Some of what he said scared me as a Christian; not because he's not a believer, but because I wouldn't know how to respond to Bill were I to meet him. Thankfully God was calling me hard core to quiet time today so He could counsel me on a few ways to respond.
The portion that I saw included Maher's comments that he couldn't follow a God who gave dominion over living things to humans (who are biblically stated as flawed sinners), and the idea that since God's all-powerful, He should simply rid the world of evil. He also remarked that Rick Warren was spouting knowledge of heaven that was impossible to know, and that while Rick Warren is more progressive than most (referring at this point to his eco-friendly policies), he's still just a guy who doesn't know the answers.
I don't know about you, but these were morally confusing for me. If I'm confronted with these issues directly, how do I respond?? How do I reply?
He showed me several things. First, on the idea that we have dominion over all living things. Yes, He did give us dominion, and requires us to be Christ-like in our ways. Second, God created us in His loving image, and encourages us to be loving towards others.
With the idea of evil, it was a slippery slope. I found some great resources at the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry site, where the author says something God confirmed in one of the versions of the Bible I have: we don't know. Some of us have no clue, since we've never asked for His insight; some are beginnning to understand; some understand more than others but can't relate that information to others because others aren't ready for it.
The author also responded that it's also possible that He did "fix" the problem of evil. He sent Jesus to die for our sins; and since He's given us free will, He allows us to choose to accept Him.
Overall, it seems that aruging with an atheist is like trying to convince someone who doesn't believe that there is a sky, that the sky is blue. Not pointless, just an endless discussion if either you're like me and don't completely understand His word; or the person with whom you're talking refuses to admit that there is a God in the first place, or that His word is infallible.
3 comments:
Very cool insight! I do believe that as we study the Bible, we will gather some good insights; however, we will never know everything. But, if God did have any of us speak about Christ to Bill Maher, I know He would give us words through the Holy Spirit and lots of grace! I always remember that whenver God has me do something that I'm totally incapable of doing!
I miss you!
I didn't watch the clip, but I don't need to. I did have a very similar discussion with a co-worker a short time back. I wouldn't say he's an atheist exactly, but definitely agnostic. He even tried to bring up the "flying spaghetti monster" argument! Have you ever heard of it? Google it. It's RIDICULOUS & hilarious, all at the same time.
Anyhow, you're exactly right. It was like going 'round & 'round with someone who wouldn't even acknowledge the basic fundamentals of what I believe, which was entirely frustrating. All in all, I KNOW in my heart that this person believes God exists, but doesn't know what he believes beyond that & is playing the devil's advocate to the nth degree.
I have to say though, although I wish my knowledge of theology was much better, I held my own... & for that, I was proud. I KNOW you're an amazing warrior in God's infantry, Janel! Trust in the gifts He gives you in battle...
"God has ordained your mouth for victory." (Psalms 8:2; Matt. 21:16)
wow, Janel you continue to amaze me!! I don't know if I would be ready for that moment where it given to me either. Gosh....I gotta finish reading my bible...lol!
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