Perhaps youre aware of a new version of atheists called, reasonably enough, the New Atheists. Like older versions, new atheists dont believe in God and claim that religious believers are, if not downright stupid, at least intellectually cavalier. But the New Atheists complaints against believers arent merely academic. As they see it, the believers lack of intellectual responsibility is more than a matter of ideas; it is a thing of immense practical concern. Our irrationality, they say, makes us dangerous, not merely dolts. Naturally, this troubles the atheists, whose militant leaders Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, Richard Dawkins, and the late Christopher Hitchens see religious belief as something to eliminate rather than merely ridicule.
How then should we respond to belligerent unbelievers? Well, its all too easy to get angry and wound up. Do the opposite instead: relax. This is one of the first things to remember when attempting to love your enemies. Anger and fearthe latter usually causing the formerget in the way of doing the right thing. To be sure, these atheists are sometimes in your face, asking for a fight, but if you melt into defensive shrillness just because their nose is an inch from yours, youve already lostnot merely the confrontationbut the person in front of you.
So how do you remain calm, confident, and in your right mind when someone is threatening you? The first and obvious thing is to constantly pray about it, asking to fear God alone. The second is to prepare for confrontation, to train for it. In the case of these atheists, read up on your apologetics, learn the fundamental moves and high-yield techniques. Just as in physical confrontations, the more competent you are at self-defense, the easier it is to relax. As someone once said, The stronger you are, the more gentle you can afford to be. If you dont feel threatened by the person in front of you, youll be more likely to see him as someone who needs help. Which is exactly what the atheist is.
how can the OP be serious? isn't trolling still against the rules? isn't this too friggin obvious?
Atheists should be thankful they live in a free land. Imagine living in Saudi Arabia and freely announcing there is no god.
What did jesus say about judging people?
Christians, here is how you treat Atheists.
Really need a separate forum for this crap.
Really need a separate forum for this crap.
Atheists should be thankful they live in a free land. Imagine living in Saudi Arabia and freely announcing there is no god.