Maybe instead of approaching from the atheist/agnostic side with your friend, explore his religiosity from the side of 100% strict Literalism.
Why does he eat shrimp and wear mixed fabric clothing? Why are gays condemned in Leviticus and his church supports that ?
See the problem (if it applies to his faith, otherwise find other examples) he has there? Somebody in HIS church knows better than God which rules apply and which ones don't. If his church is 'liberal' about remarriage following divorce and/or granting annulments, then why does his church know better than Jesus ??
Look for areas of belief and obedience to God where his faith is screwing up, and make him defend it. And if he goes there, then HE knows better than God and/or Jesus, and what does he think of that? How can a 'Christian' know better than Jesus about ANYTHING ??
Understand the risk, you might inadvertently convert him into a unreasoning Literalist, but frequently, I think most people will realize their church doesn't have much to do with God, rather it has a lot to do with the insincere bastards running it.
Why does he eat shrimp and wear mixed fabric clothing? Why are gays condemned in Leviticus and his church supports that ?
See the problem (if it applies to his faith, otherwise find other examples) he has there? Somebody in HIS church knows better than God which rules apply and which ones don't. If his church is 'liberal' about remarriage following divorce and/or granting annulments, then why does his church know better than Jesus ??
Look for areas of belief and obedience to God where his faith is screwing up, and make him defend it. And if he goes there, then HE knows better than God and/or Jesus, and what does he think of that? How can a 'Christian' know better than Jesus about ANYTHING ??
Understand the risk, you might inadvertently convert him into a unreasoning Literalist, but frequently, I think most people will realize their church doesn't have much to do with God, rather it has a lot to do with the insincere bastards running it.
