Psalm 53:1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are
corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity; There is none who does good.”
There is an
old saying that nothing starts an argument quicker than a discussion between
either politics or religion. But, I think that there is no issue that provokes
more controversy in the free marketplace of ideas than the question of whether
or not there is a God. In a book on “Why Atheist believe in Unbelief” by Sproul,
I started reading on the religion of “Atheism” (the belief in no god) to
understand more, since our Pastor JJ presented a Wednesday night overview or “Comparative
Religions at our church peaked my interest. Focusing on Atheism to find the reason why
people do not believe in God, I found immediately that this debate has raged for
ages, as the Stoics theistic beliefs, the Platonists “Idea of Good’ and the
Aristotelians “Unmoved Mover” beliefs were mocked and scoffed by individual
group in their time. In every culture with believers in God there have been
unbelievers. From apathy to violence, from unbridled passion to careful,
calculated reasoning, the debate takes place. But knowing that misunderstandings
and problems can arise by the proper definition of words, a study starts with
the clarification of the varieties of “Theism” and the various categories of
it.
Ecclesiastes 3:10-14 have seen the burden God has laid on
men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in
the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what god has done from the beginning
to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do
good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in
all his toil – this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will
endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does
it si that men will revere Him.
Sproul
explains that that the word “theism” is a general term that includes a wide
variety of species. Literally, the word means “Godism,” that is, belief in God.
It is derived from “theos”, the Greek word for God. The content of the term,
however , is far more difficult than its derivative. One dictionary defines “theism”
as “the belief in the existence of a god or gods”, and the definition of “god”
as “a being or object believed to have more than nature attributes and powers
and to require requires man’s worship” and also “a person or thing of supreme
value.” This all-encompassing definition is broad in scope and serves to
increase the ambiguity (vagueness and uncertainty) that so often surrounds the
meaning of the word “God”. For instance, the National Motto of the United
States of America is “In God We Trust”, which is historically documented as based
upon the Judeo/Christian definition of Israel’s “Yahweh” of the Pentateuch and Bible,
but in the pluralistic culture of today, you will hear that the word “God” can
mean whatever you, individually and personally, want it to mean.
Romans
1:18-20 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the
godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,
since what may be known about God is plain to them. For since the creation of
the world God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature –
have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men
are without excuse.
Sproul states
that because of the now ambiguity of the word “God” and the multitude of
meanings attached to it, some contemporary thinkers have despaired of having
any meaningful discussion of the word at all. There is a crisis of language in
the whole of God-talk. Therefore, God cannot be discussed seriously and
rationally unless people agree on what sort of being and/or power that they are
attempting to discuss, because the problem is in terms of language. Radical
skepticism, however, is an overreaction to the problems involved. Though the word “God” abounds with linguistic
difficulties, it still functions in a meaningful way in our society. Most
people still assume that “God” refers to some person, or power, on a level of existence
different from ordinary humanity. “Theism” is, it is generally agreed, belief
that such a power or being exists. In terms of numerical statistics, it is safe
to say that the vast majority of human beings have at least subscribed to some
variety of theism. Theism has been so persistent in human civilization and has been
so characteristic of mankind that it has been fashioned to describe man in
terms of being “homo religious”. Man appears to be incurably religious, not
atheistic. There is something about faith and unbelief. How can such brilliant
thinkers and competent scholars come to such radically divergent positions? The
debate between theists and atheists continues. Why? Knowing can and will help
you and I to be a better disciple to, and witness for the Lord to our family,
friends, and neighbors. Let’s take a look.
In Christ,
Brian
2 comments:
Excellent Brian, I mean you have a grasp of theology and how it underpins American and Western society. God means many things to people; it can be the word the ultra religious invoke when they want to do something evil, it can be something the ultra Right in your own country use to push forward divisive political agendas (and sometimes even good policies!) and God is invoked everyday by all kinds of people for their own ends. God is used basically as a rubberstamp to justify all kinds of things which have nothing to do with Him. English kings like Henry the 8th invoked God because according to the kings and aristocracy, God was 'on their side' and therefore they could do anything they wanted 'in the name of God'. A very familiar phrase isn't it? God is not to be used in such a fashion and we should be suspicious of political parties or presidents and or even TV evangelists invoking God often for their own selfish ends.
During the time of the British Empire many of the religious folk said that we prospered because we were more godly than other people. Hmmm, that I believe is highly contentious! The empire was built on slavery, ruthless exploitation, landgrabbing, plantations and enforced labour everywhere. If we attribute such realities to God, are we saying that God condones aggressive capitalism or injustice, as long as it makes those who claim to be Christians rich and powerful? Some Christians in Britain now say we lost the British Empire because we abandoned God. Again, there could be arguments on both sides of that idea. As Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden, civilisation arose. When man lost his innocence he became worldly in other words. Something to think about.
Brian, I just wanted to add something. I hope I never offend you when I mention America in my comments, because they are always said in a spirit of honesty and openness. I am about to write something about the British Empire which I hope pertains to this whole debate. Your posts are too good not to be read or commented on, and even if I don't comment there are loads of your posts I want to read but we are all so busy hey?! Blessings my American brother. And keep keeping it real!!!
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