Do you know how to witness to an atheist? Should you, or is it, as Matthew 7:6 says, “Casting your pearls to swine?” This Bible verse advises against sharing precious and holy things like the Gospel with those who are not receptive and will be disrespectful to the message. And yet, we are called to be witnesses. Therefore, how do we share Jesus with an atheist without it being a waste of time? If asked to share, we must do it as Little Pot would – with the fruit our Potter grows through us.

I was recently asked to be a guest on a podcast with a devout atheist host. Since the interview, I’ve thought a lot about how to witness to an atheist. I have thought of things I wish I had said, and I’ve been praying for the host and the listeners. Based on the comments on his YouTube channel, the listeners agree with his position that the Bible tells the story of a mean and unloving God. I realized my guest appearance showed how to witness to an atheist. Or, maybe how not to. Read on to learn more.

An Atheist’s Podcast

The Podcast is called The Bible Says What? The host, Michael Wiseman, interviews people who believe in the Bible and then tries to discredit them. As I participated in his show, I felt saddened by Michael’s lack of faith. He was unable to accept God as a loving God. Our discussion began with me sharing about my books, The Little Pot, The Tea Pot, The Oil Lamp, and The Small Jar. I wanted Michael and his listeners to see that we are vessels created by a loving Potter. They needed to know that God has a special and specific plan for each of them.

Since each story in The Potter Series has a biblical basis, I had hoped that we would discuss the parts of scripture that each book illustrates. However, Michael wanted more to attack and discredit God as being loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, and gentle. He begins with Leviticus 20:9 and says that verse is God commanding us to put disobedient children to death. I tried to explain that he is taking the verse out of context. The further our conversation went, the more I realized I was casting pearls to swine. I continued if a listener needed to hear of my unwavering belief in God. Where I do not understand scripture, I have Faith that the Potter knows best. I will not deny Christ.

Witness to an Atheist with Love, and Not as a Clanging Cymbal.

The Bible tells us that without love, we are a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). When you think of a clanging cymbal, you probably think of noise that drowns out other important sounds. Much of what Michael continued to say during the interview felt like a clanging symbol to me. He tried to drown out anything I said with gotcha statements.

I tried to show Michael God’s love, but He was closed off. Unfortunately, our meeting was so brief that he probably didn’t feel my love toward him either. However, I tried very hard to ensure the other characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit were present in my conversation.

Sharing the Peace and Joy of God

Michael did not see God as a peaceful God. He saw him as a God who wanted war. He continually referenced parts of the Bible where people were killed. Therefore, he referred a lot to the Old Testament. He referenced when God instructed the Israelites to take over the promised land, the plagues in Egypt, and even the flood in Genesis. I tried to explain that his definition of peace was not God’s. God’s judgment on sin brings us peace.

Additionally, I tried hard during the interview to be filled with joy. Both Michael and I smiled and laughed a lot. Despite my frustration with his approach, I was grateful for the opportunity and joyful that I was able to share what I believed. This interview demonstrated that we can disagree while having fun. Doing so required patience and kindness.

Witness to an Atheist with Patience, Kindness, and Gentleness

As the conversation continued, it was clear that neither of us would be convinced to change our perspectives. It simply became an environment for me to share my own beliefs. There were moments when we questioned each other, and I was more on the defensive side of the arguments than I wanted to be. However, I knew that my response needed to be gentle. Patience and kindness were necessary, or my testimony would not have been heard.

The Goodness and Faithfulness of God

I realized that witnessing to an atheist came down to the idea that this person lacked faith in God’s goodness. This interview showed me that their goal to debunk scripture was rooted in wanting to prove that God was not good. So much of what I shared required me to accept things by faith. They had no faith and could not accept that God is wiser and knows more than we do. I shared an example of when my granddaughter feared the dentist so much that she could not understand he was doing good when he cleaned her teeth. Her parents knew more than she did, and their perspective was something she had to have faith in. That faith had to be stronger than her fear, which guided her wisdom. Michael, an atheist, would not admit that he had fears or that God had a perspective beyond his own.

The conversation reminded me of Satan’s tactics in the Garden of Eden. He said to Eve, “Did God really say….?” (Genesis 3:1). Satan’s goal was to have Eve question God’s word. Then, she would doubt God’s goodness. Michael seemed to have the same goal. I could not convince Michael to have faith in a good God. However, I have to remind myself that it is not my job. It’s the job of the Holy Spirit. He is the only one who can give someone the faith they need to believe. And, when He does, we gain the confidence to know His love and witness to an atheist with self-control.

Self-Control versus Casting Pearls to Swine

When I think about throwing something at pigs, I do not picture it as a very controlled act. Likewise, if we are asked to witness to an atheist, we cannot just throw ideas at them without self-control. When we allow God to have control of our lives and conversations, He can use us to share His fruit with the world. He will also reassure us.

My Conclusion of Being a Witness to An Atheist

God is so great. As I thought about my interview and wondered if I should have agreed, I was invited to do another podcast. This podcast host is a Christian who used to be an atheist. I will share more about this interview in another blog. However, speaking with her about her journey from atheism to becoming a believer helped me piece this post together and know that the fruit of the Holy Spirit reproduces itself even in the heart of an atheist.

If you want to know how you can be a vessel where the Potter grows the fruit of the Spirit, add your name and email below. Little Pot is anxious to tell you how growing strawberries mirrors the growth of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in us. You will also be added to our email list, where you will occasionally receive a fun, fruitful Friday email from me and Little Pot.

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Have you had the opportunity to witness to an atheist? Share your experience below.