Atheism’s Theory
I found this on Dave Black’s site:
But beyond that, Dave makes a very good and timely point:
Try going out of your way to befriend them. If you don’t know much about their lives, ask them. After all, that’s what friends do. The cumulative weight of all of these encounters builds momentum toward the cross. You will feel awkward at times and wonder if you’re compromising the truth of the Gospel. You may be attacked by others for befriending an “enemy” of Christianity. I say, “Take the risk anyway!” Jesus commanded us to love our neighbors. At the very least that means being warm and friendly to them!
Many people reject the Gospel because they’ve been chewed on once too often. Let’s not be guilty of that when we can be guilty of scandalous love!
on February 12, 2010 at 12:39 pm
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May I cross-post this one.
on February 12, 2010 at 1:47 pm
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Always.
on February 12, 2010 at 1:57 pm
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[...] Cross post from Polycarp:- [...]
on February 13, 2010 at 5:37 pm
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I found this poster statement about Atheism via a cross blog of a cross blog, but there was no option for a comment on the original blog, so apologies for hitting you as the next in line.
I’m curious as to whether thinking Christians really think that this is an accurate description of what Atheists believe? Isn’t it equivalent to an atheist pouring scorn on Christians with a crassly oversimplified parody of their belief in the existence of God? If you don’t agree with this poster, why post it on your blog? As an Atheist I have to say that it saddens me that such a cheap and silly slogan should be put about in this way. Imagine if I said something equally insulting about Christianity. It would upset people. I would not do it.
I may be an atheist, but that does not mean I am a bad person. I try to lead a moral life. I respect those who are religious, and I try to understand their points of view.
I know there are very dumb people out there who style themselves atheists, and say the most appalling things about religion on the web. These people are just unthinking idiots. They have not the wit to understand the true meaning of being a moral atheist. For them I apologise. I just wish we could all understand and accept each other’s differences.
I enjoy your blog and I wish you Peace.
Jim
on February 13, 2010 at 6:15 pm
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Jim, that is kinda the point of posting it, to draw attention that the Christian’s attitude should be one of meekness and allowance.
I believe that many Christians see Atheism as such, maybe, but it is not pouring scorn on anyone. This is a comment on the first cause, which should draw all thinking people together in a conversation. It is not about being ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and as I have written before, I believe that atheists do have moral frameworks and can fully operate ethically as well.
Jim, as others can tell you, I believe in living and letting others live as well. I believe that by a good conversation we can all learn and grow from each other. I have several atheists friends, and well, this was sorta to them as well. It was first about humor, and second that atheists and atheism are not enemies and not something to be feared.
on February 14, 2010 at 3:32 am
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Amen Polycarp. It was the poignant comments by Dave that really attratced me to the post.
on February 14, 2010 at 3:19 am
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Thanks. I do understand that, but there are always those who just see the headline and pass judgement. As you may be aware this has been posted on many Christian websites already. I do hope that people read the commentary as well. I think maybe I’m just being too sensitive.
Interesting blog. I was fascinated by your arguments with the Mormon and Catholic(?). I had not realised just what a gulf there was in terms of belief between various branches of the faith. I’ve never understood why people still cling to Mormonism. It seems to me so transparently false. As to the heated discussion on the Trinity, I still don’t understand why it’s such a crucial point, but then maybe it’s not my business.
Good luck anyway.
Jim
on February 14, 2010 at 8:08 am
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Jim, sometimes, the headlines need to be abrupt in order to strike up a conversation. As Stuart says, the commentary is the most important thing.
We debate because we love God, Jim, and we strive to grow and to protect others from what we consider so ‘transparently false.’ Please feel free to stay around and offer insight were you want.