The pendulum swings
February 23, 2009
Marie Jon, RA analyst
There are people who have many misconceptions of Christianity. Some believe it is a heavy weight of do's and don'ts piled upon one's shoulders. Others believe that it's an "if you sin, you'll go to hell" doctrine.
Some believe that preachers are only in the pulpit to make money. There is the proverbial lie that God is always watching to catch you when you make a mistake, and there's the pesky inconvenience of attending church in the first place.
The human mind can create a list of impossible expectations that lead to fear and a spiritual disconnect of hopelessness. Eventually, people who feel this way close their Bibles and never darken the doors of a church. They make the decision simply not to believe in God anymore.
I suppose one could say some "divorce" God and banish Him from their lives forevermore, but do these same people become born-again atheists? Too often, non-believers come face to face with a hell of their own making.
Living with occasional doubt
I realize that my thoughts are probably not going to reach many atheists. However, my writings proclaim the existence and the power of a loving God. Often, I do touch the hearts of skeptics, doubters, and a few scoffers. Most likely, you are a person who fits the profile of the believer in God who is sympathetic to the idea that there is a Creator who cares. You probably believe as I do, and want to live your life as Jesus did when He was here on this earth.
I believe in God and His word. However, doubts occasionally sneak in. They really do. I then begin to wonder if it's all true. Did God come to Earth? Will there be a Second Coming? At times, do preachers and the founders of our churches unknowingly deceive themselves and others? Could it be that their faith is merely wishful thinking?
The famous author Clive Staples Lewis found faith late in life. After many years of a fulfilling Christian walk, he confessed that, at times, he had his doubts. This is common among believers while on their way to becoming mature, well-grounded Christians. The pendulum swings for many. There are days when it is easy to believe in the existence of God. Then there are times when we wonder where God is. However, it is interesting that the pendulum of inner doubts and questioning does not just affect Christians. It swings for atheists, also. For you see, it was C.S. Lewis' direct admission that he lived on both sides of the fence. He was an atheist who eventually became settled in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and lived out the rest of his life as a believer in Him.
Please understand that whichever view you embrace, your feelings will continually attack your convictions. Just as Christians have their moments, atheists have their misgivings.
If you believe in God, there will still be times when it seems that this material world is the only reality. Disbelieve in the Almighty God, and you must face hours when the material world seems to shout God does exists. That is the atheist's often-undisclosed dilemma.
Lewis explained that if we are believers, we need to fortify ourselves against doubts. He used a phrase "train the habit of faith." Daily prayer is a must, and spending meaningful time giving great thought to Who we believe in strengthens us. In other words, fixing our minds on God's love for us becomes factual truth. Christ died so we could have eternal life and live life here "more abundantly." Meditate on the cross of Calvary, and consider how the Savior of the world, who left the glories of heaven, rendered us an enormous gift that came at an agonizing sacrifice.
Leaping into the void
It is amazing that atheism has become such a force in our world. It is truly sad when many intelligent men and women who are philosophers, educators, and scholars trust only in their human wisdom. They've taken the leap of faith into the void of an empty universe. In Psalms, God's Word says: "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalms 14:1).
We love to call the atheist a fool. And our history books are full of colorful stories of brilliant people who have gazed at the stars and foolishly said, "It means nothing. The planets and galaxies got here by themselves, and so did we." Strange that these leaders, authors, historians, and statesmen often don't seem to be fools. I suppose some could make the argument that if these brilliant human beings don't believe, how can you and I stay on the safe path of righteousness?
There is a well-written book I find very helpful called The Real Face of Atheism, by Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. In his writings, he portrays an interesting picture of us. It begins way back in the late 1950s, when the Soviet Union beat America into space with its first rocket, Sputnik.
In fact, cosmonaut Gherman Titov, speaking to reporters and fascinated crowds at the World's Fair in 1961, boasted that he never saw God up there. Someone in the crowd retorted that if Gherman would have stepped out of his space capsule for a closer look, he might have been surprised. Gherman glibly said: "I saw no God. There is no God."
Seven years later, our country made its mark in the space race when we sent Apollo 8 to the moon and back. The people of the world saw an astonishing picture on their television screens. For the first time, we could view earth rise over the horizon of the moon, which glistened in the light of the sun against the black void of space. As this wondrous experience occurred, the world heard, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Take a good look at these two philosophies. There they were, two groups of highly-trained and well-educated people. When given the opportunity to hurtle through space, one group saw God, and the other saw nothing but darkness and the occasional large rock.
I'll borrow the words of philosopher Mortimer Adler: "More consequences for life and action follow from the affirmation or denial of God than from any other basic question."
