My Discussion with an atheist...

Update: 5/27/08 ~ I left out a very important resource. I used the Evidence Bible to do my study and research. There are great quotes and biblical answers to many of the most common questions. I highly recommend you purchase this for your library. If you haven't checked out The Way of the Master website yet...you are going to be so blessed to find this incredible resource to teach you how to effectively share Christ. Still no response from the atheist. Keep praying.

I recently read an article from an online newspaper related to homeschooling. I naively left a positive comment, which started a very lengthy debate. I received a verbal lashing, but rest assured I debated with a Christlike witness and attitude.

I would like to share with you the conversation that I had with the atheist. He "jumped in" to claim that homeschooling Christian's have "un-American points of view which seek to kill off any form of American Public Education". These were the nicer things he had to say. Those of you who personally know me, "know" exactly what I had to do...straighten him out. After all, opinions are like bellybuttons...everyone has one...don't they? ;)

This man stated that,

"Yet, because I am an ex-Christian, now Atheist, many fine Christians would gladly see me dead, gone, and without a voice."

That statement broke my heart. I had to respond and tell him that a "real" Christian would never want that for him.

His response was:

"Do we not come down to what IS a "real" Christian? I think we do. To what voice should we direct our attention to when claiming to speak for "Christianity?" They are legion. Is yours the true one? Do not such question beg the question? I could ask YOU, or a hundred other "Christians" what is a "true" Christian and get a hundred, different responses. Yet, am I to be the one who is to be denigrated simply because I cannot identify what is a "Christian" when many hundreds of other "Christians" can find no consensus? I do not think a nonbeliever should have to stand in "apology" for such a reasonable doubt. Christianity does stand condemned on as many points. Each person's Christianity is simply a personal, highly subjective, and contradictory form of "Christianity" when exposed to other "forms" of Christianity. I am sorry, but I cannot apologize for pointing out that basic, and demonstrable fact of the case".

He goes on to debate the homeschooling issue then ends with this:

"To "educate" a poor child, a child of an "outside" race, one of a cultural minority, or some other "minority" is part and parcel of what the current, far right, evangelical Christian "argues" for as an "American principle." Why does it take an ex-Christian Atheist to say such things? Most Christians in this country would actually agree with me on this point, but I am left alone to say such, and to be denigrated for doing so. Kid, I'll leave it to you, as a fellow, strong-rational-Christian here to disprove any of my arguments. I may be wrong of course, but I fear that I am not".

Click here, to see my response. Let me rephrase that...the Holy Spirit's response. I give God the complete glory for the answer I gave. God never ceases to amaze me. He didn't leave me nor did He forsake me. Praise God for His constant protection.

The amazing thing...this atheist has not responded. According to his previous posts on other topics, this is not in his character. He is usually quick to respond and is posting on other articles. I did pray that God would stop any negative comment or degradation that could come from this. Again, God came through. His words are powerful!

Please pray for this man. He knows the truth. Can you imagine what God could do through this man if he accepts Christ?! This is why the enemy is fighting so hard.

How does this apply to you? Make sure you know what a "real" Christian is and be able to explain yourself. You never know when you might have a conversation with an atheist! Better yet, teach your children how to stand firm on their beliefs and how to share the hope that is in Christ.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.
Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason
for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)