TonusOH regarding the article called "How to Persuade an Atheist to Become Christian" it might be helpful for Christian evangelists to read it. But I think it was written by an atheist (or an ex-atheist) partly since some of its statements reflects the atheistic viewpoint (but perhaps it was written by a Christian who was never an atheist). For example it says the following.
"It would be logical for a caring, loving God to allow non-Christians
into Heaven if they were kind people who did lots of good works.
... Consider why the person is an atheist. Different atheists have different reasons why they aren't religious. ...
-
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.
... Consider whether your arguments are rational or faith-based. Someone who has based their decisions purely on rationality is unlikely to be swayed by emotional reasoning.
... Don't try to debate about logic or the Bible.
Believing in God is a fundamentally illogical choice because you are
choosing to have faith in a power beyond what you know. It's a leap of
the heart. It's best to acknowledge this and focus on the emotional
power of faith.
Warnings ...
- Be warned that when approaching the subject of religion with atheists
(especially with an eye to conversion) that many atheists you are likely
to meet were brought up in or around the Christian faith. Many once
believed, honestly and wholeheartedly, were actively involved with their
church and held as true all aspects of the faith. In time these
ex-Christians, through personal reasons came to a place where they did
not hold the beliefs anymore and turned away from them. Frequently they
had questions in their religious life and beliefs and went seeking
answers, some in discussions with their priest, pastor, peers, and some
studied the Bible, studied philosophy, religious history, comparative
religion, and science. You may believe you are bringing them a fresh and
bight message of good news, one they are unaware of, but they may have a
greater academic knowledge of their ideas of their subjects than you do
of yours. Such questioning leads to them to dismissing their faith.
Some have a background not only of a Christian faith but also have
information about a large number of other religions, philosophies,
history and science. Also, if they have lived it, they know what it was
like to be a believer in church, and had experienced the light and love
of God. Many openly admit they miss the clarity and community/cultural
aspect of church and Christianity, but believe that to feign a belief
simply to re-gain that, would be hypocrisy for them. And, as atheists,
they find it hard to pretend. So be careful, and think more than twice
before attempting to convert your atheist friend. Talking with your
friend on the subject of God and faith just might open questions you
can't readily answer, and might cause confusion or doubt.
"
