Susan, here's a hypothetical situation that may help you to understand how your advice to frame our arguments in theological terms comes across to an agnostic/atheist etc.

Suppose you live in a society where government and law are heavily influenced by astrology. And suppose that you personally don't consider astrology to be a valid basis for law or decision-making (I'm guessing that this second bit is in fact true of you, which should help you imagine how non-Christians feel about the influence of Christianity).

Now, suppose somebody explains to you that you and your gentleman friend should not be allowed to marry because your signs are incompatible. How would you respond to this?

Would you study up on astrology and then develop an argument about how a certain star's course indicate that your signs actually can be compatible?

Or would you say something along the lines of "astrology is your belief, not mine, and you don't have the right to force your beliefs on me"?

Personally, I'd go with the second option, because it would be absurd and hypocritical for me to base an argument on astrological principles. And I'd have the same problem with basing an argument on the Bible. If I want to cite an authority, I'll cite one that I believe to be valid.

Marion