BloomingxRose

I think BLM has done a lot to exacerbate racism and create racial tensions. What they did with the violence against police, calls to defund police, the rioting and the looting - all that was terrible. But even worse has been this demand that a person's identity be entirely wrapped up in what race they are. This is totally antithetical to what the civil right's activists wanted. MLK's famous speech declares his wish that people could be judged for their character instead of their skin colour. BLM has spat on that legacy. They've whipped people up into a frenzy by declaring race to be the most important characteristic about a person, thereby forcing people into opposing groups. They have even called for racial segregation to the point of wanting segregated schools and hospitals! That's BLM asking for that, not the KKK. As Christians I think we should reject anything that divides us on the basis of race. We're all children of God and that should be the basis for our identity, not race, income, or anything else irrelevant. I'm saddened to see BLM embraced by churches. I know a lot of Episcopal churches (American Anglican) are also in support, but they are failing in many areas, sadly. We should pray people get out of this trap of defining themselves by worldly things and start paying more attention to things which really matter.

I think it's important to determine if the atheist really wants to learn or just wants to score points. If they only wish to score points don't engage with them. Pray for them but don't get into a debate with them. If you think the person you're talking to really is open-minded, ask what kind of evidence will convince them. I don't think quoting relevant passages will work, because atheists don't trust the Bible is true. Even if you can show a firsthand account of the issue you're discussing, they will say it's made up or unreliable. Probably the better thing to do is look for sources they do trust first, such as other historical accounts or secular scholarship. Convince them with their own materials and it will show them the Bible is reliable. If you can't find anything that affirms the Biblical passage, don't focus on persuading them with facts. Instead, work on their heart. The athiest in the example who doubts the ressurection may not believe the Bible but can be moved by prayer and compassion. *I was an atheist/agnostic for about 8 years. What worked on me was not facts but God's love and the weight on my conscience.