I keep telling myself to get off Facebook once and for all. I invariably find myself getting worked up over what I see. Not angry, really…just kind of disappointed with humanity. While there are indeed moments of harmony and kindness, I seem to just as readily find discourtesy, disrespect and, all too frequently, rage.
I’ve blogged about this phenomenon on multiple occasions. Not the phenomenon of Facebook, but the phenomenon of uninhibited and growing discourtesy and disrespect. Specifically, I have made references to 2 Timothy 3:1-5, alluding to the “last days” which reads in part:
“…men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…”
Facebook often seems a fitting manifestation of the “last days.”
While torturing myself with a recent perusal of my news feed, I was presented the post of a nonbeliever. It was shared – and endorsed – by a childhood friend, someone I actually consider more family than friend. I was not offended by the attack on my faith, but I was totally gutted by his lack of it.
Thus, my impetus for this post. I have no idea if he – or anyone else, for that matter – will read it. But I am hopeful it will at least prove to be a modest balm for my anguish.
God has given us all free will. That includes the choice to believe in Him or not. Of course, not all will. Does that imply that God has neglected to choose them?
As to the debate among Christian scholars regarding predestination/preselection, I can only speculate based on my interpretation of scripture and where my heart is led by the Holy Spirit. Here is where it has been led:
God neglects nothing. He forgets nothing. He has a purpose in everything. Sometimes it is revealed to us, sometimes it is not. His thoughts are higher than ours.
I believe, as scripture underscores, He has revealed Himself to all of us.
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.“
Romans 1:20
In other words, God is visible in His creation. The existence and the order of the universe are such that a creator/designer is self-evident. For some, however, this evidence is insufficient. They choose instead to believe that something was created from nothing – a puzzle that not even the most ardent big bang enthusiasts have credibly solved.
I have been blessed. I not only see God in creation, but He has revealed Himself to me in many ways throughout my lifetime. More often than not, however, I chose either to ignore His outreach or rationalize my disobedience. I doubtlessly wounded many for which I have deep regret.
But as celebrated in the lyrics of one of my favorite worship songs, His “love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me.” God’s love – reflected in His patience and persistence – eventually got through to me.
In prior posts, I have referred to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.”). And I have alluded to Psalm 40, verse 10 as an inspiration for this blog.
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart;
I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation;
I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth
From the great assembly.
I see in these verses an obligation to share my faith and endeavor to bring others to Christ. This is one way Christians manifest our love for others. And, in so doing, we are to be humble and meek, expecting – not fearing – persecution and ridicule.
But, returning to the FB post that prompted this response, what motivates some unbelievers to boast in their unbelief? What inspires them to not simply remain silent about their atheism but to disparage the faith of those that have it? Why so actively solicit others to join them in their unbelief – and mock those having made a different choice?
As I, praise God, am not among them, I can only speculate about their motives. But speculate I will. Why? Because aside from praying for them, deciphering the basis of their unbelief is the path to introducing – or reintroducing – Christ.
First, I surmise that those who actively and vociferously aspire to undermine the Christian faith do so, at least to some degree, out of fear. Perhaps that fear stems from a seed of doubt unbelievers maintain in their unbelief, while considering the eternal consequences if they are mistaken. Maybe their anti-Christian advocacy is really just a manifestation of the reality that, for many, misery loves company.
Given a lack of faith, the fear is understandable. Personally, I have none about death or where I will spend eternity. But those without Christ should have at least a modicum of fear. The consequences of being wrong are E-T-E-R-N-A-L.
Most keep that fear to themselves. Some, however, are driven less by fear than by pride. Specifically, I suspect that many who are compelled to tout their atheism loudly and proudly do so out of a need to display their superior intellect, believing that they are the grownups in the room and those of faith are but naïve children.
They are correct in one thing – we are indeed children – the adopted sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty.
“For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.“
Romans 8:15-16
Again, I emphasize that my comments here are but speculation on the motivating forces behind those unbelievers that flaunt their unbelief and actively seek to persuade others to join them in it. What is fact, however, is that they seek to suppress the truth about Jesus.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.”
Romans 1:18-19
Having shared my dime-store psychological assessment of the enthusiastic atheist, I confess that I’m not entirely sure how to effect a change of heart. I am certain that prayer is essential to that aspiration. I pray that God will be patient and persistent with my friend as He was with me. Perhaps for a few, this post will prompt a solemn deliberation of the cost of being wrong.
