written debates over oral ones. Try that if one or both of you always become overemotional.<ref>http://www.ebonmusings.org/atheism/hownot.html</ref> | + | #*Know when to call it quits. When talking about deeply-held beliefs, people can often get emotional or even angry. If possible, try to talk to them when they seem fairly open and when you are both in a good mood. Some atheists prefer written debates over oral ones. Try that if one or both of you always become overemotional.<ref name="rf16198">http://www.ebonmusings.org/atheism/hownot.html</ref> |
#If you want to pray for your friend, do it in private. Ending a contentious conversation by saying "I will pray for you" can be seen as rude. Christians believe that it is up to God, ultimately, to convince people to follow. Don't use public prayer as a pious demonstration. If God is going to answer your prayer and convert the atheist, then he would do so whether the atheist hears it or not. | #If you want to pray for your friend, do it in private. Ending a contentious conversation by saying "I will pray for you" can be seen as rude. Christians believe that it is up to God, ultimately, to convince people to follow. Don't use public prayer as a pious demonstration. If God is going to answer your prayer and convert the atheist, then he would do so whether the atheist hears it or not. | ||
