Apologetics accepted

One of the things I do in order to increase my levels of frustration is read annoying things written by atheists who feel intellectually superior to us “unenlightened Christians”.

I spend a lot of time arguing with three of my friends – two of whom are declared atheists – one is a notorious fence sitter. 

I often ask myself why I bother. They’re smart guys and as set in their beliefs as I am in mine. I don’t think we’re going to change each other’s minds. I guess there are a few reasons. I like them – so I’d like to see them change their minds – believing as I do that hell is real. I would like to not be scoffed at for having “an imaginary friend”. And I guess there’s the fact that I love an argument. But I think one of the key reasons I do it is to refine and define my thoughts on the criticisms atheism throws at any form of theism – but particularly Christianity. It’s an exercise in apologetics – in defending the faith. 

I guess in the face of militant atheism, being championed as it is by leaders with evangelistic zeal, Christians need to make sure they’re putting up a fight for the hearts, minds and souls of the great unreached – the agnostics. Those who haven’t picked a side yet. Those people are being bombarded with teachings from both sides – and I feel like I need to mount a compelling, rational defence of Christianity. 

That was all a pretty long preamble to a great reminder that the real “apologetic” winner is relational not rational. The reminder comes courtesy of Tim Chester at the Resurgence.

Comments

Amy says:

There is an overriding opinion that if you are Christian that you automatically must be an idiot.
When I became Christian you could see the thought in my father’s eyes – ‘I taught her to think! What is going on’.

But it does allow you to have a bit of fun with people and their presumptions – for example the idea that you can believe in God but also think that Darwin’s theory of natural selection is true seems to shock a lot of people I meet, or that being a Christian doesn’t mean I am a bigot.

It comes down to this really – faith is faith – you can’t prove something to be true and then take it on faith. You have to take that one extra step into the unknown.

Tim says:

As much fun as it is arguing I agree that it doesn’t ever really get you anywhere over the other person but is great for your own thinking. And worthwhile if there’s any agnostics listening in at the time.

You certainly don’t pick easy opponents though. The way it should be.

Nathan says:

Was this comment made via iPhone? If so it could be the coolest comment ever.

Hopefully I get mine soon. Did I mention work is paying. I’m still very jealous.

Tim says:

Yes it is. Anything made during the day has to be. Much harder to surf than on a STD pc though and forms are a pain but still much better than nothing and pretty amazing. I’m jealous that work will pay. That’s very jealousy inspiring.