Agnostic to Apologist
“and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ESV John 8:32
If you look up the definition of an agnostic, you’ll find that it is describes a person who does not necessarily deny the existence of God. But neither does an agnostic affirm the existence of God. As a matter of fact, they generally believe that no proofs of God exist. You could say, they’re just kind of indifferent and don’t really care one way or the other.
On the other hand, if you look up the word apologist, you’ll find that it describes a person who stands in defense of a doctrine; like Christianity. Interestingly enough, one of the greatest agnostics of modern times spent his later years earning the distinction of being one of Christianity’s greatest apologists. I’m speaking of C.S. Lewis, the author of Mere Christianity and many other Christian books. Lewis went from being a decided skeptic to a staunch supporter and many of his writings give insight into his conversion. Allow me to summarize his conversion with the simple observation that “the truth” set him free.
This past week I had lunch with a self described agnostic. It was a short but interesting conversation. And I hope to continue the conversation one day soon.
One comment my friend made has stuck with me. He said that the part of him that wanted to believe in God was skeptical (even distrusting) of religion. He seemed both surprised and amused that I agreed with him. Now, I’m not suggesting that we abandon gathering together in local congregations, but whenever the object of our faith rests in our religion instead of our Creator, we’ve made a grave mistake.
The Athenians made this mistake. When Paul was in Athens, he noticed that they were so religious and so careful to cover their bases, that they even had an idol to an unknown god. Acts chapter seventeen records his sermon to the Athenians. Beginning in verse sixteen, Paul proclaimed to the Athenians the truth about the God that was unknown to them; the God who made the world and everything in it.
When Paul finished what I believe to be one of the greatest sermons recorded in scripture, we find that some people mocked him, others wanted to hear him again on the matter, but some believed. Yes, some believed in the one true God. They were converted through the gospel that Paul taught; the same good news Christians preach and teach today. The truth set them free.
My prayer is that God would grant me the opportunity, desire, knowledge and ability to share as much of the gospel, to as many people, as possible. So that perhaps, the truth of the gospel would set someone free. Who knows, maybe someone will even go from agnostic to apologist.
Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.
If you look up the definition of an agnostic, you’ll find that it is describes a person who does not necessarily deny the existence of God. But neither does an agnostic affirm the existence of God. As a matter of fact, they generally believe that no proofs of God exist. You could say, they’re just kind of indifferent and don’t really care one way or the other.
On the other hand, if you look up the word apologist, you’ll find that it describes a person who stands in defense of a doctrine; like Christianity. Interestingly enough, one of the greatest agnostics of modern times spent his later years earning the distinction of being one of Christianity’s greatest apologists. I’m speaking of C.S. Lewis, the author of Mere Christianity and many other Christian books. Lewis went from being a decided skeptic to a staunch supporter and many of his writings give insight into his conversion. Allow me to summarize his conversion with the simple observation that “the truth” set him free.
This past week I had lunch with a self described agnostic. It was a short but interesting conversation. And I hope to continue the conversation one day soon.
One comment my friend made has stuck with me. He said that the part of him that wanted to believe in God was skeptical (even distrusting) of religion. He seemed both surprised and amused that I agreed with him. Now, I’m not suggesting that we abandon gathering together in local congregations, but whenever the object of our faith rests in our religion instead of our Creator, we’ve made a grave mistake.
The Athenians made this mistake. When Paul was in Athens, he noticed that they were so religious and so careful to cover their bases, that they even had an idol to an unknown god. Acts chapter seventeen records his sermon to the Athenians. Beginning in verse sixteen, Paul proclaimed to the Athenians the truth about the God that was unknown to them; the God who made the world and everything in it.
When Paul finished what I believe to be one of the greatest sermons recorded in scripture, we find that some people mocked him, others wanted to hear him again on the matter, but some believed. Yes, some believed in the one true God. They were converted through the gospel that Paul taught; the same good news Christians preach and teach today. The truth set them free.
My prayer is that God would grant me the opportunity, desire, knowledge and ability to share as much of the gospel, to as many people, as possible. So that perhaps, the truth of the gospel would set someone free. Who knows, maybe someone will even go from agnostic to apologist.
Ken worships at Tharptown Baptist Church in Russellville where he leads an adult Bible study. Comments are welcome and may be sent to kenaskew@charter.net.
posted by TBC at
5:16 AM
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