"THERE'S NO GOD" slogans on British buses

[John317]

Quote:

Their point is not to argue whether God exists or not, but to free people from fear, based on their belief that he does not.

But is it a good idea to encourage people to believe that God does not exist? It seems like in the very least they are encouraging people to doubt God's existence, and I don't think that can possibly ever be a good thing.

I believe that there is a judgment going on in heaven and that this is happening a short time before the coming of Christ.

It's a good thing for people in rebellion against God or indifferent to Him to see God as someone they should fear and respect. That is far better than telling them they don't have to be concerned because He doesn't exist.

So I agree with you that we should be out there doing a better job, raising those people's awareness about the issues and persuading them give their lives to Jesus Christ.

[rush4hire]

As Adventists who don't believe in an eternally burning hell, we should be doing a better job of that ourselves, IMO. Saying 'God promises eternal life for those who choose it, but for those who don't, only the same thing (oblivion) that atheists believe they get anyway' is much more compelling than 'God eternally tortures those who disagree with him'. And it's straight, orthodox Adventist theology.

[rush4hire]

What would you say to Richard Dawkins if you could talk to him about atheism and evolution?

I wouldn't talk about both of those things at the same time. I would start by making a few points to show how the adherence to Christianity is not indicative of a lower intelligence:

1. It's a good life. Marriage, children, a faithful spouse, stable family. Alot of practical benefits of the faith.

2. If you can give glory to God, your potential is unlimited, because when we give glory to ourselves, we stop and admire ourselves, and if you get caught up in self-admiration, it's a huge waste of mental resources. This is also practical. You just get more done.

3. You see order in the Universe. That means there is someone in charge of it all. If he didn't create it, then he came along and found it.

4. There has to be a judgment. To think the same thing happens to the one who does nothing but good and gets martyred for it, as to the most vile and wicked man, is not rational.

5. What people call Christianity, these days, with the teaching of eternal torment, and many other stubborn traditions misrepresents God.

[Planey]

Rush

Before you can dialogue with someone, you need to have some knowledge of their beliefs. Otherwise you can become weary with the hard work of destroying an army of straw men.

Perhaps if yo read "The God Delusion" you would understand better how to approach persons like Dawkins, and those who share his rationale of lfe. And yes, these persons need the gospel as much as anyone else - it is just so much harder to find the right words to say to them, the right approach to take.

Incidentally, if someone of the caliber (and public profile) of Richard Dawkins were to be converted, what an ambassador for good they could be - like Saul of Tarsus.

Graeme