How shall I explain my faith to sceptics and atheists?

Source: New City, Philippines

I don’t have problems believing in God, but I realize that we are all different, and come from different backgrounds and formation. We need to accept that people may have other beliefs. Putting aside my own belief, I’ve seen how the Gospel message is true, but many people don’t believe in it and it’s difficult to explain. In fact I am not ready for such a discussion about faith because I don’t know how to prove my point. How can I explain my views to a sceptic or an atheist without providing certain proof about the existence of God? (GP)

When I was a student at the University I had a classmate who was constantly challenging my faith and beliefs and who would even comment on my attendance at daily mass in the University Chapel.

I did not see then how arguing with him could change things, and instead, since he was my classmate, I continued to treat him as a friend and tried to live the words of Jesus: “Love your enemy, do good to those who persecute you.” Later, one day, he approached me and apologized for his actions. I could then share with him something of what I believed.

Faith is a gift, and also a commitment for us, if we accept this gift. It is not easy to convince someone who is a sceptic or who doesn’t want to take his first steps. But I believe that there are countless people who have embarked on this journey, on this search for the truth, for happiness, and for something that could fill their life with meaning and purpose, but maybe they have yet to encounter someone who could show them the Source of all these.

The Catholic Church offers many ways and alternatives for practicing this faith and serving others: through various parish committees, outreach programs, lay organizations and communities, etc. The Church does not force people to do certain things or threaten her followers with fire and brimstone should they go “astray.”

On the contrary, the Church invites and encourages her followers to come and get to know her better and more profoundly Something that you could do is to get to know your own faith better, to deepen it and continue in your journey of discovery and of life. Maybe you can do this by studying YouCat, the catechism for young people, or other ways to develop a more mature faith, above all by living it in everyday life with an increasing openness to the love for God and for everyone.

In this way you will also be prepared to dialogue with your friends with a renewed confidence in the truths of your faith.

Your life will then be a wonderful witness attracting your friends who don’t believe when they see you happy, fulfilled, and free. Such a witness will be more convincing than many theoretical proofs about the existence of God. And they may then want to understand better what’s happening to you.

You can later share your experience tactfully and respecting the different experiences of the person listening to you, sharing that which you have understood and learned.

Above all invite your friends who do not yet believe to meet a community of people who believe and live out their faith, just as Jesus also extended an invitation to two of John the Baptist’s disciples: “Come and see” (John 1:39). Invite them to love other people, for someone who loves comes to the light. Then we’ll let God do the rest.

Francesco Chatel with Ting Nolasco and Jenni Bulan