Praying With An Atheist

By Joe Johnson

A series of conversations and analysis about the most pressing issues that surround a life of Christian faith. A blend of humor, thought and prayer that is both relatable and provoking. If you have ever wondered how to share your faith and beliefs with non believers, this is the book for you.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9781973699453

Joe Johnson

Joe brings a fresh and at times humorous look at the growth of Christian faith. Serious issues are met with a breath of levity and joy that help the reader engage in a conversation throughout the text. His style and voice leap from the page and bring life to a book about faith, struggles and doubt. The reader is left wanting more.

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Copyright © 2023 Joe Johnson.

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ISBN: 978-1-9736-9943-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-9944-6 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-9945-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2023909838

WestBow Press rev. date: 07/28/2023

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF LIFE?

WAS JESUS FOR REAL?

IF JESUS WAS WHOM CHRISTIANS SAY HE WAS, WHY DID HE DIE?

HOW CAN WE HAVE FAITH?

HOW AND WHY DO PEOPLE PRAY?

THE BIBLE, HOW AND WHY SHOULD WE READ IT

DOES GOD REALLY GUIDE ANYBODY?

MEET HAYDEN SMITH

HOW DO WE RESIST TEMPTATION AND EVIL?

HOW/WHY SHOULD WE TELL OTHERS ABOUT OUR FAITH?

IS THERE STILL HEALING TODAY?

WHY GO TO CHURCH?

AVERY’S LETTER

CONCLUSION

DEDICATION

This Book is dedicated to the following:

Esther, my rock.

Ziggy, my future.

Jason, my inspiration.

Last but certainly not least, Christ, my savior.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Who is the Author? I am, obviously. However, in truth, you are. The person across from you is. Your dentist is. Your spouse is. Your parent, your kid, your sibling. My name is irrelevant…my perspective, experiences, relationships, and faith…that’s what has authored this book. The name on the cover is only there because…well…a name had to be there, and that name at least ensured that my family would buy this. Yet, beyond that…this book could have been written by anyone; and has been written by many in journals, diaries, prayer circles, meetings, texts, conversations, and confessionals.

The name on the cover is not important; you will see I am no Twain, Lewis, etc. I was raised Catholic, stepped away for a while, and found my faith restored in the wake of tragedy.

I am a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a friend, a ministry leader, a lawyer…and, for the time being, the author.

INTRODUCTION

If Praying with an Atheist is a great title, it’s an even better practice. I know it seems like an oxymoron, and I pray you know what that means, as the vocabulary doesn’t get much easier from here. Praying with an Atheist is an exercise in acknowledging that all we want is for life as we know it to improve. It is a simple gesture of a common goal to see a fundamental shift of humanity toward decency.

So, you are an atheist and want to see if this is insulting or demeaning to your core beliefs or lack thereof. We will get to that. Or, you are a person of faith intrigued by the idea of converting an atheist. Or maybe you just needed something to read on the plane or commute to work. Or you got this from the library (in which case you are cheap and should buy a copy; I have kids to feed) and figured you’d try it. Irregardless…is not a word. Let us press on together.

This book is designed to provide information and motivation to the readers. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged to render any psychological, legal, or any other kind of professional advice. The content of this book is a matter of opinion and is the sole expression and opinion of its author and not necessarily that of the publisher. No warranties or guarantees are expressed or implied by the publisher’s choice to include any content in this volume. Neither the publisher nor the individual author shall be liable for any physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or commercial damages, including, but not limited to, special, incidental, consequential, or other damages. Our views and rights are the same: You are responsible for your choices, actions, and results. Some segments of the book use common names that are not designated or directed at any specific individual, and any likeness or comparison is unintended. As such, any Resemblance to Actual Persons, Living or Dead, is Purely Coincidental.

What kind of book is this? Truth be told, I am not really sure. Is it a book on faith? I guess, but it is not a Bible Study or even a Christian Lifestyle book. It is just a series of questions and an exploration of proffered answers. My friend called it a self-help book for those struggling with Faith. Self-Help…how can anybody give you advice on how to help yourself? This is not a self-help book; please don’t expect any psychobabble or pearls of wisdom. There will be no inspirational quotes that you will see on posters in therapist and guidance counselor offices. This is not a warm and fuzzy book to make you feel good about yourself. It is questions about the world we find ourselves in, examination of those questions, and my novice answers. Ultimately, it is just perspective, and we have already addressed that I am irrelevant. So, why the book? Because it invites you to develop your perspective. It invites you to examine these issues with me, to agree or disagree. Go ahead, scream at the pages; I assure you, I won’t get upset. It