2. If someone tells us that he does not believe in God, what should we try to find out, and why?

² Those Who Do Not Believe in God: If someone says that he does not believe in God, it is beneficial to find out why. Is it because he believes in evolution? Has he lost faith in God because of the injustice in the world or the hypocrisy in religion? Is he from a land that suppressed belief in God? Perhaps he does not adamantly deny God’s existence, but he has never felt the need to believe in Him. Many publishers find that asking, “Have you always felt that way?” prompts the person to explain. Listen and do not interrupt. When we understand why the person does not believe in God, we will know how to reply and which publication to offer.​—Prov. 18:13.

3. How can we demonstrate respect for the person and his beliefs?

³ When replying, take care to avoid making the person feel that you are attacking his viewpoint. This suggestion came from the United States: “It is very important to respect the personal freedom of individuals to decide what they believe. Rather than seeking to win arguments, it is best to pose questions that make people think and reach their own conclusions.” After hearing the householder express himself, one traveling overseer often prefaces his reply by asking, “Have you ever considered this as a possibility?”

4. How may we help those who are Buddhist?

⁴ The concept of God is foreign to many who are Buddhist. Some publishers in Britain like to use the brochure Lasting Peace and Happiness​—How to Find Them when witnessing to such ones. After considering the introduction, they discuss the section “Is There Really a Most High Creator?” and then the section “A Guidebook for the Blessing of All Mankind.” Afterward, they may be able to introduce the Bible Teach book and tell the householder, “Even if you do not believe in God, studying the Bible is beneficial because it contains much practical guidance.” A pioneer in the United States who is serving in the Chinese field said: “Many in our territory enjoy reading. So they often read the entire publication before we return. But they may not understand the concept of a Bible study. So I like to offer the Good News brochure on the initial call because it is written in a way that encourages discussion.” A circuit overseer serving in a Chinese-language circuit in the United States reports that it is possible to introduce the Bible Teach book on the initial call. However, it may be better to start the study in chapter 2, which gives an introduction to the Bible, rather than in chapter 1, which discusses God.

5. Why is patience important?

⁵ It takes time for someone to build faith in God, so patience is vital. Our initial conversations may not move a person to agree that a Creator exists. But perhaps in time he will acknowledge that it might be possible, or he may say that he understands why someone could come to that conclusion.

[Box on page 4]

If the householder says he does not believe in God, try this:

• Ask, “Have you always felt that way?” to find out why.

• If he is a Buddhist, use the brochure Lasting Peace and Happiness​—How to Find Them, pages 9-12.

• If he believes in evolution, these references may be helpful:

The Awake! series “Was It Designed?”

The video The Wonders of Creation Reveal God’s Glory

The brochures A Satisfying Life​—How to Attain It, section 4; Was Life Created?; and The Origin of Life​—Five Questions Worth Asking

• If he has lost faith in God because of injustice and suffering, these references may be helpful:

The book Is There a Creator Who Cares About You?, chapter 10

The brochures Does God Really Care About Us?, part 6, and What Is the Purpose of Life?, section 6

• Switch to the Bible Teach book as soon as the householder is open to the idea that God may exist. It may be good to begin with chapter 2 or another subject appropriate for him.