Why Christians and Atheists Can Not Seem to Talk About Religion

Christians and Atheists never seem to get along when the subject of Christianity come up. I know many Christians and I know my share of Atheists. There are good and bad in both groups so the general nature of Atheists and Christians is not the culprit. Why then, are two seemingly decent groups of people always at each other's throats in this subject? This is the question I look to answer in this article.

Being a Christian myself, I have long been troubled by this dilemma. Atheists have come into and out of my life and some were quite good friends. I have known Atheists that are completely about being right, and logical debate was an excuse to hear themselves think out loud. On the other hand, I have known plenty of Christians that do the same.

If we throw out this group of Atheists and Christians, and deal simply with those that are logical, then the problem begins to come a bit clearer.

When you put a reasonable Atheist and Christian in the same room, and bring up religion in any form, it seems that an argument is inevitable. From all of my experiences, I feel that the problem is actually two-fold. One, the Atheist has no idea what is actually in the Christians heart. Secondly, the Christian does not know how to properly approach the subject of eternal salvation.

As to the first theory, the Atheist often sees the Christian as an enemy naturally. Here is this person that intends to try to convert them to a religion they want no part of. Even if the Atheist does not view the Christian as an enemy, they still may view them with trepidation due to the general viewpoint of Christianity that the Atheist may have. This is the root of the problem, and here is why.

True Christians have noble intentions in their hearts. If a Christian knows that someone is not walking with Jesus Christ, then it is their duty to tell them the good news. If you question this theory, then let me give you an example that might bring it clear.

If you saw someone parked on the railroad tracks, and saw a train coming, would you not warn the person on the tracks? Atheist and Christian alike would do what they could to try to save them. What if you had a family member that was going to hurt themselves? You would have an intervention, and try to help them out of concern for their well being. To a Christian, testifying and inviting others into the warmth of Christianity is no different than seeing someone on the tracks about to be smashed into pieces. Of course they cannot help themselves but to try to help. This brings me to problem number two.

Christians sometimes forget that there is free will. I would never tell a Christian not to spread the word. I may as well ask them not to breathe. I also would never tell an Atheist that they must be a Theist. There is a distinct difference between telling of Jesus Christ, and judging someone in their personal walk with God. Christians must remember that giving them the news is the key. Helping them when they ask for it is also good. Spreading hellfire and damnation to an Atheist ear is like inviting a cat to party full of dogs. They will not feel welcomed. We are not Christians to try to affect free will. Each person has the right to choose, and deal with their own choices.

Next time you decide to argue the point over Christianity and Atheism, try to remember what is really on the other side's mind. It might lead you to a new place in your life. We can all learn from one another, and being able to rationally discuss a subject so important is vital.