Orthodox Evangelism 3: How to Speak with Atheists

[@TheActualCorrectOpinion]

Father, I just wanted to say that I was in a period of spiritual dryness to the point that I didn't even pray for days. I didn't fast, pray, read the bible maybe a little bit. But your sermons inspired me to pray and read the bible much more.

[@NavelOrangeGazer]

A lot of atheists reject Christianity because they have never seen Christ's love in display from a Christian.

[@davidstone5595]

💯

[@TheActualCorrectOpinion]

I saw this video recommended. I said, spontaneously in pride, "I do not have to listen to him for I already know how to evangelize atheists and I am a much better evangelist than him." For that weak thought, I shall listen to the entire video.

[@billy9497able]

I’m an non believer, but I absolutely love this man and the wisdom he brings when he speaks. It’s really eye opening and I’m never disappointed.

[@recontiger7114]

Agreed.

[@tatyanaalexandra8299]

You had me at materialistic worldview/chemical reactions in the brain and human consciousness...that "matter would have to create human consciousness." I was baptized in the ROC, and a pantheist who has been struggling with the Godless worldview for a while. After attending a moving Good Friday service with a friend at the GOC, I am taking baby steps toward Christian faith. Thank-you Father Paul. Your lectures are excellent!

[@anon.carpenter4201]

We must learn to listen better... Amen. Thank you Father Paul

[@xmc7189]

Good lecture. Can you make a lecture on the orthodox response on these new age spirituality trends?

[@medeasamkharadze8989]

That’s a wonderful idea! Many people could benefit from that. New age spiritual trend has conquered all countries and cultures. It’s EVERYWHERE now.

[@alemarja]

I love how Fr Paul articulates! I will from now on also use this phrase: can I show you what my faith has taught me on this and this ? Not “can I tell you what I believe to be true?”

[@AlbanianDude98]

I like this guy. Can feel the genuineness in his heart. He really believes and wants people to come to Christ.

[@Osafune2]

One of the absolute best lectures I have ever seen. Fantastic

[@radianttrails939]

what a blessing as we head towards the end of Lent to see you back on here! You're talks are very helpful

[@RealAtheology]

Fascinating video, while I appreciate Fr. Truebenbach's words about humility and having a good personal witness, I do think there were some severe misunderstandings of Atheism in this video. I would highly recommend C.M. Lorkowski's book _Atheism Considered_ which gives a nice introductory overview of a more philosophical Atheism. We have an interview on our channel with Dr. Lorkowski on this subject as well.

[@DRiceArizona]

What are the "severe misunderstandings"?

[@nolarising504]

Yessss can't wait to listen

[@meangreenmememachine2890]

thank you father ☦

[@jasonthomas1023]

I have to admit, I was very surprised to come across this video. It's rare to see Orthodox Christians organize these kinds of lectures. It seems like they usually leave these kinds of conversations to their Evangelical and Catholic counterparts. Perhaps this has changed? I was in my mid 20s when I first became acquainted with Orthodox Christianity (long-ish story) after being encouraged by a Catholic friend to search for the historic Christian faith. I found an Orthodox church in the phone book and started attending. After about a year of deep conversations with the priest during which we talked about everything from church history to the Bible to theology, I got baptized into the Orthodox faith. I was also good friends with the son's priest (who I think is one of the best human beings I've met). It was also during my time in the Orthodox Church that I first started having doubts. I would always find a way to dismiss them, but they always lingered in the back of my mind. The proverbial "straw that broke the camels back" occurred while reading a chapter in a John Meyendorff which summarized the history and debates of the Monophysite Controversy. It was at time I decided I really needed to check my epistemology. I didn't know it at the time, but this would start me on the path that would lead me to conclude that I was an atheist. When the priest and his son found out, they were disappointed. I think they had high hopes for me. I do not at all regret the brief time I spent engaged in the Orthodox Church. One of the highlights is when the priest's son and I drove nearly 13 hours to and from New York to spend a long weekend at St Vladimir's Seminary where he was going to train for priesthood. I wouldn't say that Orthodoxy made me an atheist. It was just one stop in the journey along the way.

[@parkbear2370]

o noice quality jump! 10/10

[@Jeduken]

Just a quick question based on that suffering section. You said that we suffer because we are sinful, it is expected. So how would this pan out for saints if they essentially don't sin. Some are martyred, etc. I definitely am missing something and want to learn more so could you please answer this.

[@jacobshepard654]

another way to look at it is how the Gentile nations dealt with the Jews and vice versa. id dare even call the pharisees atheist. Christ outright declared “You do not know him, but I know him. If I were to say I don’t know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I keep his word.”

[@axonis2306]

In this RootsofOrthodoxy short, kzbin.infob1PD080rD-E, a man who dresses like a priest states that "to prefer the liturgy of St. John Chrysostome over the liturgy of St. Gregory is very much *aberrant* to the heart of the Orthodox Church". Do you approve RootsofOrthodoxy content ?

[@Kauahdhdhd]

Orthodoxy is universal not eastern. Also be humble. “A man who dresses like a priest” you mean the canonical priest in the Antiochian archdiocese?

[@axonis2306]

@@Kauahdhdhd No need to debate this, since Father Paul has posted "How to Find the One, True Church" which is the answer I had hoped for.

[@Kauahdhdhd]

@@axonis2306 I don’t think understood what I said. The same jurisdiction Fr Paul is apart of, is the same jurisdiction that has the western rite and Fr Peter(priest in roots of orthodoxy video) . I suggest to not slander our priests and hierarchs and have more love and humility. You’re right there is no debate. The western rite is orthodox.

[@axonis2306]

@@Kauahdhdhd Who said anything about the western rite ?

[@Kauahdhdhd]

@@axonis2306 you in the first comment

[@rjskeptic5273]

I still haven't heard any evidence for a god.

[@Hurtin_Albertan]

You will one day ❤

[@lowrhyan567]

Because you haven't looked for one.

[@rjskeptic5273]

@@lowrhyan567 How would you know. More to the point, where is your evidence.

[@lowrhyan567]

@@rjskeptic5273 The 5 ways of Thomas Aquinas are a good evidence. But there are others, in the Orthodox context there is also the Holy Fire.

[@rjskeptic5273]

@@lowrhyan567 Ok. I'll bite. What is the holy fire? Aquinas has been refuted by the majority of philosophers.

[@mikevet1984]

Any chance of traslating your speeches to multiple languages for non English speakers?