I've been watching some of the debates from the past year-or-so between the prominent figures of the New Atheism, and various people who are trying to defend theism; I have to say that I am equally encouraged and discouraged. It causes me a great deal of pain to see a certain Fox News political commentator (Bill O'Reilly), trying to debate the verity of religion and the Christian faith with a man like Christopher Hitchens, without even truly believing it himself. Sean Hannity did fine I suppose; although he really addressed the same questions about atheism that a great deal of other Christians probably would, while missing the real issues at the core of Hitchens' beliefs. Douglas Wilson from New Saint Andrews University does a great job contending for the Christian faith, and I am very encouraged that Hitchens and Wilson and touring together in light of their book Is Christianity Good for the World.
I enjoy the debates with Hitchens, mainly because he is both eloquent, and openly hostile to Christianity, and any other religious belief system (but Christianity especially - he states that the Protestant Christian faith is the least possible of all of the faith systems). He makes me think, which is very good for me, or for anyone I suppose. Biblical answers to the statements of the New Atheism are there, though, for anyone who would truly work to know the Scriptures. I have said it before and I will say it again and again, that the problem with too many individuals today is this: everyone wants to have an opinion, but no one has studied; no one has done their research.
Again, I am discouraged on a certain level; however, I amend what I said above. I am not equally discouraged and encouraged, because God is sovereign and good; He is gracious and merciful; He does not change; he is faithful to accomplish His good purposes, and will be glorified. God would be glorified if everyone came to Christ, and He would be equally glorified if every person embraced a position of atheism. God defines all things, and He simply 'is" in all the fullness of His character. Amen.
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