An Interview with an Atheist, Part 3

An Interview with an Atheist, Part 3

I first became very interested in understanding Atheism and helping other Christians understand atheism in college, but have grown more interested in the issues at the rise of the popularity of the self proclaimed “evangelist of atheism”, Richard Dawkins. Dawkins and others like him have risen to popularity in a culture that is growing more and more skeptical. The Christian must always be concerned about truth and spreading truth. Jesus claims to be truth so we are continually seeking out how we can demonstrate and defend this message. I have taken a break from this discussion so I could step back and check my motivation. Unfortunately, I entered this discussion with dual intentions. I wanted to make a new friend, learn what he believed and maybe share what I believe in the process, but I also had some other motivations that led to some frustrations (Christian learn from my mistake) . Somewhere deep down I also wanted to elevate myself, under the shadow of saying I was elevating Christ. For this I apologize to my atheist friends and blog readers. There is something apart of each human that sneaks into every discussion if we are not careful and that is careless pride. I am convinced of the truth of Christianity, but that did not mean I did not have doubt, and still do not have questions about some things. Bottom line, I don’t know every answer, but I believe our believe system is the most reasoned out one. I don’t need to have every answer about how an atom works that makes up the chair I sit in, but I do need to know if it is sturdy enough to hold my weight. I have found that Christianity as a chair can hold my weight, and I can see how it is put together as dependable. I am a Graduate student of Theology & Church Ministries, and as I have continued my studies on atheism one person offered for me to personally interview him, “Mr.L”. It is important to note that “Mr. L” does not fit that “militant atheist” as such characters Dawkins who has declared that the belief in God is a virus that needs to be cured (or at least “Mr.L” did not seem that way to me). In my best estimation he is a fun loving guy who desires to love other people, but he is also a thinker and will not just believe Christianity because others do. We are talking about a really nice guy who loves tree climbing and repelling, and who I am hoping to take paintballing as soon as it gets warmer.  Christians believe in God, but do not want to be lumped with religious people like Catholics or with Muslims etc, But we should not lump all atheists together either. Some are angry, some are just searching, and some really just don’t care. Christians must learn they are not all the same. We can’t assume they all want to “get us” like a monster in the closet, rather we should approach all people as Jesus did, with love, understanding and truth.

THE ACTUAL INTERVIEW

This interview is expressed with the permission of “Mr.L” and is this not word for word because it was taken from my personal hand written notes. I did leave a couple brief comments out. But this is the main discussion that was covered in our interview, leaving off from out last blog “Interview with an atheist, Part 2”.

Q:  “do you believe in right and wrong?”

A: “Oh, by far, I believe in the commandments and the golden rule…don’t do wrong that effects people…respect life.”

Q: “Do you believe in an Absolute right and wrong or do people just make it up?”

A: “There are no absolute rights and wrongs.”

Q: “Who is Jesus Christ to you?”

A: “Just a character in a book…he may have existed…lots of stories have been about men …fake or real”

Q: “Do you think it is possible that Jesus of the Bible and history is actually God?

A: “It could be possible; I can’t fully deny that…I also feel that no one can prove that it is.”

Q: “Do you think it is possible that somehow Jesus paid for the sins of the world by his death, burial and resurrection as described in the Bible?

A: “That whole story has never made sense to me; its one of those things. I throw my hands up in the air and ask myself…who has there son killed for the greater good?” …”why not work about it a different way.”… “I tend to agree with the Jewish community on this one. Plus Jesus submitted himself to be killed. In Jewish law that is suicide”

Q: “What do you personally think of Christians?”

A: “Neutral”

Q: “What do you personally think of the church?”

A: “Churches have been the cause of a lot of death, misery and seem to collect a lot of money in the process.”

Q: What do you personally think of the Bible? Is it the Word of God or something else?

A: “It is a fictional story to me, to believe it literally seems much.”

Q: “Hypothetically, What would it take to convince you to believe in God?”

A: “Easy, an act of God”

Q: “Is there anything you would like to tell Christians?”

A: “The thought of an after life would be great”

As agreed with my interviewed friend I will answer some of these questions to the best of my knowledge in a upcoming blog, but this above information should help Christian readers understand where atheists are coming from. Therefore the above should promote frank discussion and honest investigation on both sides. Thank you for Reading! Thank you “Mr.L” for your help! If you would like to add to this discussion please email me at Steve@fwbc.us

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