For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.--Romans 1:18-23
This Sunday night at 9pm I will be on
Backpack Radio with the guys. We did a special episode on the "new Atheists". This Sunday's episode will have a particular focus on the speech given by fundamentalist Atheist Sam Harris (author of
letter to a Christian nation) while at TED. You can listen to the broadcast live by clicking
here.
This is an important issue for Christians to become fluent in. The new Atheists are simply not thoughtful enough to realize the darkness and bleakness inherent in their worldview (as the old Atheists DID realize). The new Atheists are so zealous and so committed to their belief in Atheism that they are interested in nothing less than proselytizing their neighbors and communities. Should there be any doubt about this I suggest you look
here and
here. I know. I know. Odd isn't it? Bags of chemicals that are desperate to convince other bags that the chemical reactions occurring in their brain matter are producing truth and that other bags should join their side. If you are scratching your head about this one-- you are certainly not alone.
God calls believers to be ready to give a reasoned defense to everyone who asks us for a reason for our hope (1 Peter 3:15). Our friends and family who are committed Atheists need the Good-news! However, as Christians we cannot be satisfied with simply taking little nicks out of Atheism. God is Sovereign: Yes! They need God to open their eyes and grant them faith or they will never believe. But, God is not glorified with poor arguments or professions of blind-faith in Jesus. Christians love to point out when Atheists rely on poor arguments and blindly follow the high-priests of Atheism. We can't be satisfied with the same type of behavior coming from us. Atheists deserve far more from us than us saying "I'll pray for you". Yes... pray. Pray-lots, study-lots and think-lots. Because, Atheists need to be shown that their worldview reduces to absurdity and that they do in fact know God. All scientific method, reasoning, logic, evidence, facts and morality can only make sense within a Christian worldview. From a purely philosophical standpoint, Christians stand on the high intellectual ground. So don't be afraid! Christians believe in objective truth and that truth matters! We follow the One Who is the Truth (John 14:6). We need to be prepared as Christians to put up a stiff fight for the faith (Jude 3) and to show (with love and grace) the utter futility and intellectual poverty of Atheism.
Jesus said:
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.--John 15:13
Sometimes, laying our life down for someone can begin by looking something like this:
1. Spend time understanding them. Study what they Bible says about them. Listen to them.
2. Create meaningful and genuine relationships with them.
3. Pray for them.
4. Sacrifice time (give up a T.V. show, hobbies, etc...) to become prepared to reach them.
5. Listen to debates, read books and hit the streets (start evangelizing them).
Here are some recommendations of some great stuff to equip you in your study:
Pastor Jeff Durbin
APOLOGIA
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