Thou Shalt Not Say…

I’ve learned many things over the years about what NOT to say to an Atheist, a non-Christian homosexual, or any other non-believer. I call them the “Thou Shalt Not Say Commandments”. We should always be prepared to speak the truth, and I’m NOT suggesting you hold your tongue when faced with false teaching. What I’m presenting is simply a list of things that enrage the other side. Things that set them off. Things that end discussion and cause resentment instead of the opposite, which is hopefully one of your goals.

Consider Where The Conversation Will Go

Like when you are on a first date with a new lady, and she asks “How do I look in this dress?” There are good responses and there are insanely stupid responses that will end the “date” immediately. Consider my suggestions in that context. Ever been asked, “Do I look fat in this dress?” Be VERY careful :-). Do you want to continue a conversation with the other side, or do you want to end it and never return? Be wise is all I’m suggesting.

Be Prepared and Think First

Whenever we speak, we need to be prepared for the response we are likely to receive. If you are an adult, you consider this BEFORE you speak. So again, feel free to speak the truth…I encourage you to do so. Just do so with full knowledge of the response you’ll get.

I’m only going to list a few here, and I’d like you to finish the list with your own experience. Share your own “Thou Shalt Not’s”. When we are through, I will prepare a white paper to distribute so we all know the ground rules. Again, let me know your thoughts.

Thou Shalt Not! Commandments

Thou Shalt Not Say…

1. Homosexuality is a sin (It is a sin, just like many other sins heterosexual sinners commit everyday, but we are not allowed to say it)
2. Homosexuality is a choice (There is a lot of debate here, but be prepared for war if you ever say it)
3. “Stop cussing please“, or “can we just be polite?” (Google “Tone Trolling” for more info. Whereas in evolved cultures and societies common decency in communication is a virtue, the opposite is often true when talking with the other side). You are not allowed to be offended. Only they can be offended by your desire to be civil. You are not allowed to control what they say, but they are allowed to control what you say by suggesting you stop trying to make them play nicey nice. My only real suggestion here is to live and practice what YOU believe. If you think you should be nice during a conversation…then be nice. If they aren’t nice back…consider it the price for engaging with someone with a vastly different worldview.
4. “You are going to go to hell if you don’t accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. AND, what have you got to lose? If we are right, then you are saved. If we are wrong, you are no worse off.” Atheists and rationalists have a name for this argument. It’s called “Pascal’s Wager“. It’s a little too involved to explain here, but I encourage you to read about it on wikipedia. Now, usually this argument is not met with a lot of anger back. However, they’ve heard it many times before and will quickly zap you for being uninformed about the common use of this by believers. In truth, it’s not a good argument. So, I agree with the opposition on this one. There are many stronger apologetic arguments, and this one just isn’t necessary or helpful.
5. Never Ever Ever Quote the Bible. John 3:6 says… OK, when we are in our cozy Christian circles, quote the Bible all you want. In fact, feel free to quote the Bible to atheists. Just accept the fact that they don’t regard the Bible as legitimate. Speak the Truth? YES! But quoting the Bible to an atheist is like them trying to counsel or correct you by quoting from Lord of the Rings or The Da Vinci Code. If they believe the Bible is fictional like those best-sellers, it won’t aid you in your conversation. If you aren’t sure about this, ask first “Do you believe the Bible is true?” If they say no, then talk to them using sources that they DO accept as truth. Quote from Darwin’s Origin of Species. Or quote from a book by Richard Dawkins or Christopher Hitchens. They may actually hear you.

Again, I’ve got a lot more of these, but I want to hear your list.