Surrendering to God's promises
Allow me to lean in a bit closer and give some of you encouragement. If you're going to put God on a shelf and walk away, wait! Don't allow the craziness of this world's events, or the hurts you harbor, stop you from surrendering to love, faith, and commitment. Have confidence in "peace that passes all understanding." Please give God's promises a second glance. A deep abiding relationship with God will grow.
I understand there are many hurt people who have had the unfortunate experience of living under a cloud of religious oppression. People are not perfect, but the Almighty certainly is. Sit down and consider the possibility that God is loving and good, but that there are times when His imperfect children and His self-appointed representatives are not.
There is too much at stake. God does exist, and He most certainly cares for you. Understand that He has a wonderful purpose for your life. Believe in His amazing grace and everlasting love. Wrestle with questions and doubts no more. Believe because the loss is too costly, but the rewards are unimaginable.
The Way, the Truth, and the Life
It has always been my belief that the human race began in a garden called Eden. I have believed that with all my heart since I can remember. I believe what the Word of God says in Genesis, Chapter 1, is completely true. How did we depart so far off course that men and women, made in the image of God, stopped believing in a Savior? "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
I've been going to church since I was a little tot. I have learned to understand that there are sinners in the church. I'm one of them myself. Atheists, on the other hand, often will look on in horror while their own lives slide right past them into heartbreak and eventually total disaster. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12).
America is facing some very real problems. Put your trust in Him alone. Man will always let you down. God has said: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
"The Lord will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5-6).
There is nothing more comforting than holding on to the promises of God. Stop doubting. I don't pretend to know how to explain every verse, but still, hold on. When you feel your confidence slipping away, hold on and have faith to ask God to give you faith. He promises to do it, right now.
Song: "Thank You For The Cross, Lord"
America's Revival will grow only when our people firmly believe and without hesitation return to an allegiance with our Almighty Father. Only then can our liberties and freedoms be preserved and restored. Upon this depends the future of our nation, free from despotism and tyranny.
An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes. — Thomas Jefferson
Please sign the Pledge for America's Revival right now. To read the "Pledge for America's Revival," click here.
Related Readings:
Man was created in God's image
Our country's moral and spiritual crossroads: Same-sex marriage
© Marie Jon
Marie Jon, RA analyst
There are people who have many misconceptions of Christianity. Some believe it is a heavy weight of do's and don'ts piled upon one's shoulders. Others believe that it's an "if you sin, you'll go to hell" doctrine.Some believe that preachers are only in the pulpit to make money. There is the proverbial lie that God is always watching to catch you when you make a mistake, and there's the pesky inconvenience of attending church in the first place.
The human mind can create a list of impossible expectations that lead to fear and a spiritual disconnect of hopelessness. Eventually, people who feel this way close their Bibles and never darken the doors of a church. They make the decision simply not to believe in God anymore.
I suppose one could say some "divorce" God and banish Him from their lives forevermore, but do these same people become born-again atheists? Too often, non-believers come face to face with a hell of their own making.
Living with occasional doubt
I realize that my thoughts are probably not going to reach many atheists. However, my writings proclaim the existence and the power of a loving God. Often, I do touch the hearts of skeptics, doubters, and a few scoffers. Most likely, you are a person who fits the profile of the believer in God who is sympathetic to the idea that there is a Creator who cares. You probably believe as I do, and want to live your life as Jesus did when He was here on this earth.
I believe in God and His word. However, doubts occasionally sneak in. They really do. I then begin to wonder if it's all true. Did God come to Earth? Will there be a Second Coming? At times, do preachers and the founders of our churches unknowingly deceive themselves and others? Could it be that their faith is merely wishful thinking?
The famous author Clive Staples Lewis found faith late in life. After many years of a fulfilling Christian walk, he confessed that, at times, he had his doubts. This is common among believers while on their way to becoming mature, well-grounded Christians. The pendulum swings for many. There are days when it is easy to believe in the existence of God. Then there are times when we wonder where God is. However, it is interesting that the pendulum of inner doubts and questioning does not just affect Christians. It swings for atheists, also. For you see, it was C.S. Lewis' direct admission that he lived on both sides of the fence. He was an atheist who eventually became settled in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and lived out the rest of his life as a believer in Him.Please understand that whichever view you embrace, your feelings will continually attack your convictions. Just as Christians have their moments, atheists have their misgivings.
If you believe in God, there will still be times when it seems that this material world is the only reality. Disbelieve in the Almighty God, and you must face hours when the material world seems to shout God does exists. That is the atheist's often-undisclosed dilemma.
