A few days ago, I was watching a debate on the existence of God between John Lennox (a Christian and professor of Mathematics at Oxford University) and Peter Atkins (an atheist and professor of Chemistry at Oxford University). It was a very different setting than usual debates in the sense that it was a “live” recording and there was no immediate audience to cater towards. This is what I like. A simple discussion without seeking to please and impress a crowd. It is clear that Richard Dawkins feeds off of a thronged setting. The same could be said of the late Christopher Hitchens.
Because the setting of the Lennox and Atkins debate was nothing short of simplified, I enjoyed it all the more. Indeed, Peter's usual look of nervousness and strain, was mostly gone. During their discussions, I noticed that Peter would continually use the word “lazy” to describe a person's belief in God. In his view, it is an apathetic approach to science. This appeared to be his emotional buffer to gain some kind of an argumentative edge. Lennox, poised and relaxed as usual, would reveal the fallacy to such an idea and speak of how Christianity does not diminish one's understanding of science, but can enhance their ability to discover and comprehend nature. I will not rehash all that was said from these two intellectual giants, though in my opinion, Professor John Lennox was extraordinary in conveying the fact of the existence of God. As stated before, Atkins continually used the term “lazy” regarding one's belief in God, yet to my surprise, when the subject was pushed towards the validity of Christ and His resurrection, Mr. Atkins thrust it aside as “bogus” without any logical discussion.
Ah, here is the Achilles Heel. Many atheists will bask in their “utter commitment” to logic and science, until there is someone or something which comes along begging more than materialism, they then LAZILY toss aside any reasonable approach to examining the historical narrative and other well supported evidences. It is not that the atheist is the “humble seeker” for truth in which Dawkins and Atkins would have many believe. No, their characterization falls in line with Romans 1:18-22 and 28, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold (supress) the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest (revealed) in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools...And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.” Apathy is certainly not foreign to the atheistic mind, when it comes to the subject of religion. Yet, some of the most ardent skeptics, when seeking to quell the life of Christ and the teaching of His resurrection, would ultimately turn their lives over to the One they fought so hard to deny. Their diligent study magnified the truth of Christ. I can only sit now, and think of the apostle Paul. Oh, what joys it would be to see those who have fought hard, for many years, to destroy Christianity, now gloriously finding hope through Jesus Christ.
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