I need help answering questions from an athiest

[JoJoe]

The Bible without faith is like; reading a car manual without the car.

I tell those that question the Bible to first open there heart to Jesus and to truly mean it. Otherwise we will read the word as fiction because we read it with worldly eyes. And like brother Eugene stated we need to have eyes in the spirit.

 

[Knotical]

The Bible without faith is like; reading a car manual without the car.

I tell those that question the Bible to first open there heart to Jesus and to truly mean it. Otherwise we will read the word as fiction because we read it with worldly eyes. And like brother Eugene stated we need to have eyes in the spirit.

The only problem with that approach is that only the Holy Spirit can open their hearts. However, it is possible for someone to pray that this will happen. This cannot be done on their own.

 

[JoJoe]

The only problem with that approach is that only the Holy Spirit can open their hearts. However, it is possible for someone to pray that this will happen. This cannot be done on their own.

I guess it would be part of my own testimony that this applies as such. The more people realize it is more then a book and that we can never interpret it on our own understanding, it makes that much more sense.

1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

We cannot step into the spirit without Jesus. And of course I pray for those trying to understand.

 

[Leah781]

She did. Here are some contradictions she sent me:


1. Matthew 2:15, 19 & 21-23 The infant Christ was taken into Egypt. Luke 2:22 & 39 The infant Christ was NOT taken to Egypt.

2.Has anyone ascended up to heaven? Elijah went up to heaven: "And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." 2 Kings 2:11 "No man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man." John 3:13 i

Notice that 2Kings 2:11 doesn't say that Elijah died and went to heaven. Elijah was caught up in a windstorm. God must have transported Elijah through the atmosphere to another place on the earth. Elijah was spoken of in the bible at a later time. So he was alive and living somewhere else. 2 Chronicles 21:12 Also Jesus words at John 3:13 confirm this not contradict this.
The bible can be trusted as a reliable source because it is historically and scientifically accurate. The fulfillment of bible prophecy supports that the bible is from God. Cyrus and Alexander the Great were prophesied about. She can check in a history book that everything spoken about them in the bible is true.
Isa. 40:22 tells us that the earth is round. That was written thousands of years ago, when people didn't believe that the earth was round.
I hope this helps.

 

[Eugene]

She did. Here are some contradictions she sent me:
1. Matthew 2:15, 19 & 21-23 The infant Christ was taken into Egypt. Luke 2:22 & 39 The infant Christ was NOT taken to Egypt.
2.Has anyone ascended up to heaven? Elijah went up to heaven: "And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." 2 Kings 2:11 "No man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man." John 3:13 i

Dear LeeLee, please notice that the wise men didn’t go to the manger, but to Mary & Joseph’s house below.

Luk 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (The eighth day after Jesus’ birth He needed to be circumcised- see Purification below.)
Mat 2:9 When they (the Wise Men) had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. (Possibly close to two years after the birth of Jesus.)
Matthew 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him.
Mat 2:13 And when they (the Wise Men) were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.
Mat 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

PURIFICATION
Lev 12:2 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a woman have conceived seed, and born a man child: then she shall be unclean seven days; according to the days of the separation for her infirmity shall she be unclean.
Lev 12:3 And in the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised.
Lev 12:4 And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days; she shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of her purifying be fulfilled.

 

[HBEtechnician]

My cousin is an athiest and has been asking me about contradictions and inconsistencies in the bible. I'm not sure how to answer her. I have told her that in order to fully understand the word of God, she will need allow God to open her eyes. She says she doesn't understand that concept.

Here is her question:
I've never understood the concept that you must first believe in god in order to understand the bible and believe what it says. I would expect a divinely inspired book be perfectly written, free of contradictions internally and externally. But that's not what I see. I can't get past these hurdles. I'm asking you how you do because I'm genuinely curious to understand others perspectives. Your pastor, in this video is says the bible is the "Truth" and you can't cherry pick what you believe and follow. I want to know how you determine what is the truth, how do you move past these hurdles that I can't move past, when there are obviously so many contractions within the bible?

I had posted a video of a sermon my pastor did on Sunday. That is how this all came about. I really would like to help her but I'm unsure how to give her an answer she can understand. Please help me.

Why worry about trying to convince her of truth, why don't you just practice being like Jesus and let her make up her own mind.

