l*****a
发帖数: 38403 | 1 Steps
1
Know your own reasons for doing this. Are you trying to convert them
because their atheism makes you uncomfortable with your own faith, or
makes you angry? Well, first consider how important your religion is to
you.
2
Imagine exactly how they feel about their beliefs. They hold them as
settled and true to them, so pressuring towards conversion is an act of
disrespect, not a gift. You cannot force belief in God on anyone. If
they are interested in talking about the Gospel, then do. However, don't
take every opportunity to inject your beliefs in detail. It becomes
quickly annoying and counterproductive, but if you realize these things | l*****a
发帖数: 38403 | 2 In the discussions, you need to find out why this particular atheist may
feel that way. Has your friend always felt that there is no [caring] creator
? Or, has something happened in their life or have the experience the
hypocrisy of some religious leaders or in historical events such as disgust
with the Crusades and Inquisitions? Whatever is the reason, you need to get
the core of it, reach their core beliefs, heart of any problem.
An atheist will want definite evidence, not just a rehearsal of your faith.
You'll have to provide concrete facts and scientifically thought out
arguments, although do not focus on those too much; our beliefs based on
faith, Christian love and joy of worship (all immaterial things), are not
evidence to the unbeliever. In fact, a reliance on faith may be evidence to
the atheist that you aren't relying on facts.
He that comes looking for God must believe that He is and that He rewards
those who seek Him early, not as game -- for without faith it is impossible
to please God... (Hebrews 11:6)[1]
Discuss that human brains work with faith, opinion, religious/spiritual
issues, feelings, emotions, frames of reference, history, tradition, church
and the Bible, and many other things than just intellectual/theoretical
logic. If you do not know much about how the brain works, then avoid trying
to be the answer guy/"expert." Atheists may be versed in their facts and
opinions in such scientific areas. When things go beyond your capability to
define it, then having faith in something larger than natural processes can
bring you peace, but not for those who disagree. Maybe it's not the answer,
but peace in itself is a huge reward, a great return for even a bit of faith
. However, don't assume that the atheist hasn't found his own kind of peace
in science, etc. -- perhaps as great as that of some Christians. Don't be
arrogant in assuming that your peace can not to be compared to theirs. | l*****a
发帖数: 38403 | 3 Make a never ending list: inspiration, intuition, dread, hope, fear, faith,
industriousness, procrastination, calmness, anxiety, anger, ambition,
initiative, enthusiasm, boredom, fatigue, illness, health,... family,
friendship, trust, honesty...
To know "everything" is impossible but being a functioning human and
striving further to "know" more... Priceless! Discuss how the support of the
church can help in one's life. Discuss the good that your church has done
recently, but don't assume that the church is the only source of good works.
Often, the atheist is already involved in charitable works that are non-
sectarian.
Before you try to argue against scientific theories, such as evolution and
the "Big Bang," learn more about them and not just from religious view
points. Atheists may tend to be versed in their ideas of sciences, and may
be put off by your bringing up what they may call stale, old arguments. Also
, don't be confused by the so called scientific use of the word "theory"
with the common use. In science, a theory is not just a conjecture, but has
been used to interpret opinions, and data, and to color each others'
thinking, as if it were more than unproved.
Realize that human theories are not evidence whether God exists or not.
Atheists are put off by logical arguments of the form, "In my view X did not
just happen, and you can not logically say that various theories of science
demonstrate that God does not exist." This includes arguments that require
the person to accept your beliefs of how life came about, of how "ideal" the
Earth is, or how the Big Bang happened. They have already decided. The fact
that we don't know everything about the origins of life does not
demonstrate to the "unbeliever" that God did it. Again, not listening to
their views on "science" may cause the atheist to shut down to anything else
you might say.
Discuss how self-awareness, self-development and personality all point to
highly organized and purposeful traits -- not randomness in our mental
processes. | l*****a
发帖数: 38403 | 4 Point out that science is a wonderful thing, but discuss "natural" processes
like the ones called entropy (definition: disorder in a system, which
resolves to equilibrium--like dust settles) and chaos (definition: inherent
unpredictability) are not thought of as building anything:
The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy (or disorder) of
the entire universe (a system comprising of ALL matter) must increase with
time. If the universe had always existed, then entropy of the entire
universe would have already reached infinity with infinite time, and nothing
would exist. Since you and I and everything we see have some order or
structure, they are not at infinite entropy. Therefore, matter had not
always been in existence, and there must have been a transition in time from
no matter in the universe to existence of matter, which then start to
accumulate entropy as a whole. The transition from nonexistence to existence
is creation.
So how would life just "happen" (at all) when unprotected matter of
virtually every kind corrodes or decays in nature.
