Written by C. S. Lewis, "God in the Dock" addresses the attitude, peculiar to humans, of wanting to do away with their Creator.
Atheists in particular want to see God dead.
Atheists in particular want to take the credit for the killing of Creator God.
Humans look at the world around them and find rising within them anger and rage and indignation that they should have to tolerate anything less than paradise. We compile our list of perceived crimes that God has committed and we stand at His gates, shaking our fists and screaming our protest. We actually feel good, even righteous in demanding that our Creator stand trial.
We are His judge.
We are His jury.
We cross-examine the Almighty and hold Him in contempt when He refuses to answer our charge.
Not only do we feel entitled to an explanation. We feel entitled to recompense.
How is it that we cannot see that we are not qualified to judge our Creator?
It’s His laws, His court.
Shall the pot say to the Potter, “Why have you made me this way?”
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
10 comments:
C.S. Lewis, one of my favorite fantasy writers, was wrong on many things, this is one of them.
Nietzsche may have secretly yearned for God to be dead, at least the idea of God. But to say all Atheists desire God to be dead is fallacious.
Many Atheists, not all of them of course (but some), would positively rejoice if there was such a thing as an all loving, caring, omnibenevolent God who would step in and save us during our times of need.
That's just not the case.
All we are saying is, if such a personal God exists which fits that bill, then show us. At least show us some compelling evidence to get us to nudge in that direction.
However, having spent 30 years a Christian, I must say, I've considered most of the main Christian claims, and I know many of them well. If there was truly an abundance of genuine and trustworthy evidence, I think rational people would eventually deduce the truth of the matter.
The truth of the matter just so happens there is an abundant lack of evidence. That's neither compelling nor convincing.
And citing the big bang as proof actually harms your argument, because everything scientists view in nature has apparently happened naturally, as far as we can tell. I mean, there's no reason to pressume the big bang was any different. The nothingness argument just doesn't fly, because it's predicated on your inability to imagine something coming from nothing, but that's what physics and modern cosmology describes--that's how the universe appears to function.
So if there is an intelligence behind it, prove that first, then we might believe the big bang was the work of that deity, but going the reserve way is like trying to traverse mount improbable by digging through the center of the Earth. In other words, it may be possible, but it's highly unlikely.
Eliminate the things we can know first before simply assuming what we can't know.
What I was trying to say is, if Atheists did wake up one day to find God in their flower pot, they'd simply to the rational thing, and water it and hope to make it grow.
We wouldn't be bitter about it. Well, maybe there would be an anti-theist or two taken aback, but most of us would get on with re-adjudicating the new evidence and adjust our thinking appropriately.
Same goes for Christ descending upon white clouds of glory... if it happens in our lifetime, well, most of us would admit our mistake. Some might be angry that such a supposedly loving entity took his time and let all the pains and tribulations and suffering and death and disease go on for so long, but if he turns out to be real then we can honestly admit our mistake.
And wouldn't a loving God hold honesty in esteem? I mean, I'd hate to be the guy who takes Pascal's wager and feigns a belief in the almighty just to save his own skin and get into heaven. Surely God can see through such a ruse.
Atheists only have their integrity. Best to be honest with oneself, it's the right thing to do.
"having spent 30 years a Christian,"
So what do you think it was that was “masquerading” as the presence of the Holy Spirit during your thirty years as a Christian? What was comforting, guiding, counselling, loving you?
When tragedy struck, what was it that infused you with joy and hope and strength?
The power of the mind.
Thank you Chris. Next time please raise your hand.
Tristan?
"Thank you Chris. Next time please raise your hand.
Tristan?"
lol, that was a good one
I agree with Chris' answer though ;)
Remember what I told you, that I find it sad that you cannot realize how wonderful your own mind is? It's the same idea here...
Wow, you're so smart. So let me ask you, where did it go? Wisconsin? Andromeda? The third dimension from bubble X in the anthropic foam? Seriously, you're telling me you know... so if you know...
I just don't think that's a presumption you can make. It's not even biblically supported... it's just a theological surmise.
I didn't deny the spirit, and as I've written extensively, I never turned my back on my faith. So I resent the insinuation.
I always approached my faith with great interest and curiosity. And the pursuit of truth let me to cognitive dissidence. Atheism leaves me with no cognitive dissidence and the answers don't necessarily raise and infinite surplus of questions, unlike religious quandaries.
But maybe I'm missing the gist of your point? Much of what you state is broad, and many of your sweeping claims are just opinion, but if you had something specific in mind then please clarify so I can address it properly. Thanks for you time.
Tristan: Is that reply directed to me?
Where did what go? What are you talking about?
Are you saying that you ARE indwelt by the Holy Spirit but it was NOT the Holy Spirit who brought you comfort and counsel and peace etc. etc. That was just mind over matter?
Are you saying that you are not an atheist? Or are you someone who denies the reality of God but is indwelt by His Spirit?
I don't understand what you're talking about.
Post a Comment