Yeah, that made sense.
I fail to see the importance of any one person becoming Christian, or atheist, or Hindu, or whatever. I feel like it's watching homos brand some famous historical figure 'gay.' I mean, if it's a personal choice, or even if it's inborn, how can it possibly make any difference to anyone if Michelangelo smoked the pole?
Just so with Christianity. If it's between you and your God what your religious beliefs are, why the heck would finding out an atheist converted make someone more likely to become Christian? They are YOUR beliefs. It's not like having celebrity endorsers makes you more likely to believe something--but if hearing Shaq or Madonna are Christian makes you love Jesus, you're not all that deeply religious, are you?
Just dumb. Dumb dumb dumb.
Anthony Flew has been led to theism by science. That is the the significance of one mans life long advocacy for atheism morphing into theism. He "followed the science" where it led him.
Jesus said, "I tell you that in the same way there is more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
Christians apparently are enjoined to share this attitude.
it's interesting and important from a society or cultural point of view. Not a personal one.
There is a battle going on between science and religion in many spheres.
You said -- "I fail to see the importance of any one person becoming Christian, or atheist, or Hindu, or whatever."
Well, for one thing, Jesus made the claim of being the only one who "saves" (as the Messiah of Israel and of the whole human race, from beginning to end) -- a totally exclusive claim. There is no room for other "ways" according to Jesus.
In John 14:6 --
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
This is what Jesus says, it's what God says, it's what the Bible says, it's what the Apostles and leaders of the Jerusalem Church said (i.e., the first church), and it's what current-day Christians say.
There is no room in God's way of offering salvation to the world -- of any other way or method. God doesn't allow it; Jesus makes it perfectly clear there is no other way except through Him.
You're on the wrong side of Jesus on this one.
Regards,
Star Traveler
You too are only one person.