Agnostics are teamed up with Atheists in most discussions but they are different. Agnostics believe that there is insufficient evidence for the existence or nonexistence of God. They really don't take a position on God one way or the other. Atheists deny the existence of any supernatural beings. They do not believe in any meaning of the universe and they disregard any life commitment to a supernatural being. For the most part, a person believes one of the following three statements:
- There is a God.
- Maybe there is a God.
- There is not a God.
Darwinism
Until 1859, American Atheists had to maintain a low-profile because what they believed was not popular at all. until that time, the existence of the world, humanity, and all of nature was a compelling argument in favor of creation by God. (Can you imagine?) However, Charles Darwin's book, On the Origin of Species, was released hinting at some claims. It was not until his next book, The Descent of Man, came out that the real shocker was announced. His claim was that all living creatures are descended from a single ancestor. Here is his theory:
- Life started on its own as a tiny cell that developed over time into all forms of life, including humans.
- Nature acted like a breeding machine and produced biological changes. Harmful traits were eliminated and useful ones were passed on to the next generation.
- While these changes were small, over time they developed.
Darwin was right when it came to microevolution, change within a species; however, he was wrong when it came to macroevolution, change of one species into a different species. This new theory gave Atheists the ammo it needed in attacking the foundational truth that the world and everything in it was created by God. It has survived all these years without any disclaimer and without any proof of macroevolution.
Naturalism
Darwin's legacy is a new riligion. It is not called Darwinism but it is called Naturalism. Most people do not consider this a religion but as a worldview. Naturalists view the world as follows:
- Everything that exists is the result of natural causes.
- Humans are at the top of the evolutionary chain.
- With our intelligence, we can use science to harness nature for our best purposes.
- The solution to society's problems can be found within the scope of intelligence and ingenuity.
There is no need for God. God is irrelevant in naturalism. Naturalism disregards and denigrates anyone who adheres to a theistic belief. These are then the implications of naturalism:
- Nature is the only reality.
- Nature is a closed system.
- Theists are out of touch with reality.
Discussion
- How do we prove to an Atheist that God exists?
- How can you use the Theory of Intelligent Design to combat these three movements?
2 comments:
One of the guys that Jeff used to hang around when he had his store considered himself to be Atheist. We would have alot of discussions on the matter. I always made sure I let him know I would not ARGUE about it, but would discuss my beliefs. It was always very interesting to hear his views. As far as convincing an athiest that there is a God...I don't know how. They are so good at not 'wanting' to hear anything that may be the truth, that they really don't listen fully. He once told me "he felt sorry for people like me. We live in a fairy tale and to him that is sad." Well, I responded...."And I feel sorry for you. Ok, so what if I'm wrong...then I will have lived my life trying to please my God I believe in, doing His will, and looking forward to going to Heaven. If wrong, then I'll be put in the ground and never will know any different. But....what if I'm right...then look what is going to happen to you when you die. You WILL know the difference." Of course, this made no real impact.
Just like when we were at youth camp...and at Rock City. We were standing there looking at the 7 states....I just don't see how anyone can see something like that and question whether or not there is a God. And then, the whole Darwin theory..come on. Looking at the internal makeup of every living being. All humans and animals. How could it be possible that we came from one cell????? We are all so different. I mean, cows have more than one stomach for goodness sake!!! ok, anyway. Sometimes I think there are people out there who just don't really know what to believe, they just enjoy a good arguement.
I have a family member is atheist and he considers himself to not need God. He is very smart book wise, and he feels that he doesn't need anything else. He knows that we believe in God and Jesus Christ. Anytime he has been to our house, we have bible study and sing Christian songs. He always looks uncomfortable, but has never been rude or walked out. I just keep praying for him to see the truth. He has three kids and a wife, I think one of them is a Christian, but I'm not sure about the others. I don't think they are sure either. It is very sad. I just can't imagine, not believing there is a God. It is so obvious to me by just looking at humans and the world around us. We had to be designed. We are so complicated (in more ways than one). I just keep praying and living for HIM in hopes others will see that and believe.
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