The only Non-Christian in a Philosophy of Religion class

[Angrboda]

Just remember, you get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar.

(Not that that makes any sense -- why would bees want honey. Whatever.)

I'm in a similar situation in an ongoing group called Secular Bible Study. The title is misleading as there's no actual bible study, but the group basically brings together people from different backgrounds, theist or not, to discuss questions relevant to the bible (e.g. homosexuality in the bible, the sources of morality, etc.).

We're currently doing, "How Much Can We Learn About the Real Jesus?" -- which is somewhat underwhelming as the woman hosting it starts with the assumption that the Gospels are historical narratives and never looks back. Sure, I make a few strong points, but mostly I listen. In the process, I pick up things. Not the least of which is that, despite having strong views about the milieu of the time, I have no understanding of what a Pharisee or a Sadduccee is, much less the internal politics of the larger movements within Judaism at the time. That's an important point, and I've completely missed it until now. (I've yet to do the research, but at least now I know what I don't know.) There's plenty of time for both give and take.

If you feel intimidated by the prospect of confronting a group of Christians over their beliefs, then don't confront; this is an opportunity to learn from them, as well as an opportunity to teach. If you want to strike a middle ground, know the material well, and be prepared to ask simple, concrete questions that are neither rhetorical nor judgmental. And let the learning begin!