Re: [asa] Dawkins and PZ Myers and their 'attitude'

Being a Christian myself, I cannot deny that it is
difficult to evaluate Dawkins' views objectively. After
all, I have a vested interest here that I cannot deny.
I think there is more to life the material,
and therefore, I think Dawkins is wrong (or at least
an impoverished view of the fruitfulness of nature),
but in the end, I cannot prove it, as I can only test things
that represent material. It is finally a matter between
Dawkins and God.

But I think there is a bit more to say here. Have we
(Christians) contributed our share to making Dawkins
even more strident and to speaking in such derogatory
terms of Christians? How many public denouncements
have been issued at him by powerful Christians? How
does this affect any person? And, that evolution seems
to be the best answer to the scientific data, Christians
attacking Dawkins on that do not speak a good witness
to the message of scripture about truth. That we do not
agree with him is clear, but I think we need to spend more
on understanding why we are Christians, and far less
on denouncing Dawkins.

As we come to this time of Easter where Christ
was crucified for our sins, it seems a good moment
to reflect on what drove people to say of the son
of God "crucify him!". What is it in us that makes
us join a mob to do such kinds of evil? This is
what we are.

We are all corrupt and easily corruptible. It is only
by Grace that we can see that cross and understand
that salvation lies in following our Lord. When
we finally understood this, and humbled ourselves
and began to pour contempt on all our pride, then
we were made useful for his purpose. From there,
maybe we could say the word that needs to be said
in a tough moment. From there, maybe we will do what
must be done when everyone else has gone astray.
That is why we want to follow Jesus isn't it?
To do what is right --- and "right" in that deeply
Eternal sense of the word.

Dawkins & co may be lowering the bar more and more.
I do find that part of concern. But I'm also concerned
that we are all adding our own contribution to this.
So, whereas I also share these emotions about this, let's
all try to tone down the strong language. Dawkins may
truly despise us, but let's be careful about returning that
favor.

by Grace we proceed,
Wayne

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Received on Fri Apr 6 23:43:40 2007