I've been reading a book lately called Answering Atheism: How To Make the Case for God with Logic and Charity. I highly recommend it.
As I've been reading it, I was re-thinking how I've approached my discussion with Atheists and I wonder if I've gone about it the wrong way.
Evangelism is provocative and can be offensive, but sometimes I think the way some of us approach it, we almost intend for offensiveness to take place rather than just allowing the truth to unfold, whether people are offended or not.
Atheists (especially so many in this generation who fall under the New Atheism category) can be very aggressive and hostile and downright snarky when it comes to their addressing religion. The leading voices (Dawkins and Harris for example) have said very blatantly that Atheists SHOULD try to be aggressive and even mean-spirited. Though looking back on how I've addressed it, I wonder if I've responded the same way, even if it has been unintentional.
What books would I hand to my Atheist friends that offer the argument's for God's existence? Many of them I've picked up have come off kind of mean-spirited too.
While Christianity isn't solely focused on feelings, our understanding of people is one thing that makes Christianity unique. After all, God was understanding that He had to reach out to us through His Son to save us since He knew we weren't capable of reaching to Him on our own.
Anyway, I recommend this book. It's incredibly well-written. Answering Atheism by Trent Horn.
What are your thoughts? Has there ever been a time where you felt even with good intentions your approach could have been better? Do you sometimes confuse boldness with hostility?
As I've been reading it, I was re-thinking how I've approached my discussion with Atheists and I wonder if I've gone about it the wrong way.
Evangelism is provocative and can be offensive, but sometimes I think the way some of us approach it, we almost intend for offensiveness to take place rather than just allowing the truth to unfold, whether people are offended or not.
Atheists (especially so many in this generation who fall under the New Atheism category) can be very aggressive and hostile and downright snarky when it comes to their addressing religion. The leading voices (Dawkins and Harris for example) have said very blatantly that Atheists SHOULD try to be aggressive and even mean-spirited. Though looking back on how I've addressed it, I wonder if I've responded the same way, even if it has been unintentional.
What books would I hand to my Atheist friends that offer the argument's for God's existence? Many of them I've picked up have come off kind of mean-spirited too.
While Christianity isn't solely focused on feelings, our understanding of people is one thing that makes Christianity unique. After all, God was understanding that He had to reach out to us through His Son to save us since He knew we weren't capable of reaching to Him on our own.
Anyway, I recommend this book. It's incredibly well-written. Answering Atheism by Trent Horn.
What are your thoughts? Has there ever been a time where you felt even with good intentions your approach could have been better? Do you sometimes confuse boldness with hostility?