someone tells you he does not believe in god...

I don't believe in Christ, and I don't believe in God. There is absolutely no proof of their existence, and therefore, there is no point in believing that they're real. It's just like believing in dancing teacups or the tooth fairy. If it isn't there, why believe it? Ok, so, how are you going to react to that?

If it was me I'll just respect his opinion. We all have our own different views about religion.

The stigma surrounding non-believers is hilarious. Reading the responses, I really had a smirk on my face the entire time. Why should you pretend that you did not hear your friend? You are really that afraid? Clearly he is not embarrassed by it. It's funny how you worded that he "openly admitted" that he does not believe. Like he just confessed to some sort of horrendous crime. It's not a bad thing that all people don't believe the same thing. Atheists don't want anyone to pray for them and they don't want you to teach them about it. Most atheists are more educated in religion than religious people. Namaste.

If it was me,I will talk to him and explain to him. I will share my belief at the sane time listen to his opinion too. Perhaps we have different religion so I can't force him to believe me nor listen to me...

It's okay if they are not believe in God. The most important things is that I tell to them about God. If they don't believed I still remind them to believed what I say...

HI Chiyosan, The person not believing in god might be an insane and time will teach him and bring his faith in god. How can a person forget that they have not created them-self they are the creation of god. If today we can stand on our own two feet, it is only because god has been kind to us. However, if it is any anguish which makes one believe that there is no god than one should realize that there are lot of things which we break in our life which we had created some day, if we do such things and do not feel the pain at that point than why should god think for it, we are slave and god is master we should obey GOD.

Greetings, You truly have an interesting discussion. As I read your post carefully at the begining your question gears more to those who are very close and dear to hour hearts. At first, our reaction, if not prepared, will indeed shock us. However, since this person maybe very close to us, we need to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit to guide us to ask the right questions and then respond accordingly. I believe there is times that there is a reason why someone close to us would be willing to admit that he/she doesn't believe in God. I believe this might of been a door of opportunity for you to share your testimony and show God's love which is shining through you. Remember, you are sharing the goodness of Jesus Christ, not a religion. Lot's of times people associate Jesus Christ or christianity as a religion instead of a relationship. Therefore, this misconception could be a part of the reason for their choice in not to believe in God or Jesus Christ. But eventhough you might be dumbfounded this is not the time to walk away especially if you are being lead by the Holy Spirit to share the hope and life you have in Christ. There is a scripture concerning this, we are to be prepare to share the hope that lies within us through Jesus Christ. Now, unless the Holy Spirit gives you alot to say, you should only say or ask in a very brief conversation and let the Holy Spirit take it from there. Because it is the Holy Spirit that does the work in that persons heart only. Well, with a similar situation I'm being faced with my sister. Most of her reasons has to do with her being confused and deceived by the enemy. Her faith believing in God now is not at all what it was during our time of growing up and as young adults. So I'm still trying to figure out what went wrong. All I can do is keep praying, seeking God through the Holy Spirit for insight in what to do and say. Because, I myself do not have a clue at times during our conversations about God and her faith in Christ. So I hope I had said something that is helpful. Have a wonderful day.

I have been in your shoes.A friend whom i spoke to often always said he dont believe in Jesus and he went as far as cursing him.I simply pray for his forgiveness and that God will continue to knock on his door. Sometimes its better to ignore such statements because it will bring regrets and anguish.You did the right thing.We dont need to defend Jesus or God.Just remember to pray for him and God will do the rest.

of course, it would be shocking especially if it comes from someone dear. but i need to respect that but i have to ask why. i would not condemn instead i will give my view why i believe in God. i hope and pray that they will not tell me anymore if someone in the family or among those i care do not have faith in God.

Everyone ha the choice to believe or not/ it can't be one of force or duty or obligation. it has to come from the heart. That is where your faith is born.

I believe in God and Jesus, but I am not overly shocked or surprised when I come across people who say they don't believe in God. Sometimes it is not their fault that they have no belief, sometimes it is just the way they were brought up and the experiences that they've had that leads them to believe that there is no God.

I was culture-shocked when I first met Atheist here in myLot. However, my conversation with them made me realise something, that it is a reality that there are those who really do not believe in God. All we can do though is to pray that one day soon, they'll see and realise their folly and that God is indeed real and true. What I am only requesting from them is respect. Respect the belief of others especially us Christians. As some of them are quite brutal in commenting and mocking our Lord Jesus by turning the image of Christ into a farce.

Good Morning! Well first you have to realize that all of us have our own perspective on life. I have been in this situation. I chose not to address it, as well. My calling in life is not to make people believe in Christ. Though, many may think I was wrong in not pressing the issue. I was on the opposite side of the stick once. A friend had told me if I were not "saved" I would not make it to Heaven. I had my own beliefs on that, I have always had someone watching over me. Though you chose to ignore your friend, I think that you probably will learn in time, if you haven't already; religion, politics, and finances are the three things to stay away from when in discussions with friends, family, and co workers. They are too controversal. I think you made the right decision in playing it off. All of us have our own views. Feeling shocked was a normal reaction, not often do you hear so bluntly the not trust in Christ and most shockingly the non belief in Him. Congrats to you for loving Him and wanting to protect!

Well I think people are not born to do everything but to do something ... we cant bring back lost time but we never know what the future may bring us .. lets pray for him , maybe you can do something about it in the future ... God works in wondrous ways^^

I believe that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions. When someone tells me that they don't believe in God, or something else that I believe in, I accept that they can choose to not believe in such things, and I let the topic go.