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Discernment Evangelism False Religions Spiritual Warfare The Christian The World

Atheism vs. Hatetheism and How to Respond to Each

As atheists grow bolder in the absence of such boldness from christian leaders in the Western world, we have begun to find new terms to describe this group.  Typically, we call them the “New Atheists” – ones who do not simply lack belief in God, but actively assert that God does not exist and “evangelize” their worldview.  Now, I have found a better word proposed by Robin Schumacher, a blogger for the Christian Post.  He proposes the term “Hatetheist” to describe those who cannot help but espouse their hatred (not just disagreement) with theism, especially of the Christian variety.

Schumacher raises a number of points that resonate with me (and I suspect most who engage in any debates with atheists), such as:

…atheists keep Christians honest where our apologetics are concerned, and they are helpful in showcasing what the philosophy of naturalism espouses and where it logically leads.  Although we disagree on theological matters, I’ve found atheists to be respectful, intelligent, and understanding in many of our discussions. They have thought through their positions, present them in a well-organized manner, and are happy to consider contrary positions and opposing arguments to their stance.

In contrast, he says, “discussing theology with hatetheists is an exercise in futility.”  He lays out 8 points describing what sets the hatetheist apart from other atheists.  Below is my attempt to boil down his comparisons for simplicity.

Atheist Hatetheist
Respectful Name-caller
Uses names “God”, “Jesus” “Invisible sky fairy”, “Jewish zombie”
Recognizes intellectual equality Believe they have superior intellect
Considers and addresses arguments Uses red herrings, dodges questions
Recognizes limits of science Adheres to scientism
Universally critiques all gods Focuses on God of Christianity
Promotes freedom of religion Promotes freedom from religion
Does not see Christianity as a threat Fights against threat of Christianity

These distinctions are important because they can help discern how best to respond or approach an unbeliever.  While it may be a good idea to continually engage with an atheist for evangelism or other discussion, Schumacher warns against such continued interaction with hatetheists.  He gives a number of scriptural examples for this conclusion, which is summed up with a quote from Richard Weaver’s book, Ideas Have Consequences:

“Nothing good can come if the will is wrong. And to give evidence to him who loves not the truth is to give him more plentiful material for misinterpretation.”

If you often engage with atheists online, I would strongly recommend reading his entire post.  Do you agree that we should sometimes disengage with an unbeliever, or is it always advisable to keep the dialogue going?

Categories
Discernment Spiritual Warfare The Christian

Identifying the Enemy

Too many of us have allowed the culture to shape what we expect to see if Satan or his minions come to influence us.  What does he look like? Is he a goat-man dressed in red with horns, a pointed tail and a trident?  What does he act like? Is he a drug-dealing, murdering rapist? Where does he work?  Does he have his underground headquarters in an inner-city slum or a pornography studio? The answer to all of these questions is NO!  Consider the following:

Satan wants to be “Christ-like” (Isaiah 14:12-14).  He wants people to worship himself instead of Jesus.  To do that, he must trick people into thinking he’s the most righteous spiritual man who ever lived.  He will be so successful at this that the world will believe he is the messiah, allowing him to walk into the temple thus putting himself in the place of God (Matthew 24:15).  Satan will outwardly look and act like the last person you’d ever expect!

Satan is a believer.  He believes Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Cor 15:3-4).  In fact, he was probably there watching all of it happen!  The Devil(s) believe, and tremble. (James 2:19)  He and his demons tremble because they will not repent.  It is repentance, not just belief, which sets apart a born-again Christian.

Satan goes to church.  He’s probably been going to church since long before you were born. Think about it: why would he waste time around other God-haters?  They are already on his side.  No, he works most tirelessly to divert and deceive those who seek to know God.  Those are the most threatening to the Devil’s plan.

Satan knows his Bible. He can quote passages by heart, even when the heat is on.  He intentionally misquotes it ever so slightly to get his way.  Consider Eden when he added just one word to tempt Eve (Gen 3:1).  Or when he tempted Jesus, quoting (and misapplying) God’s promise of angelic protection from Psalm 91:11-12.  Jesus replied: “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Matt 4:6-7)

Satan is an angel.  Our culture understands the word “angel” to be synonymous with a “good person.”  Yet, Lucifer is an angel and a beautiful one at that (Eze 28:13).  He took many others with him in rebellion (2 Pet 2:4Jude 1:6).  In fact, Hell itself was created for these angels (Matthew 25:41).  So, if you happen to meet an angel, remember there’s a fair chance it’s actually a demon.

Satan doesn’t judge people of other faiths.  There will come a day when all who are not in Christ will worship the Devil under a unified global religion (Rev 13:11).  Therefore, he encourages people who don’t worship Jesus Christ to continue in their ways unchallenged until the time comes for God to separate the wheat from the chaff and burn the workers of iniquity (Matthew 3:12) in the fire that shall not be quenched (Mar 9:44-48).

Satan accepts Jesus as Lord.  When he started out to test Job’s faith, he went before the throne and waited for permission (Job 1:6-12) after arguing for a time.  How often do we ask or wait on permission from God to do anything?  Yes, that man of sin, the son of perdition, knows all too well that he, along with the rest of the created universe, is in constant subjection to Jesus Christ – and he hates it.  Do you find joy in submitting to his power and authority?

Satan’s strategy of deception is to have every outward appearance of Christ, so it should not be a surprise that he does all of the things I’ve just listed.  This is why we must be exceedingly vigilant (Acts 17:11).  Test everyone and everything to see whether it is of God (1 Thess 5:21).  Test your preacher, theologians, scientists, and philosophers.  Test yourself to be sure you are indeed following God’s way to Heaven (Isa 55:8-9John 14:6).

So, how do we guard against the influences of that wicked deceiver?  First, I would argue that it’s not Satan we should be worried about.  It’s our own heart that is “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” (Jer 17:9)  During the millennial reign of Jesus Christ, Satan will be bound and God’s perfect justice will rule.    Yet, even with him out of the picture for a thousand years, some will still rebel (Rev 20:11-15).  We will have no more “the Devil made me do it” excuses.  Let us look to our own sin, see the ugliness of it, then praise the Lord for lifting that burden up on the cross.

Categories
Evangelism Persecution Spiritual Warfare The Christian

The Cross: Jesus in China

The Bitter Cup abounds with compelling testimonies by missionaries of the younger generation. Their dedication, suffering, faithfulness, and thanksgiving have led to an unprecedented revival of the Chinese Christian church.

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Church Issues New World Order Politics Spiritual Warfare The Christian The Last Days

Indianapolis Comeback

At least one church has stood up to the IRS and refused to become entangled with the government through 501(c)(3) nonprofit restrictions on speech. After a great deal of struggle, the Indianapolis Baptist Temple is now stronger than ever before. (original article appeared the Baptist Tribune).

Indianapolis Comeback