I am not trying to be rude here, or raise any controversy. I would like to simply explain to you how to get an atheist to listen to you, and hopefully improve the situation on this board. And to atheists reading, hopefully this will ease some frustration for you.

Take this simple example:

*Person1 is an atheist
*Person2 is of unknown faith

Person1: How do you know god exists?
Person2: It's what the bible says
Person1: How can you be sure the bible is true?
Person2: Because it is the word of god

Now, obviously any atheist reading this will be able to understand Person1's position. You are completely unpersuaded (even frustrated), and this is why - for you theists

Atheists do not believe the bible. They believe the bible is fundamentally flawed, they believe it has contradictions and imperfections. Atheists will not listen to you if you start quoting things out of the bible. To get an atheist's attention, you must use sources outside the bible, verified sources or your own sense of reason - please don't argue faith, or the devil is trying to confuse them - it will go nowhere.

This might be more persuading for example:
Person1: How do you know god exists?
Person2: After observing things, looking at the way the world works, It seems that everything is too structured - I can feel some sort of presence looking over me, taking care of me
Person1: What about the suffering in the world, how could any god let that happen?
Person2: I believe that he wanted us to live our own lives without interference, we should be thankful he gave us life, not concentrate on the negatives

Any people responding to an atheist, please please please don't quote the bible - It'll only end any potential meaningful conversation.

Remember:
1. Atheists don't believe anything that the bible says, quotes will be ignored
2. Chances are, it will just frustrate atheists because you aren't contributing to rational discussion

Use rational thought, not the bible when trying to prove something to an atheist, or you'll get nowhere.

I hope people read this and follow what I've said, because honestly, these discussions would be far more meaningful. I'm not posting this for theists to use as tools of conversion - I just want better discussion and better debates. I hope I have been respectful to both sides.