As Christians, we fully understand that there are others who dont believe exactly what we believe, even within the Christian faith. The problem however, can come when we start treating non-Christians poorly.

There tends to be a strong divide between atheist and Christians, many Christians making assumptions about atheism, and vice versa with atheists making assumptions about Christians.

As followers of Christ, it’s most important for us to learn how to love others, and I firmly believe that one of the ways we can do that is simple: listening.

A few weeks ago I asked atheists to share with me the things they wish they could say to Christians, and I think their responses can have a huge impact on our faith, and how we evangelize:

Just because I’m an atheist doesn’t mean I “worship Satan”. I don’t believe in Satan either. It’s hard sometimes when I go about my day and Christians assume I am on the same level as what they believe is the most evil being to ever exist. Talk about dehumanizing.

I can tell the difference between wanting to be my friend and wanting to turn me into a Christian. This is why I don’t have any Christian friends, I haven’t met one that hasn’t manipulated a conversation into conversion.

Please stop regurgitating preachers and pastors and learn, study and form your own opinions. If its authenticity you’re going for, I’m not seeing it

I don’t hate you because you’re a Christian. I’m perfectly willing to be friends with you, but assuming I’m going to hate you makes it difficult

I wish I could shout that YES, I get it. I know about God. Almost all atheists grew up in Christian households so it’s not like you’re telling me something new. Get over yourself.

Those of us who are closeted atheists hear the way you talk about people when you think you’re safe with other Christians. Its sickening.

Anytime I bring up that I went through church trauma (I was sexually assaulted) the instant response is : “not all Christians are like that…” Are you fucking kidding me? I know that.

I don’t want you to use my sexual assault as a way to convince me that I was “just in a bad church” and “I should give it another try”

Being in a church building is a fully traumatic experience for some people. Not everyone sees that building the way you do.

That I’ve found much more love and support outside the church than inside it.

Quoting from the Bible isn’t going to change my mind that God is real. I don’t believe in the Bible, so when you quote it, that isn’t going to convince me.

As Christians, we need to be better. We need to listen to others and learn how to love them, no matter what they believe or don’t believe.

Jesus didn’t command us to “convert as many people as possible”, he commanded us to love others as He loves us. If you truly believe that Christ’s love is unconditional, then it’s absolutely possible to love others, no matter who they are or what they’ve been through.