Dawikins: “This campaign to put alternative slogans on London buses will make people think – and thinking is anathema to religion.”

I get so pissed off when people conclude that to be a Christian means switching off your brain.  If you seriously believe that Jesus' life and teaching isn't thought provoking, you are seriously in denial, or seriously ignorant.

AAAaaarrgggghhhh!!

http://lonestartimes.com/2008/10/22/an-hov-of-good-intentions/#comments 

And here's one for the atheist slogan: If I worry less and derive my enjoyment in life through my belief in God, isn't that my business? If we all return to meaningless dust, what the hell does it matter to any atheist what belief I take to the grave? Aren't atheists supposed to encourage free thinking? Sure they do, as long as it is free of God. What contradictory, convoluted crap.  

First, I found it exciting because I really believe we have entered a new time in the world – one in which there is an uptick to the spiritual battle we have been engaged in for many years.  That can only mean my groom is coming soon.

Second, I find it very sad, because everywhere I look from the atheist in the UK to the socialist and their ilk in America, millions upon millions of people are truly lost.  They are desperately searching but they know not for what.

Thirdly, I believe that Sarah Palin is our "Ester" and that, we along with her, are here for "just a time as this."  

What motivates groups like this atheist group, I personally believe, is a sense that time is truly short.  The battle for souls is heating up.  Our battle for souls should also heat up.  

The signs we are all witnessing have caused me to repent because I realize that I have been remiss.  Absorbed in my life, my writing, my blogs without too much outward focus on where others will spend eternity.

I realize now that has to change.  Too many people are seeking, are questioning, are desparate and I (we) have the answer.

Can you imagine somoeone, who hasn’t really given any consideration to the reality of God nor the claim on their life, seeing that advertisement and asking… “Is there a God? Why are they saying that there probably isn’t? Does that mean that there’s something to this God thing? What if there is a God? Why should I worry? What does God want from me?” The questions could go on and on.

Really, it could go in either direction depending on where people are at. Think about this scripture from Genesis 50:20, “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to same many people alive.”

We can’t stop them from doing the advertising; they have freedom of speech. But we can pray that God will bring good out of this. This can be an opening for honest dialog from both sides.

Allen Paul Weaver III

Author, Transition: Breaking Through the Barriers

http://www.APW3.com

I would have never thought of that. You are right. What a great tool to open a conversation with someone while you are sitting on the bus! (I loved those buses when I lived in the UK!)

aweaver3 -

You said, “We can’t stop them from doing the advertising; they have freedom of speech. But we can pray that God will bring good out of this. This can be an opening for honest dialog from both sides.” I also agree with you. One thing I learned at ORU is that we need to not only understand our own worldview but the that of others. Only then will we be able to discuss and debate honestly.

I am reading this great book, unChristian, that talks about how we need to interact with those who do not know Jesus. One of the main things it stresses is that we need to learn 1) to build relationships first, 2) not tell them what to do but discuss and debate with them so they can come to their own conclusions and 3) love them through our actions.

This bus ad is just a springboard for us to do just that!

Great topic Phil. Thanks so much for your blog. It is still one of my tops favorites!

Remaining Steadfast,
Dominique
http://anunlikelyperspective2.squarespace.com
http://aphotoperspective2.squarespace.com

And pray, pray for the wisdom and opportunity to share. 

If you live in the UK – please check out "Christianity Explored" and "Discipleship Explored".  Two WONDERFUL programs focused on UK Christians and their growth. Rico Tice and Barry Cooper are amazing men of God doing an incredible work for Him.