Matter dissolves, oxidizes, or is damaged by mineral deposits and natural
poisons like corrosive alkaline materials, and wind and water erosion
breaking down inorganic matter.
Even organic matter that is not part of a living creature and not maintained
by a life is not going to make it and will be breaking down.
Was it "self-invention/autocreation" that originated life. The unorganized,
unprotected fragile building blocks of life not inside of a rather fragile,
organized system called the cell would not be alive; they do not stand alone
. The cell materials to become life/alive must simultaneously and/or
successively be formed within a protective/supportive structure such as a
selectively semi-permeable, cytoplasmic membrane within which the required
components are formed.
Unprotected components for organelles, protein and amino acids (building
blocks of proteins) outside of a living system would not be alive/life. But
instead they need the concurrent existence of supporting systems so that the
protein, composed by the organism from amino acids -- some or all of which
the life may produce -- and powered by sugar/fat (from where) involved in
mitochondrial based krebs cycles (which can also produce fat from sugar and
sugar from fat) and are all supported by some forms of systems like
organelles and RNA-messengers, DNA-plans with, possibly, epi-genetic tags
contingent on various factors within the interdependent totality of a "
living" productive system for life to be reproductive...
The simultaneously existing codependent systems need a food source, some
form of respiration/energy formation, including the animal/oxygen-uptake vis
-a-vis the plant/carbon-dioxide-uptake which seem corelated, and as
important as anything "energy creation within the necessarily integrated
utilization of the co-dependent" mitochondrial cycles that produce it.
~ "So how then would all the potential of unorganized, non-integrated
components, not already in a celluar animal, plant or virus system, 'become
organized and inculcated with life' within a 'closed and interdependent', '
self-supporting' and 'reproductive' successful biological (viable) life form
?"
How could something called primordial soup and static electricity, or some
spontaneous action in a tidal pool cause or lead to
genetics and chromosomal programming,
uniqueness and instincts,
an immune system,
autonomic life support systems,
healing of injuries,
energy creation and utilization,
and human "intelligence."
If all life came into existence through the big bang -- where did the big
bang come from (no where???).
Do not discredit the big bang, though, because it might fit into Judaeo-
Christian belief very well as the idea of everything coming into existence
from a single instant by the activity of God. In fact, when this theory was
first conceived, some Atheist scientists refused to accept it because they
saw it as an attempt by the Catholic Church to make its beliefs scientific. | l*****a
发帖数: 38403 | 5 Talk about millions of years of natural processes from a big bang possibly
proceeding through time to a tidal pond -- or some "incubator" near volcanic
vents -- producing "primordial soup" (in nature's primitive junkyard), or "
rock garden" could create or produce a "rubble-soup" of what: Minerals, ore,
sand, dust, water, alkaline and acid, etc. But, if nature could not create
wire or a crystal diode (forget the storm in a junkyard producing a computer
or any precision mechanical device), nor create knowledge (without
intelligence present) -- then how/what does pure-logic say that "any or all"
of those primitive natural processes or materials plus, static electricity,
entropy and chaos can create simple life (not) and bring previously
lifeless matter to amazing abilities in millions, billions, trillions or
quadrillions of years from that primordial mineral soup (mother nature's "
primitive" rock-garden, tidal pond, or ocean vent "soup")? "Simple-life (not
)" means there is no such thing as simple life with multiple thousands,
millions, billions of genetic and epi-genetic "creations" -- from primitive
natural origins -- without a mother cell or organism. | l*****a
发帖数: 38403 | 6 Talk about the existence of anything at all and especially reproductive life
Express the amazing interdependency of systems within even simple life to
allow it to live.
Talk about the thousands of "precisely" balanced and regulated bio-chemical
and electrical systems in the body.
How could chaos create precision, perfect sight, hearing, unfathomable
depths of nerves and multiple intelligences plus gender, various amazing
species (lightening bugs, electric eels, blind bats with sonar, worms and
starfish that can regrow body parts...), racial and familial characteristics?
Talk about how precisely designed the earth is.
Talk about the numerous instances of well-documented miracles, citing
examples, talking about Saints from recent times. | l*****a
发帖数: 38403 | 7 Counter their evidence. Their evidence is sometimes from atheistic
scientists who portray their results in ways specifically conceived to
disprove the existence of God, so use research from Christian scientists to
rebuff their arguments.
Use logic. Remember that some aspects of God and his existence cannot be
explained logically just as they will pretend to, but can not explain the
origin of life. Their doctrines of secularism may prompt the Atheist to
dismiss God, but remind anyone that, as Creator and the all knowing and on
an altogether higher plane of understanding than man, that he is not bound
by nature or man's concepts of theories of time, space and cosmology so that
the totality of time and space is God's lab -- and He can control and does
grasp all of that at once, being all and in all, all powerful...
