‘Why I don’t believe’
Posted by John | Filed under Uncategorized
by John Fischer
Not all of you have time to follow the many comments that I post each day about the current “Catch of the Day.” Yesterday there was a valuable exchange that was so important, I thought we could all benefit. This discussion should contribute to those on either side of belief.
Cindy writes:
“I work with a man who is a good friend. We usually don’t discuss religion or politics, but I have shared a couple of your stories with him, including the Nemo story from 3/25. I thought you might be curious to see his response, and I am curious to hear your response to him.”
Cindy’s friend writes:
“I enjoyed the fish story, and am glad Nemo lived. I also thought the writer was right when he said: ‘Everybody has a right to his or her own perspective and opinion. We all see things from a little bit different angle…. Instead of putting such energy into trying to prove someone wrong, how about allowing that person to contribute to your growing understanding of what is right?’
Which is why I don’t believe in Christianity! It’s what is ‘right’ for me! You see? I’m so glad you agree with me!”
Okay Cindy, I will respond, but not to him. I will respond to you, because you are the one who that knows him.
One of the greatest privileges God has given human beings is the freedom to reject Him. That we can walk into hell with head held high singing, “I did it my way,” is a value, though tragic in its outcome. Your friend has every right to not believe in “Christianity” as he says it, and so allow him that right. You will never be able to make him believe anyway. Only God can do that. “For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God…” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
It takes God to turn on the light, and until He does that for someone, no amount of banging on a person’s head with a Bible is going to amount to anything, except his pain and your frustration.
If you love and accept him, and don’t try and change or fight him, you will find that the truth, through your love, will have a much better chance of invading his life than if you continually tried to resist him in his unbelief. He’s still going to be right about a lot of things. You can affirm those things — connect with him where you can — and let God work on him.
(Besides, by the way, I personally don’t think there are many people who truly don’t believe; they are just trying to tell themselves they don’t, because they are mad at God for something, or don’t want anyone messing with their life.)
