It Takes An Open Mind To Believe In God.
By WhatsHerName
@PrarieStyle (2486)
United States
May 17, 2016 1:41pm CST
Recently I got into a debate with an atheist family member who said I was narrow minded for being what he calls "religious".
I tried to explain to him that first, I'm not "religious" and second, it takes an open mind to believe that we are created by a creator for a purpose and not just by accident. I was narrow minded when I was an atheist and didn't ever read the Bible.
He doesn't understand the difference between being "religious" and having a personal relationship with our creator.
I say, if he wasn't so narrow minded, he would understand the difference.
Does anyone have any suggestions that might help me to get through to him?
Name calling atheists are welcome to comment but will probably be ignored.
3 people like this
5 responses
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
17 May 16
I have always found it best to ask a person who says he/she is an atheist, this question: Have you always been an atheist? Sometimes they answer "NO", but they became an atheist because they see the hypocrisy of many people who CLAIM to be Christians and yet do unchristian things. Secondly, they might have become an atheist because they wonder: If there is a God, why doesn't he do something about all the pain and suffering in the world.
Once you find out what turned them away from God or religion in general, you will be better able to talk to them.
Here's a link that might help you.
How did evil begin? Was God’s creation defective? Why so much suffering? The evidence is clear that human rulers have failed. How can we choose God as our Ruler?
1 person likes this
@PrarieStyle (2486)
• United States
17 May 16
He's my brother we grew up Atheist. We pretty much forced to believe there is no God. The only time I heard the name "Jesus" or "God" was when the adults were swearing at us.
My grandmother used to say "there's no G Damned God, if there was, there wouldn't be any starving and suffering in the world". As an adult after I found Him, I came to learn that the pain and suffering in the world ifs caused by man and it's up to man to do something about it.
Your link didn't work for me.
That is a good question, I'll ask him.
1 person likes this
@PrarieStyle (2486)
• United States
17 May 16
He's also atheist because his wife is. I don't think he's allowed to do much thinking for himself. She went to Catholic school and was molested by nuns, so came to the conclusion that there is no God.
I can't picture him ever being saved.
But I'll never give up praying.
@IreneVincent (15962)
• United States
18 May 16
@PrarieStyle Oh, I was hoping that you could go to the link. It's such a good article. You might be able to find it if you go to You would have to "search" for the article by name. This is a wonderful web site that is just full of answers from the Bible.
There is a section called "frequently asked questions" and there are FREE videos and many other features. I'm sure that you would enjoy this web site. Just Scroll down and look around.
Jehovah’s Witnesses: Our official website provides online access to the Bible, Bible-based publications, and current news. It describes our beliefs and organization.
@Teep11 (7673)
• United States
8 Jun 16
Having a relationship with both God and Jesus is what a lot of people have or want. Religion can create somethings that we prefer to do without. When we're connected with our Creator we're protected. Not everyone will other the relationship or can be convinced to believe. If your relative doesn't want to believe what you believe then he can't be forced to do so.
1 person likes this
@PrarieStyle (2486)
• United States
9 Jun 16
Yes, our God isn't a God of force, that's one of the best things about Him.
@Tampa_girl7 (50080)
• United States
18 May 16
Pray for him and just avoid confrontations.
1 person likes this
@PrarieStyle (2486)
• United States
18 May 16
I try to avoid confrontations. I have avoided him for most of my adult life. I'm tired of not being able to be myself. I can't even mention God. He sends me pms trying to shove his non belief down my throat. He also pushes it on my children, calls me names and trashes me to them.
But I'll keep praying and thank God for the persecution that The Bible says will happen.
1 person likes this
@PrarieStyle (2486)
• United States
17 May 16
I do leave him alone, he won't leave me alone. I find him patronizing that he thinks I need to be saved from God.
1 person likes this
@boiboing (13153)
• Northampton, England
17 May 16
"Name calling atheists are welcome to comment but will probably be ignored." - yeah, that's a brilliant way to try to show us how open minded you are.
@PrarieStyle (2486)
• United States
17 May 16
Atheists are welcome to comment, but they usually call us names. I guess I shouldn't have added that.