 

[Kenny_ms]

Why worry about trying to convince her of truth, why don't you just practice being like Jesus and let her make up her own mind.

If an Atheist has no interest, I agree, why try to convince them of the truth, on the other hand if they show an interest....watch out!

 

[Runner]

Mature and intelligent atheists aren't worried about those sorts of "contradictions." Fifteen-year-old followers of Richard Dawkins like to say they are worried by those sorts of "contradictions" just to play mind games with the sorts of Christians who would be troubled if these sorts of "contradictions" in fact existed. Mature and intelligent atheists have much deeper concerns with the Bible than this.

If your cousin is sincerely troubled because the Bible doesn't seem like the sort of message she would have expected from an omniscient, omnibenevolent God, I would say "Super! The fact that you are troubled is understandable and perfectly healthy. At least we have a place for our discussions to start."

I might prefer it too if God had placed billboards all over the sky with his message in neon letters in plain English. I might prefer it if the Bible message were so plain that we didn't have 41,000 denominations and endless fussin' and feudin' over core doctrines. This isn't what He chose to do. Even from my human perspective, I can understand why God might want His message to be more veiled and to require more work on our part.

Those who insist the Bible has no contradictions or inconsistencies and is historically and scientifically accurate are certainly entitled to their opinion, but they don't convince any mature and intelligent atheists. What your cousin needs to realize (if she is sincere) is that this is merely one particular view of inerrancy that isn't even shared by the vast majority of Christians. Sharing this view certainly isn't a prerequisite to becoming or being a Christian.

Jesus is the Truth. The Bible is not the Truth. The Bible contains God's message to mankind - exactly to what degree is open to debate even within the community of inerrantists - but the foundation of Christianity is Jesus, not the Bible. The Bible should never be an impediment to anyone reaching out to Jesus.

If I were dealing with a sincere young atheist, I would tell her to forget about the Bible at this point. Conversions do occasionally occur simply by diving into the Bible, but I think it's extremely rare with someone who has the atheist mindset. I would urge the atheist to begin with a study of the best philosophical, theological and scientific arguments for the existence of a creator. If this left the atheist open to the possibility of a creator, I would urge her to confront the person of Jesus - by reading the gospels and reaching out to Him in prayer. If she decides to take a leap of faith, she can be confident the truths of the Bible will unfold for her over time. Perhaps she will end up as a gung-ho inerrantist, or perhaps she will always think the Bible has contradictions and inconsistencies.

If she insists on being fully satisfied with the Bible before reaching out to Jesus, she is completely missing the boat. If anyone thinks the way to persuade her away from atheism is by demonstrating that these supposed "contradictions" really aren't "contradictions," that person is (IMHO) likewise completely missing the boat.

 

[turnorburn]

Notice that 2Kings 2:11 doesn't say that Elijah died and went to heaven. Elijah was caught up in a windstorm. God must have transported Elijah through the atmosphere to another place on the earth. Elijah was spoken of in the bible at a later time. So he was alive and living somewhere else. 2 Chronicles 21:12 Also Jesus words at John 3:13 confirm this not contradict this.
The bible can be trusted as a reliable source because it is historically and scientifically accurate. The fulfillment of bible prophecy supports that the bible is from God. Cyrus and Alexander the Great were prophesied about. She can check in a history book that everything spoken about them in the bible is true.
Isa. 40:22 tells us that the earth is round. That was written thousands of years ago, when people didn't believe that the earth was round.
I hope this helps.

Another place on earth?

Matthew 17:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,

2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

tob

 

[turnorburn]

Mature and intelligent atheists aren't worried about those sorts of "contradictions." Fifteen-year-old followers of Richard Dawkins like to say they are worried by those sorts of "contradictions" just to play mind games with the sorts of Christians who would be troubled if these sorts of "contradictions" in fact existed. Mature and intelligent atheists have much deeper concerns with the Bible than this.

If your cousin is sincerely troubled because the Bible doesn't seem like the sort of message she would have expected from an omniscient, omnibenevolent God, I would say "Super! The fact that you are troubled is understandable and perfectly healthy. At least we have a place for our discussions to start."

