Christians and atheists: common ground?

Question

In Mark 2:17, Jesus said that "people who are well don't need a physician."

Maybe God simply doesn't reveal Himself to everyone?

Answer 1

no

Answer 2

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree.

God has revealed Himself to all mankind throughout history and will continue to reveal Himself until He decides to send Jesus to take us home.

Rom 1:19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Rom 1:20  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Rom 1:21  Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Rom 1:22  Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

Rom 1:23  And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

He has also made it clear to us that He wants everyone to experience His love, grace, and mercy.

2Pe 3:9  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Answer 3

He also said that he's the only way to heaven, according to the gospel. So the fact is, people who base their beliefs only on rational thinking would be doomed to h**l from the very start. Not revealing himself to these same people is essentially a death sentence to them.

Answer 4

Jesus also said that the Father reveals Himself to whoever He pleases,so i would agree with that.

Answer 5

So you're saying theists are sick and atheists/agnostics are healthy?

Okay if that's what you want to go with

Answer 6

Great scripture. But God reveals himself to us ever day Just look in the sky and you can see his glory

Answer 7

or maybe there is a difference between reality and fiction.

Answer 8

something in the bible can never truly be common ground to people who don't believe in the bible's "truth"

Answer 9

I'm going to assume you are saying that atheists are mentally healthy individuals, that don't need a dose of religion.

Ok, I'll buy that.

Answer 10

Wow, that's really twisting the truth.

It metaphorically means that if you are well, why go to the doctor?

In other words...

Spiritually speaking, that is why Jesus hung out with all the prostitutes, and stealers, and murders etc. because they were not spiritually well, so Jesus was there to help them.

Why would he only hang out with the priest and stuff? That would be contradictory.  

Answer 11

The only problem with that is found in Romans 2: 20. There we are told that God has revealed Some of His attributes and the fact of His existence in creation. So much so that those who do not believe are without excuse. God will reveal Himself to anyone who searches in a real and unique way. However, if people choose to reject and disbelieve the evidence that is already there then He allows them to do so.