Philosophy: why evangelists quote the Bible

Self-tutoring about human nature: the tutor examines an oft-asked question.

To begin: I believe in God; however, I’m not an evangelist. The following philosophical question was posed to me decades ago, before I believed. I revisit it often:

If I don’t believe in God, why do they quote the Bible to me? They should know I don’t believe in it, either.

Many a non-believer has spoken the above idea, understandably. So why do evangelists quote the Bible to non-believers?

Possible reason 1:

People are most afraid of a loner. If someone quotes the Bible, that gives legitimacy to what they say above just “their word.” Especially today, you see that people may not be fond of religion, but they’re much more afraid of anarchy.

Possible reason 2:

I’ve met some who are sure that even people who don’t believe in God must know the Bible is true. To many the idea might seem a paradox, but it’s held by some.

Logic seldom seems very involved in human choices, anyway.