Why we should debate atheists (or anyone for that matter) Part 2

[Infinity]

I had conversations about God with allot of people, and I am so happy that almost every single one was a nice one.

Sure in some cases they weren't all that happy because they didn't convert me but it always ended with a sincere goodbye and hope to talk again someday.It really fells great when you can talk with open mind.

 

[WIP]

I see it as providing reasons for why we believe what we do, why we have hope; essentially providing a defense. As John Lennox has shown many times, you can do this and debate whilst still being humble.

For me, "defense" implies that I have something to defend. I don't think I need to defend my faith or defend God. I can explain the hope within me but no need to defend it or in other words get defensive about my faith. This is why I try to avoid arguing with non-believers. It can too easily put me in a position where I am on the defensive when I don't think I should have to be. A weakness I have I guess.

 

[childeye]

Objectively speaking I would debate atheists because that is what I would want done to me if I were an atheist. However I would not do so if I sense no good fruit is to be gained. A seed is all that is needed to grow a tree, and is much easier to plant than the whole tree.

 

[childeye]

For me, "defense" implies that I have something to defend. I don't think I need to defend my faith or defend God. I can explain the hope within me but no need to defend it or in other words get defensive about my faith. This is why I try to avoid arguing with non-believers. It can too easily put me in a position where I am on the defensive when I don't think I should have to be. A weakness I have I guess.

Actually, sometimes it is more prudent and the higher road to not argue. The work is done already on the cross and all men will see the Truth in the end. Those who grasp this with conviction I would think are more immune to the devil pushing their buttons. Other times people deliberately seek to argue and it is not a bad thing to give them what they desire. I believe the holy Spirit is able to guide in such matters and anything done out of sincere Love is a pure motive.

 

[Grazer]

For me, "defense" implies that I have something to defend. I don't think I need to defend my faith or defend God. I can explain the hope within me but no need to defend it or in other words get defensive about my faith. This is why I try to avoid arguing with non-believers. It can too easily put me in a position where I am on the defensive when I don't think I should have to be. A weakness I have I guess.

That's part of a debate, you can question the oppositions belief. In my discussions with atheists it's very rarely a one way street. Defending ones position and getting defensive about it are 2 different things. I can "defend" my reasons without having to get "defensive" I don't deliberately seek out arguments though they do seem to find me

 

[childeye]

That's part of a debate, you can question the oppositions belief. In my discussions with atheists it's very rarely a one way street. Defending ones position and getting defensive about it are 2 different things. I can "defend" my reasons without having to get "defensive" I don't deliberately seek out arguments though they do seem to find me

If you are in Christ, you are a magnet for bullies and those who would persecute what they despise because they don't understand.

 

[WIP]

That's part of a debate, you can question the oppositions belief. In my discussions with atheists it's very rarely a one way street. Defending ones position and getting defensive about it are 2 different things. I can "defend" my reasons without having to get "defensive" I don't deliberately seek out arguments though they do seem to find me

I'm beginning to think we have slightly different definitions for "defend" and "argue."

 

[Grazer]

I'm beginning to think we have slightly different definitions for "defend" and "argue."

Oh we definitely do