Certainly, the central doctrine of theism and atheism are in direct odds. When two people with differing opinions engage in discussion, obviously, the Christians' beliefs are the enemy of the atheists' beliefs. Likewise, Christian beliefs are the enemy of Islamic beliefs. However, this does not mean Christianity, or individual Christians should declare themselves the enemy of Islam, nor should they treat the Islamic in such a manner.
Christians and atheists have a terrible habit of treating each other with strong discontent. I admit freely, I did recently believe that persecution was unbalanced in that atheists are unjustifiably, inexplicably angry. But today I saw a twitter account solely meant to attack atheism.
This act is not in love for his fellow man, nor is it an attempt to convert anybody to Christianity. It is a simple expression of hatred and an attack of a worldview; an issue that, it seems, they hold just as adamantly as Christians do. Yet we continue to force ours upon even those who blatantly tell us that they do not want it.
I do not think that preaching the gospel can be a negative thing. I have never approached an atheist because I want to control them or any other claims that I have heard. I approach them because I want everybody to feel the genuine peace of mind through Christ that I do. However, if somebody says that they are not interested, that has to be the end of that conversation. Jesus in fact did command that we accept 'no' as an answer. (Mark 6:11)
Despite that the Christian begins in a state of love and sharing, continuing in conversation with somebody who does not wish to hear it is a direct violation of God's command, understandably so. But Christians make the terrible mistake of extending far beyond this, violating the command and allowing themselves to be consumed in anger.
Indicative of this, here are a few statements, made by Christians via twitter.
I love everyone. Except atheists. I hate atheists.
Atheists are going to Hell.
I feel God's love. !@#$ all who don't!
Atheists are close minded and defensive.
I am not going to be the classic Christian who says only Christians are at fault. It is completely a matter of both sides becoming too emotional. But Christians contradict Christianity as we attempt to belittle our enemy. I cannot imagine what the atheist thinks when he sees "I feel God's love. !@#$ all who don't!" I cannot even comprehend such a statement. How could the atheist? How can you conclude that the atheist should be anything other than offended when reading such a statement?
Recently, I reached a point wherein I found myself completely overwhelmed in dealing with all of this atheism. I hate all of the fights and the insults and everything. So I asked God for wisdom, and He gave it to me.
Christians: if you find yourself in a situation that I just described, you are at fault just as much as the atheist. Do some self-reflection of your behavior on the internet. Do you commit some of the acts that you are offended by? What Christians need to learn is that atheists take their worldview just as seriously as we take ours. Our world views are at odds, and certainly, they are very important, very sensitive issues for both sides. But that does not mean we cannot find a common ground in mutual respect for each other when discussing this topic. If you cannot find that, the persecuted party would be completely justified in simply blocking the persecutor.
Further, there is absolutely no reason at all for us to seek each other. If the atheist writes something about atheism meant to be read for other atheists, why should the Christian get involved? Likewise, if the Christian writes something about Christianity mean to be read by other Christians, why should the atheist get involved? We need to realize that while we are on the internet, the rules of manners and mutual respect still apply.
Christians need to be understanding of atheists even when they do not seem to be understanding of Christians. We need to be aware that they did not reach their position out of stupidity or immorality. It is completely absurd to hate or insult somebody on the basis of their worldview.
If atheists are truly our enemy, (which I do not believe they are) then it is the duty of every Christian to treat them as though they are our family, and love them as though they are our friend.
My most common piece of advice for Christians is that we need to be reflective of Jesus Christ. Piling negativity on top of negativity can only lead to more negativity.
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