Posted on May 21, 2019
'Humanity Must Outgrow The Childish Idea Of God,' Says Man Wearing 'My Little Pony' T-Shirt
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Posted 5 y ago
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I'm assuming this is a satirical piece...either that, or the writer has an odd sense of the ironic. In either event, here are my less than "humorous" thoughts; for what they are worth (hopefully more than a laugh):
I'm a Christian, and I frequently engage in debates with non-Christians. Over the years, I've learned a lot from them. I used to think there were no "true" atheists...just people who were frustrated over trying to find the "answers". However, I no longer believe that. I've spoken with people who are, as best I can tell, 100% convinced there is no "God". Interestingly, some (not all) of these people will admit... upon further reflection, that there my be "something", but they seem to see no intellectual hurdle in positing that whatever "that" is...it's not an "all powerful deity" capable, or even interested, in directly influencing their lives...let alone providing any hope of an "afterlife".
These are the people I sincerely enjoy talking with.
It's not that I presume to think I can "change their minds", or "lead them the Lord"... so much as I see an opportunity for both they, and I, to approach the question logically. When people attack faith for more deeply personal or negative reasons... you have to unpack all of that betrayal, fear, and hate. The former simply haven't been provided with a sound argument.
Of course, such discussions are difficult for people of faith because an equal risk is presented that "they" may "convert" you... I've had many try their best. I always assume they will know Scripture at least as well as (if not better than) I. I assume they have given their position a great deal of thought, and are seriously "invested" in their beliefs... same as I. I give them the respect I'd expect in return, and begin every conversation willing to admit I'm wrong... if indeed I am proven to be wrong...on "some" points at least.
With the exception of one point... of course, because if I truly could be convinced there was no God... I'm not sure what that would mean about my own faith in the first place.
To my mind, the goal is simple; open a door that someone can walk through if they choose. I don't need to "push" them there, "lead" them there, or "guide" them there. If there's logic in the information I share, a logical person won't be able to ignore it. If all I ever do is get them to think a little from the opposite perspective... then perhaps the Holy Spirit can talk to them in ways I never could.
To be honest, I care about these people immensely; God has given me so much... helped me so much. I feel deep sorrow when I realize another of His creations doesn't know that for themselves. I pray, yes...but try very hard to do more than just pray for them. Once or twice, I've seen someone come all the way around... and they are lifelong friends and brothers. If only all of us could share that.
I'm a Christian, and I frequently engage in debates with non-Christians. Over the years, I've learned a lot from them. I used to think there were no "true" atheists...just people who were frustrated over trying to find the "answers". However, I no longer believe that. I've spoken with people who are, as best I can tell, 100% convinced there is no "God". Interestingly, some (not all) of these people will admit... upon further reflection, that there my be "something", but they seem to see no intellectual hurdle in positing that whatever "that" is...it's not an "all powerful deity" capable, or even interested, in directly influencing their lives...let alone providing any hope of an "afterlife".
These are the people I sincerely enjoy talking with.
It's not that I presume to think I can "change their minds", or "lead them the Lord"... so much as I see an opportunity for both they, and I, to approach the question logically. When people attack faith for more deeply personal or negative reasons... you have to unpack all of that betrayal, fear, and hate. The former simply haven't been provided with a sound argument.
Of course, such discussions are difficult for people of faith because an equal risk is presented that "they" may "convert" you... I've had many try their best. I always assume they will know Scripture at least as well as (if not better than) I. I assume they have given their position a great deal of thought, and are seriously "invested" in their beliefs... same as I. I give them the respect I'd expect in return, and begin every conversation willing to admit I'm wrong... if indeed I am proven to be wrong...on "some" points at least.
With the exception of one point... of course, because if I truly could be convinced there was no God... I'm not sure what that would mean about my own faith in the first place.
To my mind, the goal is simple; open a door that someone can walk through if they choose. I don't need to "push" them there, "lead" them there, or "guide" them there. If there's logic in the information I share, a logical person won't be able to ignore it. If all I ever do is get them to think a little from the opposite perspective... then perhaps the Holy Spirit can talk to them in ways I never could.
