Debating dyed-in-the-wool atheists can be a thankless job.
https://leeduigon.com/2013/11/page/2/
Roy Rogers–“king of the cowboys”–and Dale Evans were major stars when I was a little boy. I watched their TV shows. They also cut records, including the one above: Faith, Hope, and Charity (That’s the Way to Live Successfully). Back then, no one called for them to be silenced–not that Roy would’ve listened.
So here’s a little piece of mainstream popular culture, vintage 1950s. It’s as good an answer as any to a Bible-basher.
What I find interesting is that many in our day are not satisfied with being permitted to do as they see fit, but seek affirmation of their choices. The Bible gives us fine guidelines for life, and I realize that many people do not live by scripture, and I don’t try to force the Bible on anyone.
For one thing, I don’t know the backstory of most people. There was a person of my acquaintance who had a terrible drinking problem, was prone to drug abuse and sexual excesses, but there’s evidence of significant abuse in his early life, so possibly he was the victim of some pretty terrible things. I’ll leave God and His Son to untie that knot.
But we have Jesus’ example when he talked to the Samaritan woman at the well. She had quite a life, and Jesus knew that, but he spoke to her with respect and consideration. He didn’t “affirm” her lifestyle, but certainly showed respect for her right to choose how she wanted to conduct her life.
Returning to the song above, it doesn’t speak a word about judgment or anything negative, but points out some positive values. Hope and charity are good practice for everyone, and showing love even for enemies csn reverse some bad situations. Faith may be a sticking point for some people, but even unbelievers tend to have faith that the sun will come up again tomorrow and without some sort of faith, no one would even bother to plant crops.
Interestingly, I saw an interview with Adam Carolla lately where he stated a degree of admiration for biblical principles, such as not having children until you are married. Now, Mr. Carolla doesn’t come across as a believer in any sense of the word believer, but he saw practical value in the Bible. I was surprised by this because he has never spoken of a Creator.
At the end of the day, arguing with atheists is unlikely to accomplish anything, beyond wasting time. I will share my faith with anyone who is interested, but I do not seek to force it upon anyone. We have permission to shake the dust off our feet and move on.