I might prefer it too if God had placed billboards all over the sky with his message in neon letters in plain English. I might prefer it if the Bible message were so plain that we didn't have 41,000 denominations and endless fussin' and feudin' over core doctrines. This isn't what He chose to do. Even from my human perspective, I can understand why God might want His message to be more veiled and to require more work on our part.

Those who insist the Bible has no contradictions or inconsistencies and is historically and scientifically accurate are certainly entitled to their opinion, but they don't convince any mature and intelligent atheists. What your cousin needs to realize (if she is sincere) is that this is merely one particular view of inerrancy that isn't even shared by the vast majority of Christians. Sharing this view certainly isn't a prerequisite to becoming or being a Christian.

Jesus is the Truth. The Bible is not the Truth. The Bible contains God's message to mankind - exactly to what degree is open to debate even within the community of inerrantists - but the foundation of Christianity is Jesus, not the Bible. The Bible should never be an impediment to anyone reaching out to Jesus.

If I were dealing with a sincere young atheist, I would tell her to forget about the Bible at this point. Conversions do occasionally occur simply by diving into the Bible, but I think it's extremely rare with someone who has the atheist mindset. I would urge the atheist to begin with a study of the best philosophical, theological and scientific arguments for the existence of a creator. If this left the atheist open to the possibility of a creator, I would urge her to confront the person of Jesus - by reading the gospels and reaching out to Him in prayer. If she decides to take a leap of faith, she can be confident the truths of the Bible will unfold for her over time. Perhaps she will end up as a gung-ho inerrantist, or perhaps she will always think the Bible has contradictions and inconsistencies.

If she insists on being fully satisfied with the Bible before reaching out to Jesus, she is completely missing the boat. If anyone thinks the way to persuade her away from atheism is by demonstrating that these supposed "contradictions" really aren't "contradictions," that person is (IMHO) likewise completely missing the boat.

Forget about the bible? Its the living word of God..

Isaiah 55:10 For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

People get saved reading the bible, tracts, and anywhere you see the word of God...

tob

 

[Runner]

People get saved reading the bible, tracts, and anywhere you see the word of God...

Very seldom, in my experience, does a mature and intelligent atheist, or even a game-playing young atheist who enjoys pointing out "contradictions" to irritate Christians, get saved by reading the Bible or tracts. The verse you cite is one with which an atheist would have a field day. "Oh sure [the atheist would say], your God's word never returns void and always accomplishes that which He pleases. When I laugh at the silliness of His supposed word, I guess it just 'appears' to have returned void, huh? I guess what your God wanted His word to accomplish is me thinking it's mindless gibberish, because that's what it has accomplished. I guess this pleases Him, huh?" I would indeed tell the OP's cousin to forget about the Bible at this point, because bogging down in the sort of issues that are troubling her, and listening to Christians tap-dance around the sorts of issues that are troubling her, is far more likely to harden her in her atheism than lead her to belief. One can, of course, say, "Oh, no, God will use the Bible to accomplish His purposes in her life if she is one of the elect." "How convenient for you," my hypothetical atheist would say, "if I continue to regard the Bible as unconvincing gibberish, then ipso facto I wasn't one of the elect!" I personally do not think the Bible is a productive place to start with an atheist, but your mileage may vary.

 

[By Grace]

My cousin is an athiest and has been asking me about contradictions and inconsistencies in the bible. I'm not sure how to answer her. I have told her that in order to fully understand the word of God, she will need allow God to open her eyes. She says she doesn't understand that concept.

@LeeLee Welcome to our fellowship, we are glad to have you.

Here is her question:
I've never understood the concept that you must first believe in god in order to understand the bible and believe what it says. I would expect a divinely inspired book be perfectly written, free of contradictions internally and externally. But that's not what I see. I can't get past these hurdles. I'm asking you how you do because I'm genuinely curious to understand others perspectives. Your pastor, in this video is says the bible is the "Truth" and you can't cherry pick what you believe and follow. I want to know how you determine what is the truth, how do you move past these hurdles that I can't move past, when there are obviously so many contractions within the bible?

This may be hard for to take; nevertheless it is true. Paul was dealing with the same problem as is your cousin (if you are still lurking). Look at the description of the surrounding people that Paul states, then look at the spiritual condition of those people:
.

2 Corinthians 2:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
.​

This is the spiritual condition of all who have not been regenerated. Another term for it is "total depravity"; that means that there is nothing that anyone can do, especially if their soul is unregenerate that is
1) free from sin nor
2) well-pleasing unto God.