Know your stuff, it will help, if you are ready to give an answer of why you
believe that nature does not explain the existence of even the very simple
reproductive living cell. They can not explain how the so "called" the
simple cell came to be. But you can, ie: tell them about the God, who is not
so mysterious as natural existence from a big bang without a plan or a
purpose.
God would (already) know whatever there is to know about time warps, time,
black holes, black matter, anti-matter, parallel universes if they were to
exist. There is no mystery to the creator of this laboratory (the universe
or multi-universes) that He made, spoke into existence and uses as His field
of interest. | l*****a
发帖数: 38403 | 8 Explain that there is no simple cell. It has many dependencies, not just
thousands but actually millions and billions of genetic processes including
the very basic system of genes that pass instructions for self-manufacture
of life by that specific form of life -- and perhaps, epigenetic tags that
act in an approximately stepwise process by which genetic information is
thought to be translated into the substance and behavior of that specific
organism.[2]
There is ingestion using an organized and specifically selective, semi-
permeable membrane that is necessary for gastric respiration of oxygen,
reverse transpiration of carbon dioxide, excretion of other wastes.
The simple cell also has the internal processes that have the ability to
fabricate all the necessary components and to follow life creating
procedures including creation of needed protein from amino acids, the
organelles, the tiny organs for different needs, and the management system
known as the nucleus.
Consider the necessary division process or combining and then dividing, the
inheritance system of genetics, use of oxygen for mitochondrial energy
production (and cycles related to sugar and lipids) and then regulation and
utilization of all those interdependent systems to work together as a life.
Though there are the less obviously organized, less defined forms of simple
cell with less distinctly visible organelles not well partitioned with
protein-skeletal form, and no well differentiated substructure such as those
or the nucleus (in these somewhat simpler forms of life, but they still
have the necessary processes, just less distinguishable, but are no less the
wonder of wonders) of the single living cell. | l*****a
发帖数: 38403 | 9 Think also of the "RNA-messengers", specific "DNA-plans" (genetics) for one
particular kind of living cell. So how could that have just spontaneously
bubbled up in a "tidal-pool" or "deep oceanic, volcanic hot-water-vent" --
or wherever they may say.
Show the evidence of the illogic of how millions/billions/trillions of genes
just happened, merely existed and got together here or there, and got going
without a mother cell, no prior life, just springing from sterile volcanic
dusts of whatever kinds, watery soup of acids, alkaline-base, resultant
salts, oceanic chemicals, static electricity,... some would tell you that
reproductive life bubbled to life by chaos, natural replicating and entropic
processes (devolving, seeking a balance, ie: equilibrium, settled state -
that's entropy and how creative does that sound?), plus the processes
similar of erosion and settling dust; so sprang life from hydrogen which
made helium, and then all the elements, ie: from stardust that just happens
to follow very orderly laws of physics that just found a way to make life in
a conducive environment like earth. Really that's not simple simple, and
there is no simple genetics, and no simple living cell at all. | l*****a
发帖数: 38403 | 10 Warnings
Insisting that someone worship in a religion is wrong and not effective. No
matter what your religion, one should be clearly persuaded--but not be
treated cruelly or as if they are somehow "wrong". Also be warned that in
some cultures the act of converting or conversion could be either unethical,
or - like in Saudi Arabia - usually illegal. Be prepared to be persecuted
or even killed for sharing your faith.
Consider how you would respond if someone was attempting to persuade you to
change your beliefs. Be gentle in attempting to persuade an atheist, as
their own beliefs are just as important and central to who they are as yours
are to you.
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.
Don't make an attempt each and every time you get together. It becomes
wearying for both of you, and your friend will begin to avoid you, generally
because people don't like to be seen as "conversion projects."
Nothing is creepier for an atheist than the unblinking stare and
obsessiveness of the fanatical believer. Nothing scarier than being ambushed
by a group of fanatics who need to convert you now. If you are not a
fanatic, don't fall into the trap of acting like one. Just be a friend, let
things happen naturally. Seeing the world from your friend's point of view
may clarify your understandings and faith, or confuse the issues: so be
prepared for swift waters -- or stay in the shallows.
Every person is different, even within the same religion. Don't assume that
you know what your friend thinks or believes about something merely because
he or she is an atheist. Instead, ask him or her about it.
Do not aggressively push your beliefs on your friends. No one can be forced
into a true conversion. Furthermore, if you "aggressively push", you may
drive your friend(s) even further away from Christianity without realizing
it.
