VJack from Atheist Revolution has given some terrible advice about witnessing to atheists.  He says not to do it.  I advocate ignoring that advice completely.  VJack says:

I know your church says you are supposed to do this and that you’ll win friends and magic Jesus points for your efforts. I know your bible makes you think that this is what your god wants. I even know that your failures are more important than your successes because they reinforce your persecution complex. But don’t do it.

First, Jesus–not the church–says that we are supposed to do this (see Mt 28:19-20).  As disciples of Him, I don’t see us disobeying the words of our Lord because VJack says so.

Second, what exactly are these “magic Jesus points” and how do I earn them?  The last time I checked, the Bible teaches that it is Jesus who saves us and we cannot earn salvation.  Following His commands are done out of love and free choice rather than some sort of compulsion or game.

The best witness to atheists, I think, doesn’t come from words but the way we live our lives.   As St. Francis of Assisi said, “It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.”  Along the same lines, he said, “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.”  Living the Word of God to the best of your ability (Rom 12:9-21) will show the atheists that our chosen lifestyle is superior to their own.  The atheists will want what we have.  The words that VJack hates so much won’t even be necessary.

Recap: Witnessing to atheists?  Do it with enthusiasm!