Rebecca —

You can't make an atheist believe in God.

If the atheist wants to discuss the matter, you can be prepared with a good understanding of the arguments for the existence of God but ultimately the best argument is your personal witness to your relationship with God: the way you live.

Mary Ann

Hi, Rebecca —

Thanks for the question.

In addition to what Mary Ann has said, this posting explains the various types of atheists we meet in the world today. It may help you prepare appropriately. I think you will find it helpful.

• Why do people become atheists and what could I say to my friends that mock me for my faith?
  

Mike

Hi, Rebecca —

The Holy Spirit is the One who converts. Prayer is essential. Books can help; one good one is
The Godless Delusion by Patrick Madrid and Ken Hensley, which assumes atheism is true and follows it to its logical (and absurd) conclusion.

Being prepared to "give a reason for the hope which lies within you" (1 Peter 3) is your best bet, with perhaps a few carefully select Socratic questions.

Socratic questioning is a method for leading people to the truth which, rather than beating people over the head with what you want them to believe, involves asking key questions about what they believe, in such a way that lets them come to your conclusion on their own.

• For example, if there is no God, do you think the distinction between right and wrong makes any sense?
• Do you think we are distinct from the animals?
• [If not,] is it wrong for one animal to kill another?
• [If not,] is it wrong for one human to kill another?
• Why or why not?
• If we're just bags of chemicals walking around, does it make a difference who we kill?

Hope this helps,

Eric