Did I get your attention? Well this blog post got my attention, and here is my stab at a response. I have read through the entire thing at least twice, some of it more than that. The reason I decided to take the time to respond should hopefully be obvious by the time I'm done. So my suggestion first and foremost is go read it for yourself. That way you can see that as much as possible I am trying to be honest with what I read, and I'm not trying to rape any context or anything violent like that. So with all that said...
If you're like me, when you started off reading you feel there is some real possibility for the subject matter and all. Believe it or not, i like the unicorn idea, and the whole opening section. I agree as well that there is a HUGE issue with how Christians deal with Atheists. I agree that the Atheistic movement and "The Brights" and all that seem to be a branch of Atheism that is interested in an evangelism of its own... thats scary itself. Anyway, yeah we as Christians seem to have a hard time dealing with these people.
I even agree with Mr. Peacock's first main point about understanding that Atheist don't believe in God and keeping that in mind when you talk with them.
BUT...
The second point that he follows up that first one with and pretty much all subsequent points that follow are in some serious need of critical thought and biblical wisdom. Consider some of the following quotes from that section. (These should just be for refreshment, because I am sure you already read it for yourself)
"They're not wrong - no more than you are in asserting that your faith in the tenets of Christianity are all you need to live your life."
I believe it is at this point that the author really reveals a lot about themselves. If you read the quote in context you get a better idea of the issue here... The author is dealing with the main issue that ultimately all evangelism comes down to. ABSOLUTE TRUTH! Where do we find it? Is it a fact? How do we know? etc... The last statement in the same section confirms that this is the issue at hand.
"It's crazy to buy something you can't prove exists, isn't it?"
So what we are really arguing over or talking about, or whatever you want to call it, is Faith. You put your faith in science as an Atheist. You say you don't need faith because Science is all about fact and what you can know and doesn't deal with things that can't be proven, and yet it deals with the origin of man and universe, which is completely unobservable by man, and so therefore in the purest since of the word, cannot be science. Not to mention the whole paragraph smacks of post-modern ideology.
So True, atheist don't need to believe in God, but they still need faith...
Next issue. Consider the following paragraph that describes the typical response to a conversation about God, faith, religion, Christ, etc.
"When you did any of those things, did you notice an eye roll? Did the person groan? Did they shift in their seat and, at the very least, say they would go (or research what you just said, or give the matter some thought) and then never got back to you?These techniques probably feel natural to you. They feel like you're sharing the good news of your faith and the joy it brings to your life, and it probably feels great to share that joy with others."
It is right after this that he compares your effort to talk about Christ with an Amway sales person.
My question is this; Who's problem is it that your conversation about the truth of Scripture is making them uncomfortable? Consider Christ's own words in John 15:18-19. Should we not expect that response most of the time, no matter if they are an Atheist or not?
Then there was this idea, and seriously I loved it...
"Again, try to put yourself outside of your own perspective and into the shoes of your intended audience. You're interrupting their time and space to bring them a message you feel is important. And sure, you have the right to choose your faith and the right to free speech, but as GK Chesterton said, to have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it. And ultimately, "You need to hear this because I need to say it" is the ultimate in self-serving causes... And if you're serving yourself, you certainly aren't serving God."
Right on! We better make sure we have the right motives for why we do what we do! But shouldn't love motivate us to tell everyone we know and have opportunity to talk with, that they are wearing the cross-hairs of God's Wrath squarely on their shoulders. "Naw man, you're cool... that just looks like a huge set of cross-hairs. God isn't really that worried about what you're up to." That could be the most unloving thing i could ever think to do to someone.
I also take issue with the paragraph where the author blames this "interruption tactic" evangelism on the rise of Atheism in our world. I would purpose (as my elder at church Dr. Marks has already done) that the reason the Atheistic movement is in such blossom, is that as a whole, Christians have written off science, and higher thinking. Instead of trying to become as educated as we can and interact with them on their level, we have tossed the baby out with the bathwater. Be honest, as a whole, Christians are a pretty uneducated lot. Do i believe in creationism? YES! That doesn't mean i shouldn't learn as much as i can about how the scientific data that we have points to the truth of Scripture about creation. Instead, we give all that data and evidence, and allow the atheist to do what they will with it, completely unopposed. Shame on us!
Although there is much more that i take issue with in this post, there is only one more that i will deal with here. (maybe i'll finish it up later in a part 2! that will keep all 4 of you on the edge of your seats, won't it?)
What is the goal of evangelism? Pretty basic question to ask if you want to talk about it right? Well here is Mr. Peacock's answer:
"And the goal is to get people to follow the teachings of Christ and live a Christ-like life, right?"
Well, no actually i would disagree. The goal I believe is to expose people to Christ, and then pray like crazy that God will actually change their hearts so that they will be able to understand and apply truth, and then they will be able to follow and live Christ. Consider Paul's words here in I Cor. 1:22-24. We can do nothing to change a person's behavior. We want them to come to a deep and real understanding of the Truth of Christ and the power of His resurrection. Only then, through the power of the Holy Spirit will they be able to live and follow Christ. While you're at it take a gander at Romans 6.
Really what scares me, is that most all of us could read that post and at some time or another in our day or lives would totally agree with it. It looks good! But like my mom tells all her students; its like an ice cream Sunday with just the smallest amount of poison. That's how the Enemy is most effective.
Keep your guard up!