There are many non-Christians who believe that a god or gods exist.
Therefore, proving the existence of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ is merely
one facet of conversion. Other elements include: the Bible is from God;
Christianity is God's religion; the Trinity; salvation by faith.
A non-believer may not be swayed by arguments from the Bible, since he or
she does not believe that it is divinely-inspired, or possibly that deities
even exist. Quoting a Bible verse might be sufficient if speaking to a
fellow Christian, but it will likely not be convincing for an atheist.
Don't assume that an atheist hasn't read the Bible. Many atheists were
raised as Christians and grew up reading the Bible. In fact, many atheist
writers have studied the Bible more extensively than some Christian
apologists.
Avoid common (incorrect) stereotypes about atheists, such as that "Atheists
really believe in God but are just in denial," and, "Without God, atheists
can't be moral people." It is considered inappropriate to prejudge anyone.
Also trying to explain the moral high ground may be challenging when they
may be able to point out some immoral actions in accounts of sinners and sin
in the Bible. For example King David committed adultery, lusted and ordered
a husband to the frontlines of battle to his death because be wanted the
man's wife. These are among the worst of sins, but David was forgiven, as he
later realized his guilt and repented, as he is described as "a man after
God's own heart." But, how can you use that predicament for teaching the
power of grace over the finality of sin and death? Forgiveness is by faith
in God's grace and by repenting.
Keep in mind that many atheists may not even believe that Jesus existed, let
alone that he was God made man. Therefore making statements like "Jesus
loves you so much that he died for your sins" will most likely not sway them.
Trying to use logical arguments may not work, as it may have been logical
inquiry which originally convinced them to become atheist. However, many
atheists prize logic above all else, so it can also be your greatest tool.
If you know the person well enough you should be able to tell if logic can
or cannot sway that belief. Recognize Christianity is not essentially about
logic and your position is difficult to defend with anything except faith in
scriptures translated many times over and written by men, under inspiration
by God, so do not attempt to debate the atheist in a purely rational manner.
Make sure that you move beyond "their faith." Usually atheists are atheists
because they refuse to accept belief based on faith alone. Therefore, stand
up and give "reasonable" arguments for why God does "exist" and, perhaps,
reach some atheists that way.
Have no fear. Atheists are generally decent people, no so different from
anybody else. However, keep in mind that religion is a subject that often
has much emotional baggage attached to it. Challenging someone's deeply held
beliefs can evoke verbal or even physical abuse. If you see someone getting
angry or annoyed at you, it may be best to step away. You won't convince
anybody who isn't willing to listen. Remember it's also good to just plant
seeds, then let someone else water if you must, and another may do the
harvest rather than overstay a welcome...
But, if you are persecuted for God's namesake -- great is your reward in
heaven. (Matthew 5, It is "the 9th beatitude".) Yet, be aware that enraged
people may totally despise your treasures of wisdom. If you throw your
pearls of faith at them or in front of them, then it may all get trampled
into the dirt. Then that person may attack you figuratively with verbal
anger or even acting out.
Anger and "setting boundaries" (like saying, "don't mention that again") may
happen over next to nothing as one's beliefs are worth millions. Stand up,
but remember it's also good to just plant seeds, then let someone else water
if you must, and another may do the harvest rather than to overstay your
welcome...
Always bear in mind that fanatics are most sure of their atheism or
Christianity and in condemning others for having strong beliefs, but the
wise men are the ones with sensible questions, contemplation and seeking for
the better answers (and as for as Christians--we are glad to become fools
for Christ in the eyes of men for the glory of God).
Be prepared to discover that your own beliefs may change as you grow in your
faith--and not the atheist's.
You will find it is hard to convert atheists who will not listen, and say
that they have researched religion extensively and only believe in man/
nature, but have no interest or openness to believing God/or faith. It is
easier to convert a new atheist back than one who is hardened and then why
would such believe in Jesus Christ as more than just a man. You can only do
your best and then let go.
"Anyone that would come to God must seek Him diligently with a whole heart,
and believe 'that He is' and 'that He rewards those who seek Him' -- and
then that person will find Him."
(Hebrews 11:6)
Know how far to push, and when to stop. Some atheists would just rather not
discuss/argue this at all, and could become very annoyed by your
impertinence if you do push this subject, no matter how kind your intentions
. Always learn about them as a person first, as a friend, before you
attempted to [re]introduce them to your faith. That way you'll know, if it's
the right choice for them or not.
Don't be surprised if your attempts are either dismissed or argued
skillfully. An atheist who has dealt with a lot of proselytizing probably
has ready points of view on many arguments listed above. | E*****m
发帖数: 25615 | |
|
