It is easy to become self-righteous or defensive when I feel attacked by atheists. It is a natural, human reaction. However indignant rants which bludgeon the unbeliever with the ‘truth’ treats them as objects and not an intelligent people who are also loved by God. When I am secure in the Love of God, I can love and respect everyone because I do not feel threatened. Then it is possible to encourage real dialogue which actually listens to the crux of atheists’ concerns and doubts. Such dialogue opens the door for the Holy Spirit to become the Divine Moderator of the discussion.
1 Corinthians 13:
4 Love is always patient and kind; love is never jealous; love is not boastful or conceited, 5 it is never rude and never seeks its own advantage, it does not take offence or store up grievances. 6 Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but finds its joy in the truth…..9For we know only imperfectly… 12 Now we see only reflections in a mirror, mere riddles, but then we shall be seeing face to face.
My words alone will not convince atheists. Catholics need theology and apologetics but these disciplines will not convert anyone because Christianity is not primarily a moral theology or a philosophy but a relationship of love. By focusing upon the reality of our Christian experiences as they truly are, Christ becomes a living Messiah not only to us but a visible light to others.
Many believers still cling to a false idea of a God with a white beard on a throne. This image is a finite human creation, not the real, infinite Creator of the universe. Of course intelligent atheists reject false, naive views of God. My own personal experience of the Holy, Immortal One, is often closer to the mystical apophatic tradition. The Christian contemplative leads a life of gritty prayer, not one of rigid perfection and certitude. Christianity is a life which involves inner struggle, growth and healing, as we journey deeper into the Mystical Body of Christ. Honest life in Christ is rooted in humility not pride because we are constantly aware of our own sinfulness and wounds.
The contemplative learns about deep trust and complete abandonment to One he knows to be beyond all understanding. The mystic does not have all the answers; he is not afraid to admit that he does not understand everything and he certainly does no berate or belittle those who are searching. The true mystic experiences God as unknowable, not an object nor a thing to be studied. God cannot be boxed in, defined because He is a mystery. Such experiential faith reveals itself in the ground of our being. This is where dialogue with atheists can begin because God dwells at the core of our selves, atheists and indeed of all life.
Ultimately it is God who reveals himself to the atheist. A brilliant young friend was an atheist, although when I asked what he had read on spirituality or Christianity he simply replied, “The library” .We were praying while David relaxed on the margins of the group when he suddenly started to laugh. Our eyes popped open in surprise. The quiet, subdued young man was beaming.
“I’m hot all over, especially inside my chest, my heart really. It feels like a glowing, golden mist all around me, inside of me…but it was there all the time; I just couldn’t feel it or see it. All of a sudden I am plugged into a circuit board of power that has been here the entire time. God is real. He exists. I can’t believe it. Why did I not see something all around me, in my face? I feel this energy flowing between everyone in this room and connecting to me as well, like electrical currents,like invisible bands or cords. I want to jump up and down and start yelling on the top of my voice that God exists and He is right here.”
God converts atheists while our condemnation and self-righteous preaching drives them away from the Church. What God really needs in every situation is just one open window, one landing strip, one antenna to perform His miracles.
joy of nine9 
Insightful and compassionate post. Thank you Melanie
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Teilhard de Chardin.
LikeLike
I am so happy that William chose to reblog your post—an observation steeped in deep reflection and thought—you are so right, we cannot witness, convert, turn hearts by beating others on the head with frustration, vehemence, anger—but our witness to the Fatih is to be a mirror of love, patience and kindness reflecting the light of Hope, Grace and Salvation—thank you for your wisdom and insight—Blessings—Julie
LikeLiked by 1 person
well said- I agree
LikeLike
This is excellent, Melanie. I was just listening to Orthodoxy on audio book. G.K. Chesterton would totally agree with you. In fact, he says that the atheist’s weakness is that they are only able to live in the world of verifiable facts. It isn’t that they don’t understand the facts, it’s that they have made their world too small by limiting themselves to fact and ignoring mystery. Chesterton was a master at treating his atheist adversaries with respect, yet revealing their error at the same time. Argumentation had its place in Chesterton’s public discourses. It was his way to meet atheists where they were so he could introduce them to the Mystery. But in the end it will be witness to the Mystery that converts hearts.
Apologetics to the outside world has its place, but the real need of theology and apologetics is to help Catholics understand their faith better so they can be open to the Mystery.
Thank you for this excellent post!
LikeLike
what a wonderful insight- I could write another whole article on the need to relax and open up to the reality of Mystery
LikeLike
Perhaps we can preach by our example.
God bless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
exactly
LikeLike
What a wonderful and powerful article! I love the exhortation that our self righteous preaching will not convert anyone. I also learned more about a mystic view of things.
LikeLike
the mystical tradition is just one of the examples of the richness in the Catholic Church
LikeLike
Yes! Richness for sure!
LikeLiked by 1 person