wikiHow: How to Persuade an Atheist to Become Christian

[Silent3]

Fascinating.

I find this article an odd mix of genuine concern, tired old rhetoric, and confusing twists. There's more understanding and sympathy for opposing viewpoints than one normally sees from a Fundamentalist, but then it almost can't help but fall back on the expected stereotypes and bad arguments that you pretty much have to expect.

http://www.wikihow.com/Persuade-an-Atheist-to-Become-Christian

Conversion to Christianity is a beautiful thing that requires that the person believes in God and in Jesus as the way to salvation. As a Christian, you are probably concerned about atheist friends who have not invited Christ into their hearts. Here is an approach to persuade an Atheist to become a Christian.

There are a few jarring inconsistencies where, if I were to be charitable, I have to think some text editing went awry, like this:

If you don't know the answer to something, simply say that God is responsible for it. "I don't know" is many more times preferable than crediting the creator.

If the first sentence had been in a list clearly labeled "Things not to do", with the second sentence being the reason not to do it, it makes sense. Otherwise it's a glaring self-contradiction, and leaves me wondering what the author really meant, or if he/she is so conflicted that contradictions like the above can leak out unnoticed.

Another similarly odd bit is below, where it sounds like the author acknowledges the "God of the gaps" argument, but makes it sound as if he/she thinks it's a good thing, that you'll impress people by filling in the gaps in knowledge and understanding with "God did it!".

Realize that scientific theories are not evidence whether God exists or not. This includes arguments that require the person to accept your beliefs of how life came about, how "ideal" the Earth is, or how the Big Bang happened. They have already decided. The fact that we don't know everything about the origins of life demonstrates to the unbeliever that God did it (God of the gaps argument).

Bits like this next section are refreshing, since I've known many fundies to take the approach (my own right-wing sister included) that "deep down" there really aren't any atheists, just people who are angry with, or "rebelling" against, the God they say they don't believe in. (There's another one of those weird twists that could be bad editing, however. I'm pretty sure the word "intrigue" below was really meant to be, or would have to have been meant to be, if there's any sense to be made of the text, something like "incense" or "annoy".)

Do not assume that your friend actually believes in God. You have probably been told that atheists are angry at God or do not believe in him because they are disgusted by the things that are done in His name. Atheists are people who have concluded that Gods do not exist. Assuming you know what, why or how they think or believe will intrigue your friend.

[djean111]

1. That's kind of creepy. As an atheist, I wouldn't get into any sort of discussion like that, anyway.

No point.

[Jackpine Radical]

2. Well, charitably ignoring the obvious errors of usage etc.,

I wonder if the writer can cite any instance in which this "how-to" advice has actually worked to convert an atheist.

[unblock]

3. deprive them of protein and bribe them with sex.

[WovenGems]

9. RUTRO!

That be slow homicide, but homicide just the same.

[unblock]

11. oh no, not to the point of killing them!

it's just a known technique for making someone's mind more malleable.

a favorite of cults and slimy businessmen.

[AtheistCrusader]

14. It gives us the bacon, or it gets the hose again

[LiberalAndProud]

4. I thought this article proposed one really good idea.

At some point, you may need to accept and respect one's decision to not seek salvation through Christianity.

Beyond that, I didn't find much of value here. Having already considered and rejected the ideas proposed, this wasn't very interesting to me.

[cbayer]

5. I intensely dislike proselytizing of any type.

This one is equally objectionable:

How to Persuade a Christian to Become Atheist
http://www.wikihow.com/Persuade-a-Christian-to-Become-Atheist

[rug]

7. Geez, it reads and looks like satire

[cbayer]

13. Both articles are really lame, imo.

But I haven't found much on wikihow that has been of much value.

[beam me up scottie]

10. Oh yes, it's EXACTLY the same.

Because atheists are required to convert believers per the rules in our holy book.

[trotsky]

18. I really don't understand how politics works in cbayer's perfect world.

She's intensely opposed to anyone trying to change anyone else's mind - but that's exactly what politics and consensus-building are about.

[beam me up scottie]

20. If she intensely dislikes proselytizing of any kind

she must not like feminists.

[edgineered]

6. Saying anything about this post would be useless

There's more understanding and sympathy for opposing viewpoints than one normally sees from a Fundamentalist, but

Discussions with fundies are a waste of time.

[beam me up scottie]

8. LMAO!"note that some atheists also tend to have families, friends, colleagues, happiness and meaning

Explain why Christianity helps people to live better lives. It may also be useful to tell your friend about people you've met at church. When listing their good qualities, include that they are "religious, devout, etc. Their religious fervor is going to impress an atheist.

The pictures are really creepy - the scary kind of creepy. Reminds me of a dummy's guide to safely taming an atheist:

1. Approach the atheist carefully, never make direct eye contact as this will be seen as a threat.

2. Offer the beast a beer or Scooby Snack with an open palm, be mindful of your fingers!

3. Gaze at the atheist lovingly, blink slowly so he/she knows you are relaxed and comfortable in their presence.

4. Never ever stand too close to or directly behind an atheist, their claws and hooves are sharp and can kill a christian in seconds.

This guide is just as insulting to christians:

Use logic and research to your advantage. Remember that some aspects of God and his existence cannot be explained logically, but the origin of life can be explained fully and in great detail. Before you try to argue against scientific theories, such as evolution and the "big bang," learn more about them. Gain perspective on them from places besides religious viewpoints. Realize that many Christians are very comfortable with modern scientific theories even though they challenge their core belief in God. Atheists may tend to be versed in their ideas of sciences, and may be put off by your bringing up what they may call stale, old arguments.

From the tips section :

Learn about geology and evolution and try to argue that verifiable physical reality is wrong. Few Christians accept that evolution is proven to be scientific fact even when it conflicts with faith.

[AtheistCrusader]

15. That last bit ignores the Catholic position on Evolution.

That's a big chunk of believers that accept it (at least doctrinally) as true.

[Silent3]

16. The article is definitely written from the standpoint of fundamentalist Christianity.

There's probably a separate article on how to convert Catholics to Christianity.

[beam me up scottie]

17. Did you read through all of the guide?

Ignorance must really be bliss, I'm almost jealous.

[trotsky]

19. I know! It's almost like atheists are human beings!!

Shocker!