I think you both might be surprised to know how many atheists and agnostics find that the idea of a universe created in six days, less than ten thousand years ago, is one of the major walls between them and the Christian faith.
How many of them have seriously investigated the claims of Christ, but when told that to be Christians they must accept the Bible as literal and inerrant even when it touches upon biology, astronomy, and geology have said "Oh. All right then....." and quietly walked away.
As I said, you might be surprised by that. Or maybe not.
It is a simple question,
“How many of them have seriously investigated the claims of Christ”
but one can go far deeper than mere words and concepts both in God’s Word and how it relates to His creation. It not just the atheists that put up walls, but Jesus did warn us plenty that we would be in the minority, hated b/c the world first hated Him, that there would also be many that claim to be christians who simply never knew Him, and that we are to study to show ourselves approved for every good work.
For those who sincerely seek Him, they will find him [Romans 10:9-13]. The only valid way to worship Him is in truth and faith. Only then will one’s desire grow to read the Word, learn the Word, then live the Word and ultimately to Love Him and His Words. The unique claims are all true and this truth will set one free ~ free indeed!
It is a simple question,
“How many of them have seriously investigated the claims of Christ”
but one can go far deeper than mere words and concepts both in God’s Word and how it relates to His creation. It not just the atheists that put up walls, but Jesus did warn us plenty that we would be in the minority, hated b/c the world first hated Him, and that there would also be many that claim to be christians who simply never knew Him.
Our unified purpose after having been saved is to share both in words and deeds, and also devote our lives to study and show ourselves approved for every good work.
For those who sincerely seek Him, they will find Him [Romans 10:9-13]. Faith will be gifted to the believer, His Spirit will indwell each of us, and perfect righteousness will be imputed to us for though we are still fallible in our present flesh, He will no longer see us as sinners but instead welcomes us as Sons of God. All of His promises are now at work and active in our lives [Romans 8:28]. The Word comes to life literally!
The only valid way to worship Him is in truth and faith. Only then will one’s desire grow to read the Word, learn the Word, then live the Word and ultimately to Love Him and His Words. The unique claims are all true and this truth will set one free ~ free indeed! Only in His Free Gift [for none can earn it] of faith. For only with faith can we begin to understand all of His Truths.
Having read all of His words has compelled me to continue re-reading and listening to many good teachers of His Word. The Holy Spirit also inspires me to read voraciously because He promises to lead me in all truth and understanding, so I read the latest findings and knowledge of man and His universal truths practically jump right off the pages or screens.
A problem older than Thomas Aquinas who said...
“The truth of our faith becomes a matter of ridicule among the infidels if any Catholic, not gifted with the necessary scientific learning, presents as dogma what scientific scrutiny shows to be false.”