This then is the result of a person who does not believe in Jesus Christ
.

3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them
,​

This below is the reason that only the Redeemed can know the things of God:
.

5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.​

.
One way to pique her curiosity is to tekk her that the Bibld does have the answer to her question, but it is hard to take. Her pride as an atheist (ever meet a humble atheist? Neither have I done that!) would cause her to ask more than that. Then you can lead her down the Romans Road of Salvation.

Romans Road Clearly Defines:

1. Who needs salvation.
2. Why we need salvation.
3. How God provides salvation.
4. How we receive salvation.
5. The results of salvation.

(1) Everyone needs salvation because we have all sinned.
.

Romans 3:10-12, and 23
As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one.” ... For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (NLT)​

(2)The price (or consequence) of sin is death.

1. Romans 6:23
   For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)
2. Jesus Christ died for our sins. He paid the price for our death.
   
   Romans 5:8
   But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. (NLT)

(3) We receive salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:9-10, and 13
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved ... For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (NLT)​

(4) We receive salvation and eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Romans 10:9-10, and 13​

1. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved ... For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (NLT)

(5) Salvation through Jesus Christ brings us into a relationship of peace with God.

Romans 5:1
Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. (NLT)

Romans 8:1
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. (NLT)

Romans 8:38-39
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)​

(6) Responding to Romans Road
If you believe Romans Road leads to the path of truth, you can respond by receiving God's free gift of salvation today. Here's how to take a personal journey down Romans Road:

1. Admit you are a sinner.
2. Understand that as a sinner, you deserve death.
3. Believe Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from sin and death.
4. Repent by turning from your old life of sin to a new life in Christ.
5. Receive, through faith in Jesus Christ, his free gift of salvation.

copied from http://christianity.about.com/od/conversion/qt/romansroad.htm

I recommend that you prayerfully prepare yourself for this, and also pray that Holy Spirit opens her eyes. Memorize as much as possible, and use a 3X5 card to help with the rest.

We do not fight against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers of darkness. Therefore just before the encounter pray silently or aloud if possible and preferable that Holy Spirit binds the enemy who has taken control of your cousin, and ask Him to glorify Jesus by making clear to her the truth of the Gospel presentation and preparing her heart to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior..

 

[turnorburn]

Very seldom, in my experience, does a mature and intelligent atheist, or even a game-playing young atheist who enjoys pointing out "contradictions" to irritate Christians, get saved by reading the Bible or tracts. The verse you cite is one with which an atheist would have a field day. "Oh sure [the atheist would say], your God's word never returns void and always accomplishes that which He pleases. When I laugh at the silliness of His supposed word, I guess it just 'appears' to have returned void, huh? I guess what your God wanted His word to accomplish is me thinking it's mindless gibberish, because that's what it has accomplished. I guess this pleases Him, huh?" I would indeed tell the OP's cousin to forget about the Bible at this point, because bogging down in the sort of issues that are troubling her, and listening to Christians tap-dance around the sorts of issues that are troubling her, is far more likely to harden her in her atheism than lead her to belief. One can, of course, say, "Oh, no, God will use the Bible to accomplish His purposes in her life if she is one of the elect." "How convenient for you," my hypothetical atheist would say, "if I continue to regard the Bible as unconvincing gibberish, then ipso facto I wasn't one of the elect!" I personally do not think the Bible is a productive place to start with an atheist, but your mileage may vary.

Atheists are no different than anyone else they just hang a different shingle over their heart..

tob

 

[MarkT]

She did. Here are some contradictions she sent me:


1. Matthew 2:15, 19 & 21-23 The infant Christ was taken into Egypt. Luke 2:22 & 39 The infant Christ was NOT taken to Egypt.

I think Luke leaves out the fact Jesus was taken to Egypt.

2.Has anyone ascended up to heaven? Elijah went up to heaven: "And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven." 2 Kings 2:11 "No man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man." John 3:13 i

Yes. The prophets. The prophets were sent from heaven, and they ascended into heaven. John 3:13 says only those who descended from heaven have ever ascended into heaven; that would include Elijah and Enoch, and even Jesus, the Son of man, though he had not as yet ascended. I think that would also include the fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and also Moses.