Saturday, 27 June 2009
-
3 Ways That Christians Can Approach Atheists Better
Normally I'm not one to enter into the realm of comparative religious discussion (or, in this case, comparative non-religious discussion), but the more I read certain bloggers, the more I wonder if we are as different as we would like to think that we are in the whole Christian vs. Atheist debate.
From what I have gleaned in my casual observation of the Atheist blogs, some of the key Atheist issues are that the Christians take the Bible so "literally" that they are forced to come up with absurd ideas that contradict scientific investigation. (I know nothing about science, and I have no interest in trying to construct a scientific argument. So, I'll leave it at that.) Primarily, there seems to be concern with issues of universal and biological origins and development.There is also the related issue of how literally the Christians seem to read miracle stories and other biblical tales that would be at least inexplicable and at most absurd according to scientific standards. Finally, I've noticed that many of the Atheists have been utterly turned off by the militant tone that the Christians have often taken when they approach these inter(non)religious dialogues (e.g. "Jesus hates sin," "You will go to Hell if you believe [this]," "God punishes people who do/believe [this]," etc.). Ultimately, the dialogue devolves into full out mud-slinging and name-calling.
Here's my problem: I'm a Christian who agrees with the Atheists on these points.
I have no interest in trying to argue it out with the Atheists about who is right because we simply can't prove the ontological reality or non-reality of God (and nor do I think we should try to; that's where the quack science starts showing up). What I am interested in, however, is making a few suggestions for the Christians in approaching these dialogues.
1. Stop making science the enemy.Back in my high school days of being a hardcore conservative/evangelical/fundamentalist, I actually had a sticker on my Biology notebook that loudly proclaimed "Evolution is Science Fiction." Since then, however, I've learned that the real fiction is the belief that somehow a "belief" (I hate to use that word in this context) in evolution is not contradictory to the theological and biblically supported belief in God as the Creator of all things. In fact, I wonder if we don't do a disservice to God's power by claiming that God cannot choose to work through the natural process of evolution. In any case, the Bible is not a science text book, and the Christians need to stop using it as though it is. It shows a horrible lack of respect for a sacred text.
2. Learn to read.A lot of the problems that the Atheists have with the Christians is how stinkin' literally they read certain parts of the Bible. (Notice, I only say certain parts. There are other parts that the Christians love to just ignore entirely.) I would imagine that even the Christians probably don't read fairy tales like they read the morning newspaper. They are different genres and thus recommend to the reader different styles of reading and interpretation. In the same way, the Bible contains dozens of different genres, and each needs to be approached accordingly. Not only would we show the text a little more respect by reading it as its genre recommends, but we would avoid a lot of the science-y problems that result from a too-literal reading.
3. Love a little!One of the big reasons that I see the Atheists giving for not wanting anything to do with the Christians is just how downright MEAN the Christians can be. Condemnation, punishment, damnation, burning in Hell fire, and similar vocabulary needs to be replaced with the words love, peace, justice, shalom, well-being, forgiveness, redemption. I'm not trying to minimize the theological concept of sin, but I am suggesting that at the very least we need to stop getting so caught up in naming sin and heterodoxy. There might be a time for that in mature Christian communities, but there is very rarely an appropriate time for that in discussions that stretch beyond a purely Christian audience.
The core of the Theism vs. Atheism debate has moved past the simple question "Is there a God?" Really, this key question really can't be answered definitively by either side. However, on the Theistic, and more specifically Christian, side of things, I want to suggest that we need to re-think how we go about these debates. While Christianity and Atheism clearly have some very divergent beliefs and viewpoints, I think there is significant room for growth in terms of finding common ground, and I think the onus is upon the Christians (who usually claim to be more "moral" anyway) to go about making these talks civil and worthwhile. In the end, maybe all of us will discover that our humanity connects us far more than we realize.Do you think that Christians should work harder to find common ground with Atheists?
-
recommend
- recs 23
-
share
-
email
- sent 0
Related Posts
Post a Comment
- Back to revelife's Revelife Site!
- Note: your comment will appear in revelife's local time zone: GMT -05:00 (Eastern Standard - US, Canada)
About the Author
-
- From: mendicantmelly@xanga
- Name: Melanie
- Location: South Bend, Indiana, United States
- About Me: My name is not Mel.
Stats: This Week All Time Posts: 0 3 Views: 0 3164 Comments: 0 199 View all posts by mendicantmelly@xanga
Comments (182)
I think it would be helpful to name common ground. One giant venue is that we are both human. There are a lot of implications to that. For those of us who know that we are made in the imago dei and that G-D is in all people it would incredibly important to say how we are connected to our unfaithful brothers and sisters.
Sure, that way both sides realize that the other isnt going anywhere anytime soon.
No. I honestly do not think there is any need to work hard to find common ground. Why is it necessary to find common ground? As an act of charity, we should pray for all non-believers, but when you (or Revelife...I assume you, the author, didn't ask the question) say "common ground" it sounds like making concessions on facts. Of course many Christians read the Bible too literally. However, where is the common ground when someone uses that to describe all Christians as idiots who believe in a fairy tale. I understand that some Christians are less than polite in all debate with atheists, and I am as guilty as anyone, but have you ever read some of the disgusting, vulgar, hateful screed that passes for discourse around here? I would dare you to find common ground with someone who hates you with a passion.
As far as being human being common ground? Great, that's my common ground with Osama Bin Laden, too. I think it goes beyond that.
