Posted on 05/02/2007 8:45:43 PM PDT by Between the Lines
NEW YORK – A prominent Christian best-selling author is asserting that he can prove the existence of God without using the Bible, and has challenged two atheists to a debate.
Ray Comfort, author of God Doesn't Believe in Atheists, alongside fellow Christian and actor Kirk Cameron (Growing Pains) will butt heads with two ardent nonbelievers using only scientific fact in a debate sponsored by ABC. Comfort says that the evidence will “absolutely” confirm that there is a God, and he will not speak about his faith.
"Most people equate atheism with intellectualism," explained Comfort in a statement, "but it's actually an intellectual embarrassment. I am amazed at how many people think that God's existence is a matter of faith. It's not, and I will prove it at the debate – once and for all. This is not a joke. I will present undeniable scientific proof that God exists.”
The debate is in reaction to the “Blasphemy Challenge” that started late in 2006. The two creators of the movement encouraged all people to tape themselves with a short message that will “damn themselves to hell.” Participants must recite the line "I deny the Holy Spirit,” and then upload their video onto YouTube.
Comfort and Cameron felt that these two would be some of the most difficult people to convince that God does indeed exist, so contacted them about having a discussion.
ABC has said that they will film the debate, which will take place on May 5 in New York City, and will stream it live on their website as well as use footage for their program Nightline. Martin Bashir, co-anchor of Nightline, will moderate the event.
Cameron will use the event to also speak out against evolution, which he thinks is not credible and a major contributor to the growth in atheism.
"Evolution is unscientific. In reality, it is a blind faith that's preached with religious zeal as the gospel truth. I'm embarrassed to admit that I was once a naïve believer in the theory,” said the former television star in a statement. “Atheism has become very popular in universities – where it's taught that we evolved from animals and that there are no moral absolutes. So we shouldn't be surprised when there are school shootings.”
Comfort felt impelled to hold the debate, because he is worried about the state of Christianity around the world, especially in Europe. According to a Zukerman study, in Sweden as many as 85 percent of the population are non-believers; Japan has 65 percent; France with 54 percent; and 44 percent of British citizens do not believe in God.
The Christian writer also noted that there is a genuine attack against Christian beliefs, more than other religions.
"[T]here is something more sinister here than a few people not believing in God,” concluded the author. “Why would so many be so bitter against Christianity in particular? Why aren't they making videos that blaspheme Buddha or Mohammed or Ghandi? We made our own video clip and posted it on www.Hollywoodblasphemy.com to expose why."
Comfort has spoken at several atheist events, one in which he was a platform speaker at the 2001 convention for the American Atheists, Inc.
Time and date??
I should have read more closely...5 May - live.
I could not find the time.
The Nightline Face Off Christians and Atheists to Debate the Existence of God
Quite a lengthy article.
Somewhere around here I have a tape of Ray Comfort’s message “Hell’s Best Kept Secret.” I think it came through David Wilkerson’s group, somehow.
God bless Ray and Kirk. They have been on the street, pounding the pavement and bringing “The Way of the Master” to thousands.
Ray Comfort is a joy to listen to as well. He doesn’t talk down to people; he just uses common sense and the Law to talk about God. I particularly enjoy how he challenges the Athiest how he will make him Agnostic in a matter of seconds. Kirk really enjoys their street sessions.
May God richly bless them in all they do for Him.
Available online HERE.
I found interesting the remarks made by Jonathan Stamp, the historical adviser for the HBO sries, “Rome.” That was distinguishes us from the Romans is what things we hold valuable, and that the treasure we treasure
such things as personal rights, and the Romans did not, is that our civilization is based on the Judeo-Christian ethic. I do not see how the gentleman is going to prove the existence of the God of the Bible without reference to the Bible. The Romans were as they were because of the gods they believed in. We are as we are because of the God we believe in.
Nor I. To do so, he's going to have to make an appeal to a some "neutral" authority that he believes both parties recognize as authoritative.
The analogy of the parachute handed out at the beginning of a flight with the advice to put it on because it will make your flight “better and more comfortable” compared to a salvation message preached with the same thought, as opposed to “put this on because the plane is going to crash”, is, I think, effective.
Yes, my guess is that he would merely attack the atheist view (non-existence of god). Proof in the one true God of the Bible seems to require a Bible in hand. Might be interesting to find out....
What does the winner get?
Ping.
"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."~ Matthew 5:11-12
Good answer!
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