Sharing Christ With an Atheist

November 1, 2007 - Leading our atheist friends to Christ is not an easy task. It is difficult to convince them that God exists, and even harder to lead them to Christ’s salvation. Let’s look at some ways we may provide an atheist with evidence for God.

by Phil Fernandes

First, we must pray for them. When we pray, we acknowledge that we rely on the Lord’s power. We must not be confident in our own brilliance (Philippians 3:3); it is the Holy Spirit who draws people to Jesus (John 16:7-11; 12:32).

Second, we must speak the truth in love, treating atheists with gentleness and respect (Ephesians 4:15; 1 Peter 3:15). When we witness to others, we are not trying to win debates; rather, we are trying to lead them to Christ.

Third, don’t try to prove God’s existence beyond all reasonable doubt. Though this can be done, the goal is often too lofty. Our goal should be more modest: argue that theism (belief in God) is more reasonable than atheism (the rejection of belief in God).

Discuss common aspects of human experience—aspects accepted by both atheists and theists. Then argue that theism is a more reasonable explanation than atheism. Both sides agree that the universe had a beginning. It seems more reasonable to conclude that something outside the universe (i.e., God) caused it to exist than to believe that the universe popped into existence totally out of nothing and without a cause.

Also, the design in the universe—including its living inhabitants—implies that the universe had an intelligent Designer. A single-celled animal contains enough genetic information to fill 20,000 volumes of an encyclopedia. It is not possible to produce that amount of information by chance. Again, theism offers a more reasonable explanation.

Both atheists and theists believe in human rights. Yet, in a universe without God, there are no human rights. If atheism is true, then people are mere molecules in motion and not deserving of rights. Either God created us in His image and gave us human rights, or we are the product of irrational processes and have no rights. Once again, theism offers a more plausible explanation than atheism.

Other aspects can be explored while dialoguing with atheists. These include the existence of universal moral laws, the continuing existence of the universe, the fact that human beings have knowledge, the existence of unchanging truths, the meaning of life, feelings of guilt, fear of death, and free will and human responsibility. Mere molecules in motion, combined with time and chance, cannot explain any of these factors.

Fourth, be willing to simply plant seed. Stay in touch with your atheist friends, love them and pray for them. Atheists will probably gain more respect for your views if you establish lifelong friendships with them.

Finally, remember that for an atheist to believe that God exists is only the beginning. They still need to be persuaded that Jesus is the Son of God, Who died on the cross for our sins and rose from the dead to conquer death for us. Unless atheists accept the true Jesus of the Bible as their personal Savior, they are still outside the Kingdom of God.

5 Comments

Rich says 8.29.2012, 4:47 p.m.

I always seem to forget that unless the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of a non believer, what we do goes nowhere. Remember though, that "God's word never returns void", so keep praying and trying.

Dan says 4.9.2012, 3:31 p.m.

Never worry about driving them away. They are already gone astray. Try to stick with well-thought out answers, and be cautious about trigger phrases that can upset them. Atheists pride themselves on using reason and logic.

Morne says 2.29.2012, 06:58 a.m.

@Judy, I feel your heart - Father stretch out Your hand and help us lead them home. Here we are God use us. Who will lead them home. Jesus hear their arguments and stretch out Your hand to perform miracles, singes and wonders.

Mary says 9.28.2010, 4:55 p.m.

I met this guy who cusses a lot! He's only fourteen! I asked him when he last went to church and he said that his parents make him go every Sunday. He said that he wants to become an atheist because he doesn't believe that someone can just make everything. He thinks that the earth formed because molecules joined. I tried to explain to him that evolution isn't true because Earth can't start as pea soup or whatever. He argued all about evolution. I'm trying to help him understand Christ, but he won't let me try. I don't know what to do. I'm trying to tell him without being yelled right back at about evolution, cussing, and what he thinks.Please give me some advice!

Judy says 9.22.2010, 00:35 a.m.

I am very concerned for a relative. She has informed us that she is an atheist, and tells us why she believes this way. She was brought up in the Christian faith, but as the years have passed, she came to her own conclusion on her beliefs. I am so confussed on what to say to her, affaid of saying the wrong thing, that might driver her father away from God. Please Help! Broken hearted mom and dad.