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(Nine woes will continue in my next blog.) You know the feeling: some places just aren't a good fit for how you're wired: you keep serving but can't escape the sense that there's just not enough air in the room. Blogging here at conversantlife.com has been refreshing--I've felt among "my people". Thank you for the warm welcome. I'd like to offer a chapter of my newest book. Finding an Unseen God inter-weaves two threads of my journey from atheism to Jesus-centric faith...and starts with chapter 52. Attached is chapter 44: things not to say to an atheist. I'd be grateful for your feedback if you have the time. There's also a discussion guide for free download on my website.
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Comments
Thanks for the preview Alicia. I was an atheist until I was nearly 30 when I converted atheism to belief in a power greater than myself. I believed in an amorphous "something" for seven more years before I came to believe in the God of the Bible. It was a few weeks after that that - by obedience rather than desire - I accepted that if I believed the Bible to be true I had to believe in Jesus. That was six years ago. Since then I have heard many things about atheists, including that there is no such thing. You chapter provides some wonderful insight that is sure to be useful to people who were blessed with the gift of faith early.
Thank you Joan. Sometimes what I read and hear from well-meaning people about Atheism makes me close my eyes and cringe. I do hope that somehow the simple words of the book contribute to a fresh infusion of respect in the discussion.
As an atheist, I'd like to say "thank you" for this. Your list has been written and re-written and re-written again on atheist blogs, but it's very refreshing to see a theist acknowledge that atheists are people, not a walking, talking stereotype.
Cassie, thank you for taking the time to comment. One of my hopes in writing the book was to cause Theists to pause in their assumptions about Atheists. Personally, I've yet to meet an Atheist I didn't like. On the whole, I find them grounded, emotionally honest, and active in a world of pain. Thanks again, alicia
Alicia,
I'm a Christian who recently learned that my baby sister is an atheist at the absolute worst time. Our neice was in a car wreck almost three months ago and didn't make it. It devestated me. At her (neice's) wake, my other sister informed me of her atheism. To say it bothered (bothers) me is an understatement. I'm just now able to sleep a full night (some nights). My neice passing--in addition to my sister's unbelief was (is) almost more than I can bear. I'm not going to lie, this has probed me to read and study more. I came across your book in a small Christian bookstore in our town and read it. (Great book--by the way) As a young lady, you sound so much like my sister!! She is now 23 at the University of Southern Mississippi studing to be an architect. She was Valedictorian of her senior class in high school. She is definitely a thinker. Much smarter than I. She is a great person also--just like you were in your book. I'm 38 and my faith in Jesus has never wavered. I've never been around athiesm; so, I don't know how to approach her when it comes to anything spiritual. I could tell you the whole story--but It would take a book...I'm worried about her soul, and I pray for her. Please tell me anything that would help in dealing with her disbelief.
In the face of life-size pain, words count for little and presence speaks volumes. Being present in her life, allowing her to talk and affirming her honesty, being a safe place where she can be an Atheist and be loved and heard--this is a transforming gift. And it is the gift God is giving her. He is near her, valuing every thought, celebrating every joy, waiting...
God's not nervous.
Your presence and your prayers are priceless.
Thanks for sharing your story, Alicia. So often times hearing someone's story can change a life...that's what I'm hoping will happen with this beautiful offering. I'm recommending it to everyone I talk to!
Thank you Tabby!