In a recent debate, Christian mathematician John Lennox argued for the reality of God with atheist scientist Richard Dawkins. In his writing and speaking, Dawkins will often talk about the “Flying Spaghetti Monster” as an analogy for belief in God. His point is that since God’s existence cannot be proven, it’s as ridiculous to believe in Him as in a levitating pasta creature.
Isaiah lived during a time when God’s people were facing a monstrous enemy. Due to their rebellion and disobedience, God allowed them to be invaded by the Babylonians—brutal enemies who cruelly carted them off to captivity. God said, “You have forgotten the Lord, your Creator, the One who stretched out the sky like a canopy and laid the foundations of the earth” (Isaiah 51:13). He declared that He alone was worthy of their worship and devotion because He is over all things.
God is the One who “stirs up the sea, causing its waves to roar” (Isaiah 51:15). Every aspect of the natural world reflects His perfect design and providence. “The work of [His] fingers” (Psalm 8:3) is plain to see. Isaiah could boldly declare God’s reality because He knew Him and recognized His reflection in all created things. He also knew that God had given him the words to speak and that he was safe in His hand (Isaiah 51:16).
John Lennox shows that same confidence. When Dawkins argued that if one stumbles upon a garden in a forest, he should simply appreciate it without having to believe in “invisible fairies hiding behind the flowers,” Lennox stated, “Of course you wouldn’t have to believe in fairies in the garden, but you would assume there was a Gardener, wouldn’t you?”
As Paul said, “Through everything God made, [we] can clearly see His invisible qualities” (Romans 1:20). His reality shreds spaghetti monsters and dispels invisible fairies.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 6:41-71
More:
Read Romans 1:21-25 to see why some people deny God’s reality.
Next:
What gives you confidence in God and His reality? How will you more boldly present your faith this week?
lindagma on July 19, 2011 at 7:22 am
There is a series of DVD’s called “The Truth Project.” It’s put out by Focus on the Family. In it, they give the most compelling arguments and proof of God. Just the explanation of what DNA does and how it works, completely blows the big bang theory out the window. Even the atheist brilliant scientist have to admit that evolution is not possible, but in the next statement, they say, “but I still choose to believe it.”
Atheist’s are worshipers of man and will not surrender to a creator…sad. On the other hand, there are those scientists who have become believers because of the miraculous discoveries of the hand of God.
New agers are similar in that, even though they profess a belief in God, they believe that man is in control of the outcome of their lives. If bad happens, then they have not been open to what God had for them…or they themselves have put out bad karma and received back bad karma.
We will always have those who hang on to their belief in man, no matter how the truth beats them over the head. We would like to think that we can change their minds but only God can do that. Our job is to remain faithful and solid in our beliefs, and don’t get sucked up into their arguments.
If I have someone who is an argumentative intellectual, my only argument is one that a former pastor used:
“If you are right, then I’ve lived a contented and happy life thinking I will spend eternity in heaven. If I’m right…well we know where you will spend eternity.”
tom felten on July 19, 2011 at 9:51 am
Good thoughts, lindagma. Yes, The Truth Project is very well done. I appreciate the way they address the various spheres that form a Christian (biblical) worldview. As far as apologetics or defending our faith in discussions with intellectuals and all people, I’ve always been impressed at how Ravi Zacharias does it. He is brilliant in his arguments and defense of our faith, but he does it winsomely—never attacking his challengers. Great example!
pampauley65 on July 19, 2011 at 11:02 am
Very good argument.
It never ceases to amaze me that people can honest think other than that God is our creator. How could all of this have happened in a big bang or any other way.
I have to believe there is an eternal life with our maker and when people question it I say if there isn’t when I am gone it won’t matter but if there is they are going to be sorry.
jimgroberts on July 19, 2011 at 4:22 pm
As a scientist I have had many discussions with athiests at all intellectual levels. But it remains that God cannot be proved. That is why we are told that it is by grace through faith. Jesus also told us “you did not choose me, I chose you. The greatest joy I had in a conversion was in Poland when a man ran into bus we were using to evangelise shouting “I need Jesus” and in tears accepted Christ. The real querstion is do you know that you are a lost sinner going to hell. It will be the Holy Spirit who convicts you in Gods timing. May you use your witness of God in your life to draw others to Christ.
daisymarygoldr on July 19, 2011 at 8:57 pm
For Christians, our confidence in God and His reality is not based on scientific reasoning, humanistic philosophy, atheistic arguments or even apologetic defenses. It is by simple faith we believe that He exists (Heb 11:6).
Bear in mind, even the views of atheist scientists are based on simple faith. When they don’t believe in God, they demonstrate faith that He doesn’t exist. And the reason they don’t believe in God is that they don’t want to as lindagma pointed out. This is willful ignorance.
So, how will we boldly present our faith to those who willfully reject the existence of God? We need to simply speak the truth—with love and defend the faith that God has entrusted to us (Jude 3). There is no need to debate and try to convince them about God by concocting terms like “intelligent design”.
It is pointless to argue with atheists because they will not be able to believe unless God reveals Himself to them (Matthew 11:27). I know this because my father was an atheist before he had accepted Christ. Only when a person believes in God, he receives the Holy Spirit, who in turn reveals to them God and His reality.
The basis of our confidence in God therefore, is an unshakable faith in Him, as revealed in His Word, manifested in Jesus Christ, and confirmed by the revelation of His Spirit.
tom felten on July 19, 2011 at 9:34 pm
Thanks for your emphasis on faith, jimgroberts and daisymarygoldr. Yes, the Holy Spirit must move in an individual’s heart—drawing them to faith by God’s grace. May we be willing agents of His Work, always prepared to share our faith in Jesus.
OnMyWayHome on July 19, 2011 at 10:49 pm
Its mentioned many a time as to “The Big Bang Theory”. In actuality Professor Albert Einstein himself in letters written to his fellow scientists not to continue using the “Big Bang Theory”.
His reasons where that if there were one then there had to be a ‘Creator’. As something or someone had to make the massive cluster. So even Professor Einstein had doubts as to defending the theory.
winn collier on July 20, 2011 at 9:04 am
Ah, thanks, Tom.
By the way, personally, I want the garden and the fairies.
OnMyWayHome on July 20, 2011 at 4:21 pm
….yeah love those fairies as well it would be kinda of cool….what do they eat by the way.