atheist conversations
I have a question, or maybe it's a comment. Brian's comment in an earlier post about seeking to understand questions instead of just answers brought this to mind.
I live near Fort Wayne, IN and they have an atheist group that meets once a month. This really interests me for some reason, and I have been meaning to go to a meeting but have yet to be able to.
So, one, I would appreciate any prayers - that I might be able to make next week's meeting. And, two, that I would be able to learn from these people.
I almost feel guilty, because I am hoping that they won't know I'm a Christian (it is plastered on our foreheads, isn't it?). I really want to just listen to these people, hear what is on their minds, find out how they think, what they feel. And I kinda think there is probably some serious hurt inside of them (Doesn't everybody have that?).
So am I selling out on evangelism or what? It's not that I don't want them to become followers of Jesus. But to me, part of the emerging idea is loving people where they are, and hopefully being invited to walk 'with' them on the journey.
But I struggle with whether this is the Jesus way or a copout. What do you think?
posted by dan at 10:30 AM
3 Comments:
Jesus spent a lot of time hanging out with people who didn't believe what he believed. We don't see the conversations but we know that most of them really liked Jesus.
My thought is that they absolutely are not going to trust you. If I were you, I'd tell them at the first healthy opportunity (don't feel the need to interrupt) to tell them you are a pastor and was honestly wondering what questions atheists are asking. Then prove yourself by not saying a word unless asked and then even consider asking another question rather than answering it. Jesus answered questions with questions all the time. We know that.
Then by all means, report back here!
That's a good point, Brian. I would probably lose any credibility I "might" ever gain if they found out later that I was a pastor. Thanks for the input.
Update... I am bummed. I wasn't able to attend this month's meeting either. I have been sick with sinus/allergy stuff and pretty much lay on the couch all night.
I had mixed feelings about going anyway - after reading their message board (the Fort Wayne Atheists). At the last meeting there were only 4 atheists and 5 christians. They were starting to fingerpoint ("Where are all the Atheists?!?).
So I am now not only curious to hear what the Atheists have to say, but also what the other Christians there are saying. Are these the Christians that have caused some to become Atheists? Or are they there to listen to them too? I don't know.
I don't know whether it's a good thing there were more Christians at an Atheist meeting or not. Sure is interesting though (to me).
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