You're always going to have the extremists on both sides. Sometimes it's hard to find common ground. Even with science, there's different interpretations of the data. One of the biggest problems is if Christians say they can prove God, which they can't as you stated. And atheists have a hard time understanding why Christians believe what they do. To them it's just pure nonsense. So that's why the discussions can become so volatile at times.
@scrambledmegzntoast@hardestlevel - love your enemies?
@JadedJanissary@xanga - I do love them. That is why I pray for them. Love does not equal acceptance of bigotry and hatred. It also does not include acceptance of false premises and straw man (I hate that overused term, but it applies here) arguments.
We should all work harder to find common ground no matter who we are.
But Christians will never find common ground with Atheists in their religion. The fact that they have a religion at all eliminates all possible common ground in that aspect with Atheists. What Christians should work harder to do is understand that Atheists don't want to hear a constant stream of Bible talk and attempts at conversion from Christian's mouths.
The problem atheists have is why in our language and culture do we have at least an idea of God? If there is no God then why does He exist if only as a word? The argument is because we had to have something to credit for the good stuff and the bad stuff as well. In other words if things are going well then God is happy and if not then God is angry. So then what can be done to please Him? But again, why was even just this idea concieved? If there is no God then we wouldn't know it.
@TheGreatBout@xanga - @scrambledmegzntoast@hardestlevel - Common ground is VERY important when discussing any divisive issue, from religion to politics. Even if it's starting off the conversation by talking about the fact that you both like the same baseball team, or that you've both vacationed in the same spot. In his speech at the Areopagus, Paul starts by complimenting them ("I see that you are very religious.") We must maintain the human aspect.
Any time you have a conversation and start off by challenging someone's most basic beliefs, it's not going to go well. It's easy for both Christians and atheists to remember that we don't have to be enemies even though we disagree on fundamental issues.
I agree that science isn't the enemy, but I simply can't accept the author's conclusion that evolution and scripture are compatible. I also don't think theistic evolution is the only way to understand that science isn't the enemy.
While Christians need to "learn to read", so do Atheists.. I've found that the moment I suggest that certain things aren't meant to be taken literally in scripture, they accuse me of 'picking and choosing' what I want to believe in the bible. Many Christians don't understand biblical interpretation principles, but neither do most atheists.
Only mature Christians find common ground with atheists. I'm afraid this generation is screwed.
@designandart - that's a silly argument. we have the the following words in our vocabulary, too: unicorns. faeries, demigods, etc. not to mention, the long long list of named divinities throughout human history, as well as nature spirits. are you saying that there is a possibility those exist simply because the words do?
as an agnostic, i don't think i am capable of finding true common ground with Christians. my biggest problems with the religion center around the most important parts of doctrine that are not negotiable. at best, i think Christians could stand to learn some tolerance... i may not think Christianity makes any sense, but i don't begrudge Christians their right to practice it. if i thought Christians felt the same way about my lifestyle, i may be far more open. they don't have to like the fact that i'm bisexual, have premarital sex, do not follow Biblical gender roles, etc... but Christians usually seem interested in eliminating such things outright, whether or not it's through choice.
@too_pretty_to_die@xanga - No, I'm not. But would you believe someone who said 2+2 doesn't equal 4?
@designandart - if i had never been told otherwise, yeah maybe. but i hardly think that a subject such as theology can ever be as concrete as mathematics. after all, strict monotheism is a fairly new invention. i'm willing to concede that there might be a higher power. but if you want to use the existence of words as proof, nature spirits are far more likelier beings.
One argument for the existence of God is by looking at a fine timepiece. It had a designer. The universe is a lot more complex. And life beginning on it's own has about as much of a chance of being true as a tornado passing through a junk yard and assembling a 747. Where did everything come from if it wasn't created by God and what happened before that?
@too_pretty_to_die@xanga - Mathmatics itself is a creation of God's
Most atheists used to be Christians (or some sort of religious). Its not an arbitrary decision we make, but something that comes after a lot of thought and consideration, usually at some pains to ourselves and our families. It is unnecessary to try to find common ground to convert or reconvert us. If it makes you feel better, pray to your god, implore the holy spirit, live by example that makes you an actual 'light to the world' and that will probably do you a lot more good than any kind of direct approach. As far as just co-existing goes, I think finding common ground is an excellent idea, something most atheists are more than willing to strive for.
I think you make some excellent points that could really help everyone in general just get along with each other.
@too_pretty_to_die@xanga - We Christians also have experience with God, at least I have.
@Theophilus166@xanga - Agreed.
@designandart - well, i would assume so.... the Christian god made everything, according to the Bible.
@designandart - i used to think i did, too. and that's why i'm only agnostic, not atheistic. i think a higher power could exist, but i have way too many problems with Christian doctrine and morality to think that's the one true faith.
@lovechartreuse@xanga - Amen! (Forgive an atheist for saying that)
Wonderful post by the original poster. Thank you for addressing these problems we see far too often. I try to be as civil as possible in my debating, but there are times where I get the exact problems you discuss here in return (from many of the people who have commented already). Anywho, kudos to you for being able to understand "the enemy"!
i think atheists and christians should realize that they're not going to be able to convert each other and agree to disagree.
@too_pretty_to_die@xanga - if i thought Christians felt the same way about my lifestyle, i may be far more open. they don't have to like the fact that i'm bisexual, have premarital sex, do not follow Biblical gender roles, etc... but Christians usually seem interested in eliminating such things outright, whether or not it's through choice.
The problem with your argument is you're basically saying "If Christians weren't so intolerant about my beliefs and instead thought the way I do." You're doing the very thing you're condemning about Christians. In the same way they eliminate your beliefs and behavior as unacceptable, you eliminate their beliefs and behavior as unacceptable.