I remember reading a bumper sticker that read "April Fool's Day is the national holiday of atheism." Of course this is based on the Proverb that says "The fool says in his heart there is no God." Then I see other bumper stickers that have a Christian fish on it with four little feet growing out of the belly. Inside the fish the words "Darwinism" are written. Then I'm driving home last night and I pull up behind a car that says "Coexist," but for each letter there are different religious symbols that represent the majority of the world religions. It's a nice thought; co-existing I mean. Some might say, "it's the devil's thought and if it's accepted it will prevent the spread of the Gospel." Yet, I can resonate with the idea of peace more than I can the back and forth bickering and cheap slogans that poke fun at people who believe differently than I do. The scripture comes to mind that "Peacemakers who sow in peace shall raise up a harvest of righteousness."
At the end of my last blog I concluded with questions rather than answers. Too many times we Christians like to give pad answers based on some teaching we have heard without really understanding the depth of the situation at hand. I'm okay with not having *all* of the answers, because no one really does, especially when it comes to God and other people. I do understand one thing about God, though. He loves us(As in everybody). "While we were yet sinners Christ died for us." I never knew what love was until I encountered God in an intimate and tangible way. Yet, my experience is not everyone else's. Just because I had this experience does not mean it will impact those who's experience is quite contrary to mine. So, how can we as Christians better communicate God's love with an atheist? I think there are several ways that we can.
I think the first thing a Christian must be willing to do is listen. We like to preach, but we need to learn how to listen as well. This can be very hard when conversing with an atheist. Many of them like to bring up issues that could send our blood pressure through the roof in a heartbeat. At times we just need to bite our tongue. They already think they know the truth and are trying to educate us out of our "midevil beliefs." Yet, we're sitting there on the other hand thinking "this dude is going to hell and he's completely ignorant of it, he's just wrong." If we respond with this in mind we're going to come across like self-righteous, condescending bigots. Which will only serve to reinforce the atheist's position. Hence the verbal sparing of one upping the other person isn't going to work here. Now, that doesn't mean we can't have a healthy debate. Paul debated with the Athenian philosophers of his day and some came to Christ as a result. Yet, we need to have a respectful debate that is on neutral ground (devoid of "Christianese" or "church talk"). If it deteriorates into mud flinging then it would be time to exit the debate in a respectful manner. Another problem with not listening is that we are so busy thinking about what we are going to say next that we don't actually consider what the other person is saying. Sometimes an atheist will bring up something like "Did you know Mithras actually inspired the myth of Jesus? In his story he was born of a virgin, baptized, performed signs and wonders, was wrongfully killed and was raised from the dead." I personally was thrown off by this argument for a time , but upon a little research into the mythological god, Mithras, I found that this statement was completely false. If we respond too quickly without considering their content we will unwittingly make an assumption of our own without having any data to back it up and in the process end up looking like idiots. After listening it is better to say, "I don't really know anything about that and I'll have to do a little personal research and get back to you." Most importantly, if we are willing to listen you show that you care about the person on some level. We're giving them the time of day and that counts for something. So, be quick to listen.
We must be a presence of love, as well. Showing them love and respect, in spite of the strong differences that exist, better demonstrates what living for Jesus is all about . Treat them like you would a friend or a nice neighbor. Serve them. Buy them lunch. Ask them about their family, job, and hobbies. Fact is atheists are just people like you and me. They have lives that have meaning to them and therefore are important. When we remove the barrier that says "they're the enemy" or "they are ignorant" and see their humanity we can actually begin to have compassion for them. Remember God desires "compassion not sacrifice." Though at times it might feel like a sacrifice to be in the company of those who challenge our beliefs. It can feel draining to love somebody and not get anything back but grief. Yet, this proves to be a great lesson in humility and helps us become a little bit more like Jesus.
Pray for them. Prayer lays the ground work that God will utilize to touch a person's life. Understand that just because we pray for them doesn't mean they will automatically come to know Christ. God will not manipulate someone into coming to know His son, but the Holy Spirit will knock on their hearts through various circumstances, situations, and encounters with others throughout their lives. While their is air in their lungs their is yet hope. Have faith. Pray.
Finally, the work is the Lord's and we are co-laborers with Him. We should NEVER feel that another person's salvation is dependent on our efforts, but we can rejoice in that God includes us in the process. No matter how much we know, how hard we try, how much we pray, or how much kindness we can show a person it is ultimately the Holy Spirit who leads a person to the cross of Calvary. We can be co-laborers and help people come to an understanding of salvation, but the work is always our Lord's. "Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith." We sow, we water, but God gives the increase. His is the harvest.
To Him be the Glory!
I hope you found this little blog helpful,
'Till the next time...
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