Using Bible Topics to Talk About the Lord With an Atheist or Agnostic
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Conversations about faith don’t have to start or end with arguments, defenses, or ready‑made answers. Often, the most meaningful conversations begin with something much simpler: honest questions.
That’s where Bible Topics comes in.
The Bible Topics conversation cards are designed to be low pressure but deeply thoughtful. They invite discussion rather than debate, curiosity rather than conclusions. When talking with someone who identifies as an atheist, these questions create space for real human connection, where you listen first, share naturally, and allow the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do.
Below are seven questions from Bible Topics: The Bible Conversation Starter and why each one can open doors for genuine conversation about the Lord, even with someone who does not believe.
Why These Questions Work
Before diving into the questions, make sure the person you are communicating with is open to answering and willing to listen. Ask before launching into any conversation, maybe you can say, "I have some faith questions to ask you if you're open to answering." It also helps to understand why using Bible Topics questions can build an open dialogue:
- They are not confrontational. None of these questions demand agreement or require prior belief.
- They invite reflection, not correction. This is your opportunity to listen, not to teach.
- They honor lived experience. Many atheists do have thoughts, opinions, and even unresolved questions about God and the Bible, but have rarely been invited to express them safely.
- They build trust. People are more open to spiritual things when they feel heard, not handled.
Your role in these conversations isn’t to “win.” It’s to be present, curious, and honest about your own faith and about theirs.
The Questions and How to Use Them
1. “What are you thankful for now?”
This question is beautifully disarming. Gratitude is nearly universal, regardless of belief. As someone answers, listen for what they value: relationships, beauty, purpose, meaning.
When it’s your turn to share, you might gently include your gratitude for the Lord without making it a sermon. Gratitude creates a shared human starting point and subtly points toward the Giver as well as gifts.
2. “What is your favorite prophecy in the Bible?”
At first glance, this may seem like a question only for believers—but many atheists are fascinated by biblical prophecy, especially from a historical or literary perspective.
This is a natural place to reference Daniel 2, which outlines successive world empires with striking historical accuracy. Rather than explaining it fully, you might say:
“I’m fascinated by Daniel 2 because it connects history and hope in a way that feels grounded, not abstract.”
Let them respond. Some may respect the historical consistency even if they don’t accept divine inspiration, and that’s their free choice. You’re opening a door, not pushing someone through it.
3. “Suppose Jesus visibly comes to your house, job, etc. What would you show Him?”
This question shifts the conversation from belief to imagination and values.
Even someone who doesn’t believe in Jesus may answer based on what they think should matter: kindness, integrity, creativity, justice. Their response reveals what they consider meaningful or worthy of attention.
When you listen carefully, you’ll often hear echoes of God’s character; sometimes before someone recognizes it themselves.
4. “What is the most difficult book or chapter of the Bible to understand?”
Many atheists have wrestled deeply with Scripture sometimes more than Christians realize. This question validates that struggle.
In the why behind this question is honesty: portions of the Bible are difficult. Topics like the idea of an eternally burning hell have caused genuine moral and theological tension for many people. Rather than avoiding this, the question invites respectful conversation.
This is not the moment to explain everything. It is the moment to say, “That is a hard question,” and mean it.
5. “If Jesus were to ask, ‘What would you like Me to do for you?’ how would you answer?”
This question reaches the heart.
Even without belief, people long for healing, justice, peace, or restoration. You may be surprised by how vulnerable answers become here.
Listen carefully. This question gives insight into pain, unmet needs, and quiet hopes. And when it’s your turn, your answer can naturally reflect your trust in the Lord without pressure placed on the other person.
6. “If you had one message to give to one group of your choosing, what would it be?”
This question reveals passion and conviction. It helps you understand what someone believes the world needs.
As they share, listen for overlap between their values and the heart of Christ: compassion, justice, mercy, truth. These shared values often create bridges where arguments never could.
7. “If Jesus were coming tomorrow, what would you want to do before He comes?”
Even stated hypothetically, this question invites reflection on legacy and meaning.
Many people answer with things like reconciliation, honesty, love, or making things right. These responses often align closely with the life Jesus modeled even when someone doesn’t believe He’s coming.
This Is an Opportunity to Listen
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is this: your posture matters more than your words.
For many atheists, these questions offer a rare opportunity to talk openly about faith-related ideas without fear of judgment or correction. When you listen well, you reflect the character of Christ sometimes more powerfully than through explanation.
Trust the questions. Trust the process. And trust that God is already at work in conversations that begin with love.
Get these questions and 93 more by purchasing the Bible Topics Game ➡️ here.