Atheist VS Evangelical pastor Round 1

Atheist VS Evangelical Pastor:  Round 1

The Master’s Seminary had an annual symposium/debate between a Christian apologist and an atheist advocate. While there was some fruitful discussion, the tactic of the atheist was to win the crowd through his friendly disposition. The Christian seemed to return the favor with his disposition. While this is healthy in interpersonal relationships, on stage this tactic backfired. The truth is that atheists really have no good arguments for their worldview, and a Christian in this forum ought to expose this. So when the atheist spouting moralists left and right (despite the fact that atheism has no foundation for morals), the Christian should have boldly exposed the viciousness and lie of atheism. Instead, he seemed content exchanging pleasantries.

Finally, a “village atheist” in the crowd had seen enough. He marched up towards the stage, cursed the panel, and said they were all hypocrites for pretending that all is well. While I cannot endorse his rated-R language, he was at least honest in exposing the pretense of the symposium. The fact remains that the panelists were representing vastly divergent worldviews. As such, the stark contrasts should have been made clear to the audience. Unfortunately, the Christians played nice when the occasion called for Elijah-like exhortations. 　

Evangelicals have gotten too soft and boneless lately. They all seem to sound like Joel Osteen these days. That is why he is so popular, making mega-bucks. He is the richest pastor in the US. His books are always top-10 best sellers. Am I Jealous? You bet I am. He gets private plane to go anywhere and stays at the best hotel’s penthouse. His church’s annual budget is $75 million. (Saddleback Church makes $30 million) He charges $20 seat at LA convention center. What are the Atheist and Joel Osteen in common? They propagate a false teaching (in another word :lie) and making a big money, laughing all the way to the bank. We propagate the truth about God, which does not always land a big payday. Proclaiming the truth actually costs us and may make us frustrated since many people despise the truth and God. After 25 years of ministry, I have realized that truth tellers do not necessarily get compensated on earth. While the Bible says “We store our treasure in heaven,”

As of late, I have observed the danger of the secularization of Christian values. We have eternal Biblical values that cannot be compromised. We cannot worship God with idolaters. There is no harmony between the views. Yet in the name of ecumenical movement, Evangelicals attend service with other religious organization. That said, it is not realistic to isolate ourselves from the secular society. We are not of the world but in the world. Where we could draw the line is crucial to the survival of the puritan movement in the US. We can either stay put and isolate ourselves from the world, or we can make move and worship with Pagans and Atheists. Whatever we decide, we do it for the glory of God.

  As for me, I cannot associate with those who harden their hearts to the obvious reality of the existence of God. Unfortunately, the existence of God is not  so obvious to them. Only by the Holy Spirit, the truth will be revealed to us.  Just thank God for His love and Mercy. I found the truth in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, atheists have not yet encountered with Him. Perhaps, they never will.

Lastly, upon this coming Easter, we celebrate His resurrection together with our hosting church “the Mission Redlands.” I am looking forward to the service. Since Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. We celebrate His resurrection until He comes. The Bible declares  that  He is alive. Simply, I believe it and that’s good enough reality to me. How about you?

 Hideki Kusunoki  Pastor Grace Church
 めぐみ教会 レッドランド
301 Cajon St, Redlands CA 92373
Blog: japanesechurch.blogspot.com
You can also read my previous newsletters at japanesechurch.blogspot.com