I've had an encounter recently that has caused me to examine the defense of my faith. In the Bible, Peter tells us that we should always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within us. As a consequence, I've been reading several books on apologetics...a defense of the faith.
I recently read Mark Cahill's book One Heartbeat Away. I think that Lee Stroebel's A Case for Faith is an easy to read book on apologetics. Josh McDowell's Evidence That Demands a Verdict is probably on of the most complete works and one that I started to read again but have set it aside to read a book co-authored by Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek, I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist. I also have purchased Kenneth Boa and Robert M. Bowman Jr.'s book 20 Compelling Evidences That God Exists.
In McDowell's book, he mentions a pastor that has an annual Skeptic's Night. This pastor advertises the evening and invites those who would question God's existence, Jesus' deity or other doctrines of Christianity. I would like to become well versed in the historical and scientific evidences of the doctrine. I would love to be able to host such a night. I've no interest in debating with an atheist or agnostic...but rather an interest in discovering and helping others to discover the truth.
Peter's admonition to give a reason for the hope within us is followed by the reminder to do so with courtesy and respect. We have to realize that the best we can do is to present a compelling case for our beliefs. Each person gets to make their own decision on whether they will believe in God or not. We have no authority to be their judge. It's been said that the biggest problem with Christianity is...Christians.
In any event, you can expect a future post or posts on the subject. It may come bit by bit or in one long post, but it's coming.
John
By the way, Aaron is 19 today. Happy Birthday, Aaron.
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5 comments:
"a book co-authored by Norman L. Geisler and Frank Turek, I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist."
Acording to my Chaplain wife atheists are more obsessed with God than beleivers.
I'd really be interested in going to a Skeptic's Night. I'm not a skeptic but know lots of people who are and it would be interesting to hear the debates.
Happy Birthday to your Aaron. I can't imagine.....in 18 years, I'll be saying something like that too.
Maybe I have this wrong. Seems to me that if there is a church event for those who have questions about God's existence, or the divinity of Jesus or other Christian doctrines, then wouldn't one expect just about the whole congregation to show up?
Someone once said that the more anxious people are to share their religious beliefs with you, the less interested they are in YOUR beliefs. I think the concept of the Skeptics' Night is a good idea, but I think it would probably be less productive than you might imagine...the people who would attend are likely to be the people more interested in professing their own faith than in learning about the beliefs of others. I think you said it yourself: "I've no interest in debating with an atheist or agnostic...but rather an interest in discovering and helping others to discover the truth." You are secure and comfortable in your faith, which you want to pass on to others, and yet there are people out there equally comfortable with their own faith, which may not be the same as yours. To my way of thinking, it's more important to acknowledge the existence of God and live a moral and honorable life than to worship according to a particular brand of religious belief.
I look forward to hearing more on the subject, John.
I'm fine discussing religion but when it crosses the line to becoming an argument I back away.
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