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Christian Wikihow authors have put together a strategy guide for converting atheists, with a bunch of cutesy pictures. It actually offers some good advice, some of our theist preacher visitors should read through it before posting. I find the general focus of the suggestions and warnings quite interesting though "don't debate the specifics of the Bible", "don't discuss Biblical fallacies", "don't talk about Eternal Punishment" - - just talk about how happy your faith has made you. Tell them about the great people at your church. Introduce them to church friends.
Here are a few quotes - - I'll hide them, long posts are annoying.
"Put yourself in your friend's shoes. Consider how you would respond, if someone were attempting to persuade you to reject your salvation in Christ."
"If you find yourself pushing to talk much more than patiently listening, this is probably not the genuine concern for the person's conversion or not acceptable as friendly concern; so why bother."
"In general, it's best to avoid discussing the concept of eternal punishment for non-Christians with an atheist, which will turn into a debate. If someone feels like you're trying to "save" them, it can seem condescending and frustrating for your friend."
"Don't try to debate the specifics of the Bible. A discussion between a believer and a non-believer doesn't need to be a debate about science, or creationism, or an intricate dissection of the creation of the world as discussed in Genesis."
" If your friend constantly wants to discuss Biblical fallacies, . . . 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."
And a couple of really good 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 bright 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. -- 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."
"It is very likely your friend will not convert. Most Atheists have a solid view of what they believe, and while most are open to discussion, the chance of one converting is more than unlikely."
"The family that prays together...is brainwashing their children."- Albert Einstein
