I ran into this concept– It is very similar to how evangelism works, but from an atheist’s point of view from the book: Athiesm by Julian Baggini.

“The best we can do therefore is to show believers who may think that they have rational grounds for their belief that they are wrong. We can force them to choose, in other words, between taking the risk of faith and restricting their use of reason to apologetics, or giving up theirfaith all together. I think relatively few will take the second path. But as more do so, and religious convictions become less and less likely to be passed on by parents, educators, and the Church, so the force of reason may generally hold more sway. Religion will recede not by athiests shoiting condemnation, but by the quite voice of reason slowly making itself heard.”

The first thing I want to note– I have this quote from Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis,

Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one- the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts. — Screwtape

Doesn’t it seem to run parallel with the final sentences of that statement?  The Devil’s greatest weapon is making himself unknown and nullifying his existence.  So to make Christians renounce our faith is dangerous, but even more subtle, and (I would argue) even more deadly, is allowing them to convince themselves that God is an illusion.

It is an interesting book based on factual evidence and educated thoughtful responses to Atheism and their view of faith–  It talks about the misconception of our understanding of Atheism.  He basically states that Atheists can be moral, theological, and ethical– but the only difference is that they cannot logically come to the conclusion of God’s existence without sufficient evidence that there is in fact a God.

A major argument that is presented is the idea of blind-global-wording… For instance, “No Child Left Behind”, “If you are not with us, you are against us” etc.  These concepts present a call to action to each and every person that hears the statements.  IF you are not with us, presenting that you are neutral or against us, then you are the enemy.  Thats scary right?  Bandwagon propaganda.  But the Atheists believe that Christians use this methodology in their belief system.

Going back to the quote above, you might notice that they are very logical thinkers.  They think in tangible terms, and if something becomes too abstract, then it must not be true in real life but a figure of abstract imagination which explains why it is so difficult to believe in God.

Basically, the entire book is looking at scientific disproof of God with hard, factual evidence.  That doesn’t necessarily mean that they believe in evolution either– but logically, makes more sense.

Atheism is a search on this earth for self-betterment and a journey for yourself…  And often it is perceived as a scary world,  ”[Atheists] have no divine parents who always protect us and who are unquestionably good. The world is instead a big and scary place, but also one where there are opportunities to go out and create lives for ourselves. (Baggini)”

In short, “Unfortunately, you are alone– do the best you can.”  I say this with the utmost respect for Atheists because I understand how difficult it is to believe in something we cannot feel, touch, hear, see, etc.  This is why I say “unfortunately” because they certainly didn’t want it to be this way…

I have some trouble with that statement though, because the only proof I can think of (and it is more than sufficient for me) is how relational human beings are– and Biblically speaking, we were made in the Image of Christ– physically, emotionally and mentally we have similar attributes.  With that said, we were meant to be connected with people, with things, with life.  We were not meant to be alone, and we are not alone.  Christi s also relational, with his Church, with hearts, with people.

There is also a statement I have heard from Atheists that goes, “Life is a bitch, then you die.”  How depressing–  First of all, who would want to believe that?!  I can write a whole separate article on what I think of that statement…  Of course, I am sure some ethical / moral Atheists would not associate themselves with that statement, and it would be incorrect for me to associate every atheist with it–

 

Something I found interesting, and this is what it comes down to:  Atheists will argue that it takes more belief (blind belief) to believe in a God that has not presented himself in a tangible way?  And Christians would argue that it takes more evidence and effort to disprove the existence of God than it is to believe and receive grace.

With that said, it seems like we are looking at two nonparallel spectrums of observations… Belief and proof.  Atheists’ proof: biology, history, science, existence, etc.  Christians’ proof: experience, belief, testimony, revolving around faith.

So how would you go about having a discussion?

One thing I always come back to– If I am right, then we go to a Heaven where we will live life abundantly for eternity with the One who created us.  If you are right [Atheist], then we have spent a lifetime improving oneself and in the end nothing happens, we cease to exist, etc (um, some cases– some Atheists believe in ghosts and stuff).

But in the end I would like to close, why not give God a try?  Ask him to reveal himself to you in a sincere prayer.  See if he shows himself in a refreshing new light and in a tangible way :D  The best part is, I feel full confident in that statement because my God is amazing, and prayer works.  He is listening, he just wants you to acknowledge Him!