But I believe Jesus would prefer that we see the carrot rather than the stick.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.“
Revelation 3:20-21
The Righteous Will Answer 
christian claims of how bad the world is, their end times nonsense, have been made every day of every year for the last 2000+ years and have failed every single time.
unfortunately, for christians, the bible never says this god gives free will, but the opposit, that this god has already chosen who it will allow to accept it and it damns the rest for no actions of their own. Happily, your sadistic fantasies will never come true. And no, we aren’t afraid of your imaginary friend. I have no fear of some petty god that commits and commands genocide, thta kills people for things they didn’t do and that approves of slavery somuch it tells slaves to never seek their freedom. I just pity it, and those ignorant enough to worship such a thing.
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Thank you reading my post and taking the time to comment. I agree that the Bible does not expressly discuss free will, but it does affirm that we make choices regarding faith and obedience. As for my “fantasies,” I really don’t consider them “sadistic.” They are reflected in my prayers that you find faith in Jesus – and that we meet in His Heavenly Kingdom. It seems you think that makes me ignorant. Perhaps…but I prefer “hopeful.”
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Tom, it says no where about making choices about faith and obeidence. Again, both Jesus and Paul have that this god has already chosen who it will allow to accept it and then damns the rest for no fault of their own, no choices available at all.
You hope I go to hell, Tom, if I don’t agree with you. That is quite sadistic. As for your prayers, I’ve been prayed for by dozens, if not hundreds of chrsitians, to agree with their false nonsense over the last 30+ years. Funny how all of those prayers failed miseably despite jesus’s promise that a true believer will get *any* prayer answered (John 14). What’s wrong, Tom? Is it that your god loves me as I am? Your god doesn’t consider you a christian? or is it that your god is imaginary?
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Hi Velkyn. I had a look at your blog…and while I disagree with just about everything there as you might imagine, I applaud your diligence. I was sorry to read of your early disappointments with the local church. Interestingly, mine is working through challenges at the moment, and I can certainly see how those who are not resolute in their faith could be vulnerable.
Believe it or not, we do have some common ground surrounding the dangers of Donald Trump, Christian Nationalism and the all-too-frequent hypocrisy of the church. You will find posts regarding all of these on this blog. However, we will differ in our assessment of what the Bible says regarding choice and free will. I believe we have it (as demonstrated by Abraham when he followed his faith in choosing to sacrifice his son Isaac). In any case, I have absolutely no desire for you to go to hell because you disagree with me. While I would love to spend eternity with you in heaven, your choices do not impact my salvation. I wish you well and will continue to pray for you.
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I was resolute, and prayed to this god for help. Funny how it did nothing at all. So I looked at other religions, and ended up an atheist, since they all failed like christianity did.
You think abraham blindly following this god and being willing to murder his child is free will? I see it as anything but free will, just obeidence to something powerful that will damn you if you don’t obey it. No free will with a gun to your head.
You are tap dancing around the subject, Tom. What you supposed want makes no difference, you are stuck with a religion that has a vicious god. You are doing no more than the usual “but I’m just following orders”.
Again, praying for me is showing me yet again how prayer fails miserably, despite the promises in the bible.
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Vel, Abraham’s choice reflected his faith. John the Baptist’s faith led him to choose to spend his life eating insects and preaching repentance. Paul’s faith led him to abandon his persecution of Christians and instead choose to preach Christ to the Gentiles. Those of faith make choices that reflect our love of God. Yes, that includes obedience to His will which we do out of love and gratitude for His mercy and grace – not fear. And His “orders” as you characterize them, are to love others. There is nothing evil in that.
Clearly, you are making your own choices which reflect your atheism. But if you think God or His followers want to see you burn in hell, you are horribly mistaken. And if you believe you are beyond redemption, you are similarly misguided. Second Peter 3:9 is clear: “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Perhaps you have led me to a topic for my next post. For now, I would encourage you to have a look at https://roomfordoubt.com/post/does-god-choose-who-will-be-saved-and-who-will-be-lost. It does a pretty nice job of describing my position.
