by Tom Schiavon

Created on: February 17, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

I am actually intrigued by some of the articles I have seen decrying the belief in the existence of God. It is very clear that these people have not thought seriously about the questions they are answering. And it is for this reason that, as a Christian who seeks to have genuine, honest discussion with people who are willing to use their reason to understand the universe, that I offer these suggestions. (Please run away now if you really just want to bash people who believe in God, and don't want to have intelligent discussion about the subject.)

-Remember that Athiests are humanists. Humanists want to promote humanity. Part of humanity is a willingness to allow people to hold genuine convictions. Wanting to stamp out the belief in God is merely the Inquisition in different outfit. Treat other people with respect, even if they sometimes don't do it to you. As a Christian, I realize my fellow brothers and sisters don't do this well, and ask your forgiveness. I correct them too.

-Read some good Christian books that deal with the issues that you bring up. I don't mean "The Prayer of Jabez" or "The Purpose-Driven Life." It may surprise the rank-and-file Athiest that, in the most prestigious universities in the world, there are fully-committed Evangelicals who do work of the highest academic caliber. These people have wrestled with the research in a way that you and I probably never will. Give them some respect and read their work. You may be surprised.

-Hold yourself to the highest standards of inquiry. I often read or hear Athiests use very illogical, poorly crafty, unresearched arguments to support their position. In my mind this is no different than the Christian who has silly reasons for believing in God.

-Remember that your position is not unassailable. Athiestic governments were responsible for over 100 million deaths in the last century, adding up the death toll of only three countries (China, Russia, North Korea). Athiests have been debunked in their attempts to be deceptive in the presentation of scientific evidence. The "Peppered Moth" example was a hoax, and an animal's fetus was passed off as a human's in text books. Both Christians and Athiests can do dishonest things when they want to "win the argument."

I know that this article may dismissed by some as another ridiculous Christian trying to get publicity for his silly Theistic ideas. I only ask that my ideas would receive their day in court, having a fair trial, by judges who are committed to understanding, honesty, and the true advancement of knowledge. I am an honest seeker, and I hope to find an audience of open seekers as well.

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