Are you simply wanting to be close to them? Try non-religious ways to hang out with the person, like taking walks, going to parks, or attending non-religious events such as concerts. Are you worried about whether they’re going to Heaven? Atheists can be good people who do things that God admires, so beware of painting them as less than or more sinful than you. We are all wretched sinners, deserving of eternal punishment, but the difference is that you have chosen to live in the grace of God. Are you wanting them to admit that you are right and they are wrong? This is a foolish and prideful reason to try and “convert” someone. Spend some serious time in prayer while examining your heart before you move any further. They will also not respond well to being “proven” wrong rather than a gentle and live-it-out approach, so don’t waste your time. Are you looking for an open-ended discussion that may or may not result in conversion? This may go well. Ask if they’re open to it.
Be cautious about jeopardizing work relationships. Proselytizing at work could get in the way of a peaceful work environment. Remember that Christlike love does not necessarily equal all-encompassing approval. You can allow them to believe what they want to believe, however, stand firm. You do not have to adopt their beliefs or affirm their sin in order to effectively love them. Even if they believe in something you know is wrong, don’t try to condemn them. State your opinion in love. If/when they begin a relationship with the Lord, He and He alone will be responsible for changing their anti-biblical beliefs or practices. Inviting people to join you may sometimes be appropriate. Pestering rarely is. If they say no after you invite them to a religious thing once or twice, stop asking.
Although we have a caring and loving God who delights when we serve Him, our good deeds are filthy rags in His holy sight and they cannot help us earn our way into heaven (Isaiah 64:6). He, being rich in mercy, paved us the way to Him through His Son, who took the punishment that we ourselves recieved. Nothing we do can “earn” us into heaven since we are, by nature, sinful. Catholics may want to keep in mind that Pope Francis has said that atheists can go to heaven if they have a “good heart. " (Take note that this is contrary to the Protestant Christian belief that we are saved by grace, through faith alone, with our works as “filthy rags”). [1] X Research source
They think there’s no logical reason to believe in God. These people are driven by logic, so convincing them to base decisions on faith is unlikely to work. They never understood the appeal of religion. Sometimes, they’ll be open to learning more, but other times, they won’t feel like it’s a good time. Avoid rushing them. They were hurt by the church, or see the church hurting others. People who see the church causing harm (e. g. , covering up sexual abuse or bullying LGBT+ people) may question whether religious institutions are truly good. [2] X Research source Some people are open to finding churches that better embrace good values, while others leave religion for good. It depends on the person. They are angry at God for allowing bad things to happen. This can happen after personal trauma. Sometimes, they return to faith after seeing the good in life, and other times, they break from religion forever. It is important to give them time to process, without trying to push them.
It’s okay to make decisions based on emotion and faith. If you feel that Christianity gives your life spiritual meaning, emotional comfort, or a sense of community, then that is a good enough reason to be Christian! Just remember that not everyone has had or is receptive to accounts of encounters like that, so do not use your personal testimony as the sole backing for your faith.
Nobody wants to be judged. Speak from a place of Christlike love and friendship, not judgment. Keep your kindness unconditional, even if you disagree.
You don’t want to make someone feel embarrassed, blindsided, or trapped. If they look awkward, drop the idea.
For example, you could say “I’ve been thinking a lot about religion lately, and I was wondering if you feel like talking about it. " Respond gracefully if they say no. Don’t push. If they say no to you several different times, assume it means that they are very shy about religion and don’t like talking about it, so it’s best to stop asking.
If someone says “I don’t like talking about religion,” then stop bringing up religion. If you offer to talk about religion a few times, and they say no each time, that pattern may mean something. Stop bringing it up, or ask “I’ve noticed that you’ve declined each time I asked you about religion. Is it a topic you’re uncomfortable with?” Then stop if they say yes.
You like being part of a community centered on good values. You appreciate the reminder to be your best self. You feel that religion helps you connect to a higher purpose. You find that the concept of an afterlife comforting.
Many Christians have very different relationships with the Bible, and you may be quite knowledgeable about Bible study and the history of the document. Conversely, many Christians emphasize a personal relationship with Christ as the fundamental aspect of their being blessed in Christ. Some atheists refuse to believe in things they don’t have evidence for. Chalk it up to a difference in priorities, and agree to disagree.
Don’t make assumptions about how they feel about atheism. Not all atheists are “angry” at God, lapsed believers, or are upset about their lack of belief. Listen to how they say they feel, and believe them.
If your friend constantly wants to discuss Biblical fallacies, or “Can God make a mountain God can’t move?” types of questions, don’t engage in debate. All you need to say is “That’s not possible to know, and I’m comfortable with that. It doesn’t make me any less of a believer. "
Don’t limit your kindness to your prayers. Go out, help others, make friends, and be there for people who are having a hard time. Even if your friend has declined conversations about faith and is determined to stay an atheist, do not stop being Christlike. Sometimes, that is exactly what it takes; to shut up and start living like Jesus did.
If you invite an atheist to a religious function, tell them that it is a religious function. Don’t try to trick someone into attending by pretending that it is not. Respect a “no. " Not everyone is open to changing their minds about religion, so don’t try to force things.
Change must come from within. You can’t motivate someone to become Christian. They must want it for themselves.
