I've recently been chatting with a couple of atheists, Ian and Ken.
They're really nice guys, and I'm not just saying that to be P.C., either.
If you're a Christian (or any kind of theist, for that matter!), I whole-heartedly recommend dialogue with atheists. We Christians are guilty of saying many things that simply don't make sense, and dialogue with atheists can really help sharpen (and therefore strengthen) your beliefs. Here are a few things you'll want to do when talking to them (or anyone else as well!).
Use words carefully.
When conversations get past a certain point, you quickly realize that many words mean slightly (or very!) different things to different people. Words like 'objective', 'reality', 'supernatural', 'miracle', 'authority', etc., can be very, very slippery. Use them carefully (or don't use them at all!), and press their use of them as well.
Be willing to be sharpened.
There are many complaints of atheists that are very valid. Christians need to be open to learning, re-thinking, re-shaping their ideas. I dare say God would want us to do this! There are a lot of things that a lot of Christians say or teach or write in books, etc., that is really embarrassing, and quite often, one simply needs to agree with the complaint of the atheist and perhaps share the 'better' position that clears up the distortion that they are complaining about.
Focus on the topic of materiality.
I've learned that one of the most vital beliefs of atheists is that reality is only material. Press them on this, but don't make the mistake of claiming 'objectivity' in this area. Logic, reason, emotion, art, etc. - these areas are difficult to explain for materialists.
Highlight the logical absurdity of the Big Bang.
The Big Bang theory posits that the universe results from a Singularity - a non-dimensional point under massive atomic pressure. This non-dimensional point existed in nowhere, because there was nowhere for it to be, and it existed at no time, because there was no time in which it could be. In short; where there is no time and no where, no thing happens, and no thing exists.
Don't scientifically argue creation from the Bible.
Genesis (or any other place in the Bible) is not a scientific text. It is a theological one. Whatever you think you know about the age of the earth, carbon-dating or evolution (micro or macro), please don't bring the Bible into these conversations. It's like wiping your nose with an anvil.
Don't argue for the existence of God using some experience you had.
You will be quickly told that your experience is subjective and therefore not valid for evidence. Don't bother.
Press them on the word 'science'.
The Latin root for 'knowledge' is 'scienta'. Science, therefore, is a general term about 'knowledge'. Press them to specify what KIND of knowledge they are referring to. They will want to give supremacy to physical science, but remind them that this is only one kind of 'knowing'.
I could go on, but that should do for now.
Happy chatting!
-d-
22 August 2007
chatting with atheists
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