Christians and atheists don't see eye to eye, and have often engaged in fierce debates regarding their faith — or lack of it. But despite these differences, Christians should still set a Christ-like example and look at their atheist brothers and sisters with understanding and compassion.
Dr. Terry Mortenson, a speaker and writer for Answers in Genesis, writes on the group's website that people are all sinners. The only difference between Christians and atheists is that Christians have already woken up to the truth of the devil's deception.
"Despite their protests to the contrary, atheists actually know of God, both from the witness of creation and from their conscience, but are suppressing that truth because of sin," says Mortenson.
So when talking to atheists, Christians should avoid the temptation of fighting and instead look at these non-believers as people whose souls need to be saved, he says.
"How we think about others will affect how we talk to them. No matter how aggressive they may be, atheists are descendants of Adam, made in the image of God. They are sinners, just as we were before we trusted in Christ as our Saviour; and Jesus loves sinners and died for them," he says.
Christians must be conscious of these truths and be respectful when talking to atheists, Mortenson says. "Regardless of his or her hostility, we should respond with gentle words, seeking a peaceful discussion and not returning evil for evil. Our job is not to kill but throw a life preserver," he says.
The same goes when talking about atheists. It would be tempting to say mean things about atheists, but Christians must watch over their hearts because it would be reflected in the way they speak. "Be brutally honest with yourself, and if your words are prideful or hateful, leave them unsaid. Remember that except for God's grace in your life, you could very well be an atheist yourself," Mortenson says.
