I don't know if you've heard of this guy, "The Friendly Atheist". His story/blog can be found online, and you can read an article about him at Christianity Today. Rather than focus on his story (as great as it is) I want to share some of his thoughts... (as reported by InternetMonk.com):
Clearly, most churches have aligned themselves against non-religious people. By adopting this stance, Christians have turned off the people I would think they want to connect with. The combative stance I’ve observed is an approach that causes people to become apathetic—and even antagonistic—toward religion as a whole. Many evangelical pastors seem to perceive just about everything to be a threat against Christianity. Evolution is a threat. Gay marriage is a threat. A swear word uttered accidentally on television is a threat. Democrats are a threat. I don’t see how any of these things pose a threat against Christianity. If someone disagrees with you about politics or social issues or the matter of origins, isn’t that just democracy and free speech in action? Why do Christians feel so threatened?
You need to spread the message of Christianity—the message being what Christianity stands for—loving each other, helping the people around you. Those are things everyone can get on board with.
I am looking forward to reading Hemant Mehta's book, I Sold My Soul on eBay. I can guarantee there will be a bookstore in Miami stocking it (wink wink). And yes, the title is ironic because Atheists do not believe in souls.
PS - I feel like I should clarify something. I am in no way endorsing any of the views expressed my Mr. Mehta. I am, however, extremely happy that he is sharing his thoughts openly. How can we understand how to reach the lost if we don't listen to the lost? What hope do we have to change lives if we are not investing in them?
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