The Dialogues with Atheists

http://m.theatlantic.com/national/archive/2013/06/listening-to-young-atheists-lessons-for-a-stronger-christianity/276584/

 When I read this article, I almost cried. Because the president of LOFT (League of Free Thinkers) of Washu also had the similar childhood as Phil did. Because I had a similar experience when I was in high school. Because the American christian culture desires a mild social experience instead of a radical changing one.

I still remember when my roommate founded the student group The Forum, where members of the various christian fellowships at Washu would get together with atheists and we would discuss our own viewpoints on sex, morals, culture, and truth. Since my friend would lead, I would usually take the backseat and pay a lot of attention on listening to the sides, but more so the tone and curtness of the dialogue. I wanted to see if there was respect and understanding being made here at those meetings. I remember the times where my friend would come to me after a meeting and just be like, "man, I really feel like they are just trying to piss me off, the way they act all high and mighty and try to back me into a corner with their fancy philosophical mind games." It is true, sometimes it felt like that. But in the end, both my friend and I realized that by becoming friends with these people and truly listening to their stories, we began to understand them and develop a friendship. There was one memorable tuesday evening that I will never forget. We all met up and sat down, and someone new was in our midst. As the discussions continued, he started ferociously arguing that God was the absolute truth and that's all he needed, and that all the atheists were wrong. It got to be pretty bad, with the atheists throwing one alternative universe theory after another at him, and instead of answering wisely, he got worked up and started yelling at everyone that he was right and he knew it because he felt it was right. At some point I know I agree with him, but at the same time I really wanted him to shut up because getting all worked up was not helping our side look reasonable nor bringing understanding and respect to the table. His feelings that night are actually very similar to the majority of Christians. Christians are so quick to say they know they are right because they feel its right. But sex before marriage feels right (and good). Muslims, Buddhists, and Hinduists can all argue that their religion is correct because deep down in their souls it feels right. One's faith must be founded with reasoning and logic, and must be defended with a lifestyle that matches the standards of the Bible. Like what the author mentions, we have to sincerely believe. I myself have watched Christopher Hitchens and an indian Christian debate once live on Washu campus. It was very bloody. There was no respect in their tones, and all they did was polarize the crowd to the point that everyone was riled up and a bloodbath was starting to simmer. In no way was that a productive event. I enjoyed the other debates held by the Veritas Forum (which I helped set up), where peaceful dialogue took place and at over some points the two speakers actually agreed with each other.

To be honest, from what I've seen from these dialogues, there is no way a Christian can prove an atheist wrong, or vice versa. But if we knew about their past and were in a position where we can care for them, then there will be a hope that their hearts can start to open up, and God will work his miracles.