Atheist vs. Faith

United States
July 24, 2010 12:10pm CST
Reading this, some people will think I'm a preacher. Reading this, some people will think I'm a good friend for my worry. Please read all of this before judging and before assuming what you think I mean by my words and actions. My friend is an Atheist. He tells me he doesn't KNOW why he doesn't believe in God. I tried to tell him the wonders of Christ and all the proof I was given by my own eyes and my own feelings, but still, I seem to fail in spreading the good news. Christ deserves the respect of all people for what He did for us. Christ deserves the worship - as does His Father, God... OUR Father, God. I tried to tell my friend that God is, was, and will be, but as an atheist, he blows off my opinion. He wants proof, proof, proof. Jesus said that it doesn't matter if we look, because none of us will really SEE. We can't just hear, because no one will really LISTEN. So what can I do to get my friend to have a more OPEN MIND. I'm not trying to convert him. That's his own choice. I just... would like him to respect my beliefs and my Savior and God in front of me and my believing friends. How can I tell him to just... not be so ignorant and arrogant?
3 responses
@jujunme (2501)
• United States
25 Jul 10
You can't get your friend to have an open mind, because what he wants , you or no one else can give him and that is "proof" that God exists. Believing in God and Christ is a very personal belief and you can only speak of your personal knowledge of His existance. If he ever comes to believe in the existance of God, it will only be through to his OWN experiences. Also, if he does not respect your brliefs, i don't see why you would waste your time and effort in even having a conversation regarding this matter.
@bird123 (10643)
• United States
24 Jul 10
Perhaps, he sees you as ignorant and arrogant trying to convert him. It doesn't matter what someone else does. It's what you do that counts. What actions will you take? Teach through example rather than through preaching. What will your actions be teaching?? Something to really think about.
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Jul 10
The last question you ask is, How can I tell him to just... not be so ignorant and arrogant? I'm not quite sure how to answer that, as I don't really know why you feel he is ignorant and arrogant. Your other question is, So what can I do to get my friend to have a more OPEN MIND? Well, turn the question back on yourself would be my advice. Is the mind closed because it refuses to agree? I think not. Each of us are entitled to our own thoughts and beliefs regarding religion, as well as any and all topics. An open-minded person respects the thoughts and beliefs of others even when they differ from their own. You say you seem to fail in the spreading the good news... the good news in you haven't failed in this respect, for you have shared your opinion with your friend AND he has shared his opinion with you. I think now the thing to do is to respect the opinion of your friend, give it the value it deserves, and then move away from the need to prove anything to him.
• United States
24 Jul 10
Well he's ignorant and arrogant because he INSULTS my faith in front of me and friends... I believe i mentioned that... I see your point and appreciate your help. Thanks.
• United States
24 Jul 10
If he is truly insulting you in the presence of others, then I would ask him to no longer do so and to treat me with more respect. If he does not, then I wouldn't be in his presence anymore. I'm curious as to just how he insults you.