Why should non-believers be Orthodox?

[wynd]

Hello all,

If an atheist or non-believer asked you why they should be Orthodox Christian, what would you say?

[Dust and Ashes]

I would probably say something like, "So you can truly be a person and experience life the way it was intended to be experienced, in a loving, sacramental relationship with God."

[Komnenos]

I would ask them to attend a Divine Liturgy. Then they would figure out why ;)

[Knowledge3]

I believe the Holy Spirit is present in the whole Church, and is guiding us to salvation in Christ.

[Kristos]

they shouldn't

[Tsarina]

I would ask them to attend a Divine Liturgy. Then they would figure out why ;)

That's my answer too. :angel:

I live for the DL, i love it!

[ProfChrysostomos]

A good question . . . No one should have to do or be anything unless they truly desire it with all their heart. One aspect of being created in God's image (Gen 1.26) is to resemble God in His freedom to choose and to love. From my own experiences, pastoral and otherwise, I can comfortably say that pressed conversions either never lasted or, at worst, led to very undesirable and potentially self-destructive conditions.

God respects us in the free choices we make in life, though so many of those choices, I'm sure, pain Him. We must also respect one other's choices and we ourselves must never be compelled to do anything unless it comes from the very depth of our being.

+ Prof.

[kamikat]

We have had people convert from non-Christian religions to Orthodoxy in my church. First off, they need to feel the stiring of the Holy Spirit in their lives prior to converting. An atheist or non-believer shouldn't convert. Are you asking if someone is truly seeking Christ and comes from an atheist or non-Christian background, why Orthodox? What you tell them depends on what their background is. For Jews, tell them to attend Divine Liturgy. They will see that Orthodox worship is very similar to Jewish worship. That Orthodoxy is the fullfillment of Jewish faith. For thos from Buddhist or Toaist backgrounds, the former Buddhist monk has said that Buddhism and Taosism is very similar to Orthodox mysticim, without Christ. Anyone into Eastern meditation will be comfortable with Orthodoxy, once they accept that Christ is the Savior. If the person hasn't accepted the divinity of Christ yet, there is nothing I can say to convince him of that. God alone can do that.

[authiodionitist]

I agree with Kamikat and the Professor. You must have the desire, not obligation (want, not should) to become a Christian. If it's not there, well, no reason to at all. But like Kamikat it really depends how religious and what religion the person is familiar with.

[wynd]

Ok, thanks for your replies :)

I am trying to look at it from the angle of someone who is atheist or just doesn't go to any church at all, because I have a lot of friends like that. I wasn't trying to imply forced conversion or anything. I guess what I was trying to get at was, well, we all know why Orthodoxy is true vis-à-vis other Christian groups. But what could we say to someone who isn't really religious at all? I think Dust and Ashes hit on what I was trying to say the best.

[gzt]

For the love of God

[davidoffinland]

From Finland.

As a believer and one who goes to a Luth church, I am studying Orthodox theological topics that have caused a division within Christianity. I appreciate the Orthodox position because it has added a depth to my understand of Christian doctrine.

Study the communion (the bread & wine), justification, orginal sin and other goodies.

In Him, david.

[27B6]

Hello all,

If an atheist or non-believer asked you why they should be Orthodox Christian, what would you say?

To be perfect.

To seek to be the most excellent human being one can possibly be.

To help build and be a part of the morally beautiful community.

[kamikat]

Ok, thanks for your replies :)

I am trying to look at it from the angle of someone who is atheist or just doesn't go to any church at all, because I have a lot of friends like that.

To be completely honest, I would say nothing. Most of the people in my life are either hardcore atheists or a handful of neo-pagans. I will answer thier questions to the best of my ability, but my words won't soften their hearts toward Christ. The best thing you can you is to pray hard, every day for them and be an example of Christ in your daily life and interactions with them. Show them that not all Christians are hypocrits or haters, as they see on TV. Show them Christ's love in any way you can. I can't remember who this quote is attributed to, maybe Francis of Assisi, "preach the gospel, use words when neccesary".

[ArmyMatt]

I guess I would say to be the man as God intended. He never intended anyone of us to sin or be corrupt (or even to die for that matter). So I'd say to become truly human, which only One ever was. Then I'd say to come to church, starting with Vespers.