I am 14 and a dedicated atheist, and I have a fairly simple question. I talk with my friends about religion often, and they're all pretty open to hear my beliefs- save one. He insists that creationism disproves evolution (it's just a theory... like gravity), and just laughs at the Flying Spaghetti Monster principle. Is there anything I can do to be heard sincerely? Or is this just a case of what I term 'religious brainwashing' by his incredibly Christian family?

Is there anything you can do to be heard sincerely by this person? May be not. But if this person is a friend, you might both benefit by encouraging intelligent, thoughtful conversation on these topics.

For example, it's very unusual to hear someone say that creationism "disproves" evolution. What evidence is there for creationism that is stronger than evidence for evolution?

If he says that evolution is "only a theory," you can point out that everything in science is referred to as a theory, and that evolution is backed by such a mountain of evidence (it's one of the best proved theories in science) that scientists treat it as a fact.

You might also want to ask him why he believes in God and if he thinks that these reasons should be compelling to an atheist. If he does have an argument for the existence of God, you may want to check with him that it's his reason for belief before addressing it (that is, see if he agrees that if you can disprove the argument then he will stop believing in God). If not, then this isn't really his reason for belief and he has to come up with something else.

Keep in mind that any way of thinking your friend uses he must allow you to use also. For example, if he says that he "knows" God exists because he can feel it inside, then he can't condemn you for saying that you "know" there is no God because you feel it inside.

Let me know if any specific topics of discussion with your friend are puzzling to you. And, most importantly, keep your conversations civil and intelligent -- it's good for everyone concerned and helps give atheists a good name.