To be honest, I care about these people immensely; God has given me so much... helped me so much. I feel deep sorrow when I realize another of His creations doesn't know that for themselves. I pray, yes...but try very hard to do more than just pray for them. Once or twice, I've seen someone come all the way around... and they are lifelong friends and brothers. If only all of us could share that.
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MAJ (Join to see)
LCDR Joshua Gillespie I'm on the same page as you. I've spent years talking to atheists. Never with the intent to convert them (as I am unable to do so) but with the hope that something I say will be used by God to make a difference in someone's life. I enjoy being challenged by atheists because it forces me to dive deeper into the Bible.
I however have not had many people claiming to be atheists to convince me that they really believe there's no God. Most of the time I get the feeling that their "unbelief" comes more from pain or anger at God than actual nonbelief. It comes out in the way they support their unbelief. Many will say that the God of the Bible is immoral and use that to support their position (as if that means anything regarding His existence). Other times I see non-believers simply wanting to make their own rules. As soon as someone admits that God may exist, they are admitting that they may be accountable to Him. Many, I think, simply don't want to admit that or live like that so they just say He isn't real. And of course Romans 1:20 says that God's power and divine nature have been clearly perceived. Plus, Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God has written eternity in our hearts. So, I personally don't think anyone will be too surprised to see God when they die.
I too care about these people. I consider my salvation to be a gift from God as the Bible says. A gift I neither earned nor deserved. As "someone" once said, evangelism is simply one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. That's what I try to do.
I however have not had many people claiming to be atheists to convince me that they really believe there's no God. Most of the time I get the feeling that their "unbelief" comes more from pain or anger at God than actual nonbelief. It comes out in the way they support their unbelief. Many will say that the God of the Bible is immoral and use that to support their position (as if that means anything regarding His existence). Other times I see non-believers simply wanting to make their own rules. As soon as someone admits that God may exist, they are admitting that they may be accountable to Him. Many, I think, simply don't want to admit that or live like that so they just say He isn't real. And of course Romans 1:20 says that God's power and divine nature have been clearly perceived. Plus, Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God has written eternity in our hearts. So, I personally don't think anyone will be too surprised to see God when they die.
I too care about these people. I consider my salvation to be a gift from God as the Bible says. A gift I neither earned nor deserved. As "someone" once said, evangelism is simply one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. That's what I try to do.
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1SG (Join to see)
You sound like a pleasant person an atheist like myself can engage with. I do not attempt to change others minds. But I do try my best to think for the religious everyday and educate as many as possible in reason, logic, and critical thinking. Shaking off decades of indoctrination is very difficult but thankfully there are programs like the clergy project to help with that.
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LCDR Joshua Gillespie
MSG Gomez- Thank you; I sincerely appreciate that comment. Everyone has a different experience, so I can only speak for mine. In my case, I had to "think" my way to belief...and I'm not sure that's the "best" way; it's just how I had to get there. One of my professors at USNA was a very accomplished archeologist and recognized scholar who was also a devout Christian-he taught me a lot. I've also worked with MIT grads, NASA scientists, and other people of high intellectual credentials, each of whom shared faith, and taught me to think about mine. I've discussed deep issues with those of other faiths; lay people and clergy alike. Are there difficult questions? Certainly. Has faith been manipulated to control, abuse, and coerce? Most certainly... and such was the case even when Christ was walking the earth. As regards "indoctrination"; I've encountered people who believe things that are simply not contained in Scripture... or have been derived from a perverse interpretation of otherwise very clear doctrine...but so too, have I encountered people who genuinely believe (and are better for it). Ultimately, my best "defense" for a Biblical world view is how deeply, completely, and positively it has changed my life. I've done everything one can imagine... and some things many can't. I'm often shocked by what I was capable of...but I no longer feel guilt; just regret that I waited so long to start walking back into the light, and away from darkness. Sometimes...darkness comes calling; I'm still human, and will fight with that all my life. When I fail, I fall back on the same logic, reason, and experience that leads me to ask His forgiveness...pick up the pack, "ruck-up", and drive on. The older I get, the less distance I seem to drift away before I come back, and the more I think I "understand" the Big Picture.
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