The
Mind of the Unbeliever – Part 1
Many philosophies or ways of thinking
are found in our culture. Some of these
ways of thinking have been described
with one word “post-modernism.” Portions
of these philosophies are directly opposed
to Christianity. For example, secularism
adopts the culture's way of thinking.
A benign example of secularism might
be “Shop until you drop,” but a destructive
aspect of secularism is evident when
God's ways are denied based upon popular
cultural thinking, such as “If it isn't
illegal, it's okay.” We Christians know
that many legal activities are, in fact,
unethical. We can legally cheat and
destroy each other. Divorces are legal
but biblically forbidden.
Each of us is impacted by these philosophies.
Not every aspect of these philosophies
is unchristian, however. For example,
existentialism highlights the uniqueness
and value of the individual. The Bible
teaches that God created us in His own
image. Another example is Pragmatism.
We might easily become unethical by
following “the ends justify the means.”
On the other hand, Pragmatism also highlights
the importance of accomplishing an important
purpose in a practical way.
While we recognize these philosophies
possess strengths, let's look at the
weaknesses that create problems for
the work of evangelism.
While we know the power of reason and
the need for logic, rationalism fights
with faith. The Christian witness needs
to know that all philosophies are based
on certain assumptions that could rightfully
be called faith statements. Usually
the rationalist objects to faith, saying
that it is unreasonable. The assumption,
however, is that all truth can be known
through reason. That is a faith statement!
So the position of the rationalist is
contradictory.
The personal witness can respond to
the rationalist by saying: “All reason
must be based on faith. You have faith
that truth can be discovered through
reason. I agree with you and would add
that truth can also be discovered through
God the Revealer of Truth and Reason.”
This response or tactic from the Christian
levels the playing field. By finding
common ground, the Christian can then
deal with issues of faith. The Christian
then expresses her faith in Jesus Christ
as revealing to us what God is like.
The
Mind of the Unbeliever – Part 2
Continuing our series on the Mind
of the Unbeliever, here are two more
philosophies that are prevalent in
today's Western post-modern society.
One common way of thinking found today
is pluralism, which acknowledges the
diversity among us. A democracy thrives
on diversity. The truth is we are
each unique individuals.
Unfortunately, another form of pluralism
becomes a hindrance to the witnessing
Christian.
Let's label this form of pluralism
“dogmatic” pluralism. This form of
pluralism sees diversity as the ultimate
truth. For the Christian witness to
encourage another person to change
is seen by the dogmatic pluralist
as a violation of personal identity,
“How dare you ask me to change! Who
are you?” This same form of pluralism
says there are many ways to God, and
adherents expect everyone to validate
all means to God as equally valid.
The dogmatic pluralist resists elevating
one method over another, all are to
be considered of equal value. When
the Christian begins dialogue with
a person holding this philosophy,
the point of conflict becomes “Jesus
is the only way of salvation.”
The Christian witness, to be effective,
will hold his position that Jesus
is the only way while acknowledging
that the other person is free to hold
another position. If the pluralist
is true to his philosophy, he will
allow you to hold your opinion, although
the Christian witness may have to
remind him of it. The Christian will
explain that his position comes from
what Jesus said, “I am the way, the
truth and the life. No man comes to
the Father but by me” (John 14:6).
For the Christian to be a faithful
follower of Jesus, he must believe
as Jesus did. Jesus said that He spoke
only what God told Him to say (John
17:8). Therefore our opinion is not
set against the pluralists' point
of view, but we are embracing what
Jesus said the Father told Him to
say.
This puts the pluralist in opposition
to Jesus and God. Here is where the
Holy Spirit must teach truth.
The relativist believes, “Everything
is relative,” except that one statement
which is absolute. Relativists' philosophy
essentially crumbles on their own
basic assumption. Contemporary relativists,
however, do not feel the need to submit
to the law of non-contradiction. The
law of non-contradiction teaches that
two opposing statements cannot both
be true. Either one statement is accurate
and the other false. Or they are both
false. Just as the pluralists resist
Christians saying there is only way
to God, so the relativists resist
by saying our point of view is “too
narrow and judgmental.”
Relativists like the pluralists, however,
are required by their own philosophy
to allow you to hold whatever opinion
you have. So relativists may hate
your position, but must accept your
ideas on the basis of their own philosophy.
Therefore, the Christian, with kindness,
gentleness, and perseverance must
keep teaching the Gospel. Once more
we believe the Holy Spirit will change
the heart and mind of the relativist.
The
Mind of the Unbeliever – Part 3
This is the concluding article in
our series on the Mind of the Unbeliever.
Listed below are the last three philosophies
prevalent in today's Western post-modern
society.
Existentialism can be described by
three components: every person is
unique; we are to live for the moment;
and truth is known by inner, subjective
experience. The Christian witness
will find agreement and disagreement
in each of these concepts. Christians
do believe that each person is unique,
but will resist falling into individualism
that sees the individual serving as
a god. The Christian also sees each
person as highly valued and unique,
but remains convinced that God deals
with all persons. The Christian will
see a person's individuality coexisting
with God's plan for all humankind.
The Christian witness will agree that
truth can be found by inner subjective
experience because the Holy Spirit
works within every individual. Truth
can be known subjectively and objectively.
God deals with us in ways that are
“outside one's self.” For example,
a person may say, “I don't believe
in gravity,” but that does not change
the objective truth that when he jumps
from a building the forces of gravity
will smash his belief.
The Christian witness will acknowledge
that the existentialist has truth
to teach us; however, the weaknesses
of existentialism are problematic
for the Christian witness. The existentialist
may not take into account heaven and
the eternal judgment because he lives
simply for the moment. The existentialist
will resist attempts of evangelism
because he is unique and not subject
to some one else's opinion. The existentialist
will resist the Christian's appeal
to the Bible because the existentialist
does not affirm biblical truths unless
the existentialist feels the Bible
agrees with him.
Materialism focuses on matter or the
acquisition of things. Materialism
competes with spirituality; that which
is seen or held is valued above that
which is invisible. The Christian
witness who speaks of the spirit world
suggests an alternative world view.
The Christian can ask leading questions
such as, “After you have acquired
these things, what next?” or ask,
“What is your belief about life after
death? Do you believe that humans
are matter only or are they spirits
as well?” Perhaps we can give a personal
testimony such as, “I appreciate material
things and pleasure, but have found
that they leave me empty or wanting
more. Is that your experience, too?”
Pragmatism believes that whatever
is right should be done; whatever
brings about good results should be
sought. This philosophy all too quickly
may embrace the end goal while giving
little attention to the means, the
ways of getting to an objective. Another
concern of pragmatism lies in our
inability to predict the future. What
may appear to be a right goal now
may actually mislead us. What brought
about a good result in one circumstance
may not apply to another situation.
While the Christian should be pragmatic,
we must realize the limitations of
pragmatism. God has given us certain
ideals and ethical principles by which
we should live. We ought to apply
these moral principles to the means
and ends we seek.
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