How Should Christians Treat Atheists According to the Bible?

The recent discourse between Christians and atheists has often been marked by tension and misunderstanding. In this article, we explore what the Bible actually teaches regarding how Christians should treat those who do not share their faith.

Respecting Atheists with Dignity and Love

According to many biblical teachings, Christians should treat one another with respect, even those who hold differing beliefs. The Golden Rule, found in multiple passages, ”Treat others as you would like to be treated,” provides a foundational principle for how Christians should interact with atheists and everyone else.

John the Baptist’s words to his followers about letting the camera do the work (Matthew 3:8) suggest a call for non-judgmental empathy and understanding. Similarly, Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) emphasizes the importance of compassion and kindness towards all, regardless of perceived limitations or differences.

Jesus’s Message of Inclusion

Jesus himself addressed the parable of the Good Samaritan, which includes an enemy tribe, to illustrate that anyone can be a 'neighbor' - even those we do not like. This parable underscores the message that God's love extends to everyone, including those who might not share our beliefs.

‘When You Say “Love Your Neighbor”, Who Do You Mean?’

Jesus was once asked by a lawyer about the greatest commandment. He responded, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself’ (Matthew 22:37-39). This response illustrates that love must extend to every human being, even those who might be considered 'others.'

The Divine Mandate of Kindness

The Bible also tells us that we should remove the log from our own eye before pointing out the speck in our neighbor’s eye (Matthew 7:5). This teaches that we should focus on our own attitudes and actions rather than criticising others for their perceived faults. It is a reminder to seek self-improvement before criticizing others.

Willingness to Dialogue and Respect

Jesus addresses the issue of judgment in Matthew 7:1, encouraging us 'Do not judge, or you too will be judged'. This is a clear commandment to avoid condemning others rashly. It is also a call to treat all people with the same respect we would like to receive.

The Bible also reminds us that anything done to another is done to Christ Himself (Matthew 25:40). This principle sets a high standard for our treatment of all people, whether they are believers or not. It implies a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect.

Spiritual Responsibility and Personal Agency

The Bible places a significant responsibility on individuals to share their faith, but it also acknowledges that others have free will. In Matthew 10:14, Jesus tells his disciples, 'If you go into a town and its people receive you, eat what is set before you. But if you go into a town and its people do not receive you, leave its dirt behind you and shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them.' This passage teaches that Christians should not force their beliefs on others but should let go if they are rejected.

The Police Parable

In Acts 13:51, the early church faced similar challenges and followed Jesus’ advice by leaving towns where individuals rejected their message. This behavior reflects the principle that people will ultimately be held accountable for their own choices and beliefs on the Day of Judgment (Matthew 10:15, Luke 17:20-37).

Conclusion

Christians are called to treat everyone with the love and respect they themselves desire. The Bible’s call to love one’s neighbor includes even those who do not share our faith. We must focus on personal improvement and self-reflection rather than on judging others. Ultimately, we should leave judgment to God and respect the freedom of all individuals to choose their beliefs.

For further reflection and scripture-based understanding, consider exploring the following key texts in the Bible:

Matthew 22:37-40 - The greatest commandments Matthew 7:1-5 - Loving others as yourself Matthew 10:14 - Advice on how to handle rejection Acts 13:51 - The early church's response to rejection