Reason 23 - Lack of Coherence in Theology
“Theological arguments often involve abstract concepts that atheists find incoherent or contradictory. For instance, the idea of an all-powerful, all-knowing God raises questions about free will and the nature of evil. Atheists also challenge the idea of infinite punishment for finite sins or the notion of divine omniscience coexisting with human autonomy.”
Incoherent - lacking in clarity or organization; disordered.
Contradictory - inconsistent; incompatible (unable to exist together).
Finite sin - Having bounds; limited.
If you read the Bible with an open mind and accept the possibility of a Creator God you may find scripture to be less incoherent and contradictory. If you look for apparent contradictions you can find them with just about anything, not just the Bible. You have to be willing to at least accept that you MAY be mistaken regarding your objections. It is an arrogant and as a result, ignorant person who is not even willing to accept the possibility that there is something outside their understanding that may actually exist. To the spiritually minded individual scripture, while perhaps not always understandable, can be understood with the proper mindset to consider that which you may not understand to be true, nonetheless.
I believe the writer of the Atheism article errs in speaking of “finite sin” as if it were limited. Limited to what? I believe there is NO LIMIT to the evil that an unregenerate man, woman, or child can commit. To doubt that underestimates the nature of evil and the hold it can have on certain individuals. Scripture teaches that ‘sin’ cannot exist in God’s presence.
While God is said to be ‘omnipresent’ as in everyone at the same time, what the Bible is referring to regarding sin not existing in His presence means His immediate presence, as in heaven, where His throne is. There IS NO EVIL that exists in heaven.
The writers statement “abstract concepts” begs the question “how hard were they really trying to understand?” To write off something as a myth or as something that is an unprovable fairy tale because you don’t comprehend what is being said is kind of lazy I think. It seems to me that certain folks have had bad experiences with those who claim to be ‘Religious’ and that causes them to have a jaundiced eye toward all religions. That of course is a general statement that certainly doesn’t apply to all non-believers, but I can sympathize with the atheist on this front. I know there are many “jerks” that are claiming to be followers of Christ, yet their behavior doesn’t represent Christ at all. But since non-believers don’t, as a rule, read the Bible, they really wouldn’t know HOW a Christian is supposed to behave. So they see believers, as a whole, being hypocritical and judgmental. While that is no doubt true in many cases, try not to “throw out the baby with the bath water” as the old saying goes. All Christians are not “jerks”.
To non-believers, ask the God you don’t believe in to reveal Himself somehow and with an open mind and open heart, keep your eyes and ears open for a simple revelation to take place. Place no time limit on your inquiry. Be patient and attentive to that which takes place all around you. To believers, if you are being a “jerk” based on judgmental presuppositions regarding those around you, STOP BEING A JERK. We MUST treat ALL people, both Christians & non-Christians, with patience, compassion, and kindness. This is the Jesus Way of proceeding thru life. With loving kindness. Is that easier said than done? You bet it is! Especially with the person that rubs your last nerve raw. Becoming more like Christ is not instantaneous; it is progressive. Something you’ll have to work at your entire walk with God.
Until next time, walk with the King & be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
RL Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resource: An article titled 30 Reasons People Choose Atheism on a blog called Housley - written by Lisa O.; www.gotquestions.org.
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