The problem with Christianity today is...

I was researching the phrase "traveling mercies" when I came across a website blog by a very intelligent, self proclaiming atheist. Very interesting things were written in his blog, for example, "The Tragic Trap of the Christian Marriage", "A Guide to Christian Cliche's and Phrases", "Why I deny the Virgin birth", "The Futility of Invoking a Designer", just to name a few. The author of this blog was once a follower of Christ, and has apparently had much training, even to the extent that he was headed into "full-time" ministry. Hundreds of comments are listed on his blog - as people join together to record their distaste for Christians, and their disbelief in a God. I have 2 thoughts, and I will keep it simple (or at least attempt to).

First, it is a shame that Christians get in the way of the message of Christ. It is generally not the truth of the Bible that people reject, but rather the presentation of those truths. Christians (including myself) need to be able to "give an answer" to everyone who asks the reason for the hope that we have. As I read through this blog (and many others) the Christian responses are weak at best, and generally tend toward anger, judgment, and/or disdain for people that God loves very dearly.

Secondly, I am reminded how great our God is who, as creator of all, is not obligated to make Himself known to anyone. Yet, in His plan, He not only gave us His word to tell us about Himself, but gave us His Word in flesh, and showed us how to live. There is no defense for God - He does not need one - which is why He spends no time in His word defending His existence. However, the evidence for God is overwhelming and irrefutable! What an amazing thought that creator God loved us so much that He allows people to choose to deny His existence. He allows people to choose to reject His gift of love in His own son's sacrifice on Calvary. He allows humankind to make the decisions they want to make, and does not demand our respect, our love, our obedience, or even our acknowledgment of Himself. He does, however, warn us of the consequences of our choices - we all know that every choice has consequences.

Last thoughts - if challenged today to defend your faith, could you do it? If you can, does your defense of your faith draw others to God, or arrogantly push them away? If you cannot, of what use is your faith? and finally, when was the last time that your heart hurt for people that cannot, will not, or do not know God?

I promised I'd keep it brief...