When I try to connect with Christians they are mostly friendly and welcoming. Often times I will ask, what do you have to do to be saved? I often get a response such as:
Accept Jesus as your Savior.
How quickly these terms change when we disagree on Scripture. Suddenly we must agree with everything that person says or we are lost and going to hell. In a matter of minutes you can go from "brother" to "lost". Even asking a questions can get you shunned in many Christian circles.
Many of the Atheists that I run into have something in common, not all- but many. They have grown up in Christian homes or went to Christian schools, often of the Catholic religion. They too have asked questions and they too see the hypocrisy or faults in some of the Christian groups. Unfortunately they have walked away from faith because of these very situations, or even much worse ones.
Atheists, I can say that I don't share your world view. I love God and I trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior, but we do have one thing in common...many Christians dislike us. I'm a non-trinitarian Christian and this is one of the biggest taboos in Christianity. I rather just believe what the Bible says. I accept that there is one God and He is one being, one person, whole, and undivided. For this I am sort of an outcast. Mainstream Christians want nothing to do with me, while many Atheists assume that I am one and the same with them. This becomes especially interesting when debating religious topics because I often have to bear the weight of beliefs that I don't even adhere to.
This is not to attack anyone in particular or put down certain people and I don't support the decision to walk away from God. I just want to say that we can all be a little more consistent, a little more honest, and a little more willing to listen. If you feel alone, don't be discouraged. Don't let people get you down, the truth is preserved for those who seek. Be willing to listen, even if you have heard it before.
And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
