Do Christians and the Church Create more Atheists than Converts?

[righteousdude2]

I found the free booklet on line one day, and found it to contain some very interesting, soul provoking thoughts. And while I may not agree with all the author's premises and theology, I like his subltle humor and fresh approach to the subject, "Don't feed the Atheists!" to be something that all of us could take something of value away from. :type:

http://link2power.org/ebooks/Please_Don't_Feed_the_Athiests.pdf

 

[JonC]

Christians create neither converts nor atheists. Except maybe atheistic converts.
This book has many good points.

 

[Oldtimer]

Thanks for the link. I've read about 1/2 of it this morning. Will finish later.

Much food for thought!

Also sending the link to our pastor. It has the potential to be developed into a Bible Study series.

 

[HAMel]

righteousdude2, I am of the opinion that most Christians are their own worst enemy.

About a year ago my wife and I surrendered our membership with a church where gossip rules supreme. The entire membership is made up from three families and outsiders simply don't stand a chance.

Great link! Great insight! :thumbsup:

 

[gb93433]

righteousdude2, I am of the opinion that most Christians are their own worst enemy.

About a year ago my wife and I surrendered our membership with a church where gossip rules supreme. The entire membership is made up from three families and outsiders simply don't stand a chance.

Great link! Great insight! :thumbsup:

Imagine what it is like to pastor a church like that. Was their denominational newspaper called the _______ Slander?

 

[HAMel]

Imagine what it is like to pastor a church like that. Was their denominational newspaper called the _______ Slander?

I know nothing about being a Pastor. I do understand however that it is the "most important" job a man can have if he's a God Called Preacher. Especially when it comes to that final standing before the Lord. It's a good thing He is long-suffering.

As a kid my father was constantly reminding me that if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing well. Frequently, all of us need to step away from what we are actively engaged in and take the time to ponder if what we are doing can really be considered, doing the job well.

 

[righteousdude2]

I Wish....

righteousdude2, I am of the opinion that most Christians are their own worst enemy.

About a year ago my wife and I surrendered our membership with a church where gossip rules supreme. The entire membership is made up from three families and outsiders simply don't stand a chance.

Great link! Great insight! :thumbsup:

.....I could take credit for the thought. I was led to this guys blog, and because the books are free and on-line, I thought it would be great to download this book on atheists to this site.

Thanks :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[HAMel]

From the book.

The good news is that, if Saul could be turned around by an encounter with the risen Savior (he later became known as the Apostle Paul, writer of a large percentage of the New Testament), then imagine what wonderful things would happen in our society if those who populate churches each week would
actually get past the empty practice of liturgy and, rather, get in touch with
Jesus on a personal level.

Can you imagine it? Christians practicing love instead of hatred? Christians seeking manifestations of Christ‘s righteousness and not selfrighteousness? Christians who judge the beam in their own eyes rather than judging the speck in someone else‘s?

The sad reality is that people like Saul of Tarsus will walk into houses of worship, kill people, and assume that God were pleased. However, if God
wanted someone dead, he could manage that without anyone‘s help. But killing people is not what God is about

Christians practicing love instead of hatred? Wow!!! What a concept.

If gossipers find out something about a person worthy of yapping about it, they should instead pray for that person.

 

[Ternera]

righteousdude2, I am of the opinion that most Christians are their own worst enemy.

Some Christian certainly are. It is not uncommon when someone tries to evangelize people by mocking them, violating their personal space, or even calling them names. It does not work... As Christians, we should show love and respect, first of all.

 

[Pleasant_Bill]

Imagine what it is like to pastor a church like that.

You're assuming the Pastor isn't in those 3 families.

My wife and I left a similar church where the Pastor's family was treated as Royalty and it drove a lot of members away. As in HAMel's case, 3 families including the Pastor's all were on staff, heading either the 'Leadership team' or the 'Women's Ministry team'. Those 3 families and their actions drove many people away from church, which lends itself to the topic at hand.

Attribute it to corruption, entitlement, ignorance or just plain sin. Whatever you label it, YES in some cases Christians can jade others so bad that they become so disillusioned with organized religion that they don't want to worship publically.

 

[HAMel]

In the early days my employment caused us to relocate quite frequently. As a result we've visited and attended many Baptist Churches up and down the East Coast. Individuals who remain in their immediate home area for life really can't identify. All they realize is what is at home.

We visited an old Baptist Church in upstate Zoo York once and everyone in the building were elderly, including the pastor. During his sermon he said something for which I offered up an, "Amen", which caused every person in the building to turn and look at me. I thought it was funny.

I was in one church where one refused to shake my hand as, due to my employment, my right hand had become somewhat stained in the palm area. It was clean, just somewhat discolored. What made it so bad was he openly commented about it loud enough for others to hear. All eyes drifted my way.

Over the years we have witnessed a lot of differing customs, practices and attitudes from different congregations which is to be expected, I suppose. In one church my wife was asked where she purchased her "Costume Jewelry". Wow!!! A lot of odd ball attitudes out there.

(Not church related...just a funny happening)
At my sons wedding in Maine I was asked to say a prayer just before the Justice of the Peace began the ceremony. After the wedding the JP came up asking if I was a, "Man of the Cloth". Funny, funny, funny.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I found the free booklet on line one day, and found it to contain some very interesting, soul provoking thoughts. And while I may not agree with all the author's premises and theology, I like his subltle humor and fresh approach to the subject, "Don't feed the Atheists!" to be something that all of us could take something of value away from. :type:

http://link2power.org/ebooks/Please_Don't_Feed_the_Athiests.pdf

To answer your direct OP question " Do Christians and the Church Create more Atheists than Converts?"

Yes, I believe they do.

 

[michael-acts17:11]

I would say that self-focused churches create more anti-Christians outside the church & more ignorant preacher-parroters inside the church than Converts. Too much "repeat after me", "believe what I tell you to believe" lecturing in the Church that turns off those who are intelligently seeking the truth.