I love skeptics of the Christian worldview! This may surprise you since what often takes place in the great debates between skeptics and Christians is ad hominem attacks and other forms of belittling and mischaracterizing of the other. But, I really do love them. Though the idea of loving the opposition seems far-fetched, here are a few reasons why I love skeptics of Christianity:

1. Skeptics of Christianity are passionate about what they believe and I greatly respect their passion. In a world where people are minimally interested in discussing any issues related to the existence of God, I love the fact that skeptics of Christianity are passionate about what they believe. While I may disagree with their assessment regarding Christianity, I’m grateful for their passion and courage to stand up for what they believe.
2. Skeptics are often very knowledgeable about what they believe and because of that, they cause me to question, search, and research the foundations of my own faith. I do not know where I would be without people asking me the tough questions about my faith because, through those tough questions, I’ve found answers that deepen my faith and draw me closer in my relationship with God.
3. God loves skeptics! If there were ever a reason to love people who are skeptical of Christianity, it would be because God loves them. Jesus loved a ton of people who questioned, doubted, ridiculed, and disbelieved his claims of Sonship and divinity. Despite all of it, Jesus loved them to the point of dying on a cross for them. Too often we engage those with whom we disagree in hopes of humiliating them. Christians are called to meet people where they are so Jesus can change who they are. Jesus calls me to love people who may hate me, mock me, belittle me, or even kill me. But, as a Christian, my love for skeptics far outweighs the consequences of any pain which it might cause me. Why? Because I want to call them brother or sister in Christ. Christ had the unique ability to see people for who they could be in the future, rather than who they were in the present.

My prayer is that as we engage people around us who are not Christians, we first learn to love them for their passion, their ability to stretch us intellectually, and because of who they could be! If we do that, we’ll gain their respect, engage in fruitful dialogue, and potentially change their lives.