Lewis explained that if we are believers, we need to fortify ourselves against doubts. He used a phrase "train the habit of faith." Daily prayer is a must, and spending meaningful time giving great thought to Who we believe in strengthens us. In other words, fixing our minds on God's love for us becomes factual truth. Christ died so we could have eternal life and live life here "more abundantly." Meditate on the cross of Calvary, and consider how the Savior of the world, who left the glories of heaven, rendered us an enormous gift that came at an agonizing sacrifice.
Leaping into the void
It is amazing that atheism has become such a force in our world. It is truly sad when many intelligent men and women who are philosophers, educators, and scholars trust only in their human wisdom. They've taken the leap of faith into the void of an empty universe. In Psalms, God's Word says: "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalms 14:1).
We love to call the atheist a fool. And our history books are full of colorful stories of brilliant people who have gazed at the stars and foolishly said, "It means nothing. The planets and galaxies got here by themselves, and so did we." Strange that these leaders, authors, historians, and statesmen often don't seem to be fools. I suppose some could make the argument that if these brilliant human beings don't believe, how can you and I stay on the safe path of righteousness?
There is a well-written book I find very helpful called The Real Face of Atheism, by Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. In his writings, he portrays an interesting picture of us. It begins way back in the late 1950s, when the Soviet Union beat America into space with its first rocket, Sputnik.
In fact, cosmonaut Gherman Titov, speaking to reporters and fascinated crowds at the World's Fair in 1961, boasted that he never saw God up there. Someone in the crowd retorted that if Gherman would have stepped out of his space capsule for a closer look, he might have been surprised. Gherman glibly said: "I saw no God. There is no God."Seven years later, our country made its mark in the space race when we sent Apollo 8 to the moon and back. The people of the world saw an astonishing picture on their television screens. For the first time, we could view earth rise over the horizon of the moon, which glistened in the light of the sun against the black void of space. As this wondrous experience occurred, the world heard, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
Take a good look at these two philosophies. There they were, two groups of highly-trained and well-educated people. When given the opportunity to hurtle through space, one group saw God, and the other saw nothing but darkness and the occasional large rock.
I'll borrow the words of philosopher Mortimer Adler: "More consequences for life and action follow from the affirmation or denial of God than from any other basic question."
Surrendering to God's promises
Allow me to lean in a bit closer and give some of you encouragement. If you're going to put God on a shelf and walk away, wait! Don't allow the craziness of this world's events, or the hurts you harbor, stop you from surrendering to love, faith, and commitment. Have confidence in "peace that passes all understanding." Please give God's promises a second glance. A deep abiding relationship with God will grow.
I understand there are many hurt people who have had the unfortunate experience of living under a cloud of religious oppression. People are not perfect, but the Almighty certainly is. Sit down and consider the possibility that God is loving and good, but that there are times when His imperfect children and His self-appointed representatives are not.
There is too much at stake. God does exist, and He most certainly cares for you. Understand that He has a wonderful purpose for your life. Believe in His amazing grace and everlasting love. Wrestle with questions and doubts no more. Believe because the loss is too costly, but the rewards are unimaginable.
The Way, the Truth, and the LifeIt has always been my belief that the human race began in a garden called Eden. I have believed that with all my heart since I can remember. I believe what the Word of God says in Genesis, Chapter 1, is completely true. How did we depart so far off course that men and women, made in the image of God, stopped believing in a Savior? "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
I've been going to church since I was a little tot. I have learned to understand that there are sinners in the church. I'm one of them myself. Atheists, on the other hand, often will look on in horror while their own lives slide right past them into heartbreak and eventually total disaster. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12).
America is facing some very real problems. Put your trust in Him alone. Man will always let you down. God has said: Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
"The Lord will never leave you or forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5-6).
There is nothing more comforting than holding on to the promises of God. Stop doubting. I don't pretend to know how to explain every verse, but still, hold on. When you feel your confidence slipping away, hold on and have faith to ask God to give you faith. He promises to do it, right now.
Song: "Thank You For The Cross, Lord"
America's Revival will grow only when our people firmly believe and without hesitation return to an allegiance with our Almighty Father. Only then can our liberties and freedoms be preserved and restored. Upon this depends the future of our nation, free from despotism and tyranny.
An enemy generally says and believes what he wishes. — Thomas Jefferson
Please sign the Pledge for America's Revival right now. To read the "Pledge for America's Revival," click here.
Related Readings:
Man was created in God's image
Our country's moral and spiritual crossroads: Same-sex marriage
© Marie Jon
The views expressed by RenewAmerica analysts generally reflect the VALUES AND PHILOSOPHY of RenewAmerica — although each writer is responsible for the accuracy of individual pieces, and the position taken is the writer’s own.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)