Return
to Question and Answers Page
Hey:
Thanks for the email. As you might know, I've been gone
3 of the last 4 weeks, including the last two. At the moment,
I am absolutely swamped with things to catch up on - personal
matters, business, my mom, the kids' schooling materials,
etc. Not only that but Sandra and I have had to unexpectedly
spend many hours the last two days trying to help some people
with a difficult area of life.
I only tell you this because I don't want you to think that
I am not interested in your email. I am, but am strapped for
time at the moment.
I did read the xanga posting you sent me and am saddened,
as you are. Yes, he does "seem" intelligent, as many atheists
do. Upon testing his pre-suppositions, however, and drawing
them to their logical conclusions, I would say that several
of his points self-destruct; that is, we don't need to destroy
his position. It will do that on its own.
I do sympathize with him, though, in that some professing
Christians are, indeed, often frustrating to deal with, are
too simplistic, and are guilty of trying to provide answers
without really hearing the questions. I agree with him and
don't believe that the other person should have tried to convince
him that he was a Christian, but just didn't really know it
(based upon some profession years ago). He's not a Christian
and he knows it. We need to accept that and then deal with
him where he's at.
It's ok to slam another worldview (i.e. Christianity) but
he, too, must have an apologetic for his own worldview. His
worldview also must:
1. Be logically consistent
2. Empirical adequacy; that is, it must be verifiable and
correspond to reality
3. Be experientially relevant
and must be able to do so for the four primary questions
of life: 1. Origins - where do we come from?
2. Meaning - how/where do we get our meaning in life?
3. Morality - how/where do we get our morality? By what
authority? Is that authority qualified to give us our morality?,
etc.
4. Destiny - where do we go after we die?
The Christian is not the only one required to give an answer:
everyone does.
Of course, I would be praying for him fervently. He seems
quite angry. It's not often wise to try to fight with those
who already are hostile and ready to fight. I would try to
talk with him in a friendly, disarming manner (so he knows
I come in peace), ask him about what he's upset about, and
... listen to him. This may go on for a season, and when opportunity
is given, or when I can sense he really wants to know something
about Christianity, let him know the truth about it.
All this to say that lives are changed over time and not
in a one shot deal. Also, Jesus stated that "they will know
we are Christians by our love" - that was referring to the
love that Christians have toward one another. Unbelievers
will see and sense the presence of God in the way Christians
are toward one another - that doesn't just mean being "accepting
and nice". It means tough love as well as soft love.
In the meanwhile, it might be a good idea to do some research
on the points he brought up so you can be prepared.
I don't know if this helps. I'd be happy to talk with you
more some time, but I gotta go now.
I'll pray for His Spirit to be directing your thoughts and
heart.
Blessings,
Arthur
Return to Question and Answers
Page 