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Abrahm’s choice reflected ignorance and blind obedience, the stories a cult has toconvince people to be stupid. Same with the ignorant nonsense of martyrdom.
and no evidence for any of these characters existing as written.
that christians find this nonsense acceptable certainly shows exactly what your morality is: nothing more than might equals right.
funny how you try to lie yet again and claim that this god commands to love others. We see that not to be true considering the genocide this god orders and commits.
There is no true free will, but humans have a reasonable facisimile. We dont’ recall all of what has influenced us.
it’s great to see you try, yet again, to lie about hell and what your imaginary friend wants. I’ve read the bible, and was a christian, so your lies don’t work, Tom. Both jesus and paul say that this god has intentionally made some peop;le to be sent to hell, so you fail yet again. That your bible contradicts itself is nothing new. whomever wrote 2 peter isn’t telling the same story as Jesus and paul, and whomever wrote those particular stories.
yep, that post of yours does descibe a christian position, one of many dozens of different ones, and not one ofyou can show your nonsense to be true.
you all pick and choose what you want out of your bible, inventing entirely different religions.
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“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” As written by the Apostle Paul (for whom you seem to have some respect having referenced him repeatedly) in Galatians 5:22, the Holy Spirit has guided me throughout this exchange. As He does from time to time, God has tested me. Being called a liar, sadistic, stupid, ignorant and immoral certainly challenges one’s forbearance and self-control. But as I look back, I have been nothing but respectful and loving. To the fruits Paul listed, I humbly add forgiveness. I suspect that you do not seek it, but neither did those who nailed Jesus to the cross. As He did, I forgive any transgression against me. If I have unintentionally sinned against you in any way, I also ask your forgiveness. And, as I have since your initial comment, I will pray for you, hopeful that you will not be living proof of the speculative observations in my post regarding those compelled to disparage the faithful. I am certain God will answer in His time as He has not yet in mine.
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Unsurprisingly, people have all of those things without your cult and your imagnary friend.
Yep, I’m sure it is upsetting for you to be called what you are, when you fantasize yourself something different.
Your lies have not be respectful of loving, and your delusions that anyone deserves death and worse are not respectful or loving. Your fantasies are just those of a ignorant cultist who hopes that anyone who dares disagree with him will be punished.
No need to be forgiven. “sin” is the invention of humans woh want to control others, and no need to be forgiven for calling you out for what you are. No one needed jesus tortured to death but your pathetic god. Happily, that never happened.
Many christians claim to be praying for me to agree with them. Curious how not a single one of dozens have gotten a prayer to work over the last 30+ years, despite the promises of your supposed messiah, Tom.
Why is that? Is it your god loves me as I am? Your god doesn’t think any of you are true believers? Or is it that your god is imaginary?
You try desperately to convince yourself your god will answer, but no evidence that is true at all. Happily, your sadistic little fantasies will never come true.
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Tom, I think I read the FB post you mentioned. It was hard to read and it hurt my heart, not just to see the unbelief, but the pride and arrogance as he attacked believers and his conclusion that all Christianity is nothing more than “magical thinking”. For thousands of years no atheist has been able to disprove the existence of God or Jesus. In fact, many atheists in their pursuit to discredit the existence of God end up becoming believers. Two cases in point, “A Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel and “More Than A Carpenter” by Josh McDowell. It takes someone with an extreme superiority complex to believe out of all humanity ever created, they are the only person ever born to have it all figured out and that billions believers have it wrong. I’ve found the best dialog with an atheist is to present them with a simple question, “And what if YOU’RE wrong?” Followed by “What if the Bible IS the true word of God?” “What if it’s TRUE that believers have eternal life in Heaven and non-believers have eternal life in Hell?” Again, “What if YOU’RE wrong and it is all TRUE?” I point out that they have NOTHING to lose by believing and EVERYTHING to gain by believing. Regarding our free will, the Bible does make it clear that God has his will. His will is for all of us to believe in him, worship him, and have eternal life with him. Our free will is whether we chose his will for our lives or not. Praying for you and your friend.
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Amen, cousin! This world is so predisposed to living for the here and now that we forget to consider whether we might be wrong about eternity. For unbelievers, that is a grave error. If I’m wrong in my faith (I’m not, of course), I will have lived my remaining years in the joy and peace of knowing God without feeling the angst of falling short in pursuit of idols. This life – not to mention the eternal one – is much better with Christ than without Him.
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