Wall Street and Witherington respond to the same old new atheism…
January 17th, 2007
One of the interesting trends that bears watching is the rise of what is known as the “new atheism”. Randy Bohlender wrote an interesting blurb on this trend a while ago in connection to a Wired magazine article on the same subject. He followed up with the horrifying trend of young adults blaspheming the Holy Spirit defiantly, in response to a challenge from an agressive atheist organization. This trend bears paying close attention to, and should not be dismissed.
New atheism is “new” in terms of its agressive, evangelistic zeal to enlighten the masses to their foolish lemming-like acceptance of what should be obviously and soundly rejected, for the good of the human race. The greatest danger, according to Sam Harris, is the sold-out, radical believer in God. The greatest crime, according to Richard Dawkins, is indoctrinating our children into our religious beliefs. New atheism is “new”, in the eyes of Sam Schulman of the Wall Street Journal, in that is far more uncivilized and far less intellectual than the “old” atheism of days gone by. You can read his opinion here, in an article entitled “Without God, Gall is Permitted”.
Strong words by Schulman in a brilliant response to the calculated arrogance of these atheistic evangelists include:
“The faith that the new atheists describe is a simple-minded parody. It is impossible to see within it what might have preoccupied great artists and thinkers like Homer, Milton, Michelangelo, Newton and Spinoza–let alone Aquinas, Dr. Johnson, Kierkegaard, Goya, Cardinal Newman, Reinhold Niebuhr or, for that matter, Albert Einstein. But to pass over this deeper faith–the kind that engaged the great minds of Western history–is to diminish the loss of faith too. The new atheists are separated from the old by their shallowness.“
He continues on to say,
“The new atheists fail too often simply for want of charm or skill. Twenty-first century atheism hasn’t found its H.G. Wells or its George Bernard Shaw, men who flattered their audiences, excited them and persuaded them by making them feel intelligent. Here is Sam Harris, for instance, addressing those who wonder if destroying human embryos in the process of stem cell research might be morally dicey: “Your qualms . . . are obscene.”
The atheists say that they are addressing believers. Rationalists all, can they believe that believers would be swayed by such contumely and condescension? They seem instead to be preaching to people exactly like themselves–a remarkably incurious elite.”
Ben Witherington (of whom I greatly enjoy - books, commentaries, and blog…) comments on this article and then adds many of his own thoughts in a blog post called “Angry Apostles of Atheism Attack“, in which Witherington lays out a thoughtful and, at times, provocative rebuke in echoing Schulman’s introduction to the conversation. Among the potent bombs dropped from Witherington’s thought plane, this one was the most enjoyable:
“I mean when is the last time you found people ranting and raving for so long about something or someone who, according to them, doesn’t even exist? I don’t see people writing angry diatribes shouting “Unicorns Aren’t Real– Get Over it!”. In fact I don’t even see many Grinches writing best sellers entitled “Santa Claus is a myth”. And actually there are a good number of people who believe in one or both of those creatures. Could it be that one has to really get angry and go into denial about God, precisely because even these atheists