From: atterlep@vela.acs.oakland.edu (Cardinal Ximenez)
Subject: Re: Ancient Books
Organization: National Association for the Disorganized
Lines: 20

cobb@alexia.lis.uiuc.edu (Mike Cobb) writes:

>If I talk with an atheist and tell him the New Testament is an historically 
>reliable document, what reasons would I give him?

  I have found that this isn't a very effective argument.  Most atheists are
perfectly willing to acknowledge the existence and ministry of Jesus--but are
quite capable of rationalizing the miracles and the resurrection into 
misunderstandings, hoaxes, or simple fabrications.  They can always make an
analogy with the _Iliad_, a book that tells the story of the historical Trojan
War, but also talks about gods and goddesses and their conversations.
  I don't think it's possible to convince atheists of the validity of 
Christianity through argument.  We have to help foster faith and an
understanding of God.  I could be wrong--are there any former atheists here who
were led to Christianity by argument?

Alan Terlep				    "Incestuous vituperousness"
Oakland University, Rochester, MI			
atterlep@vela.acs.oakland.edu				   --Melissa Eggertsen
Rushing in where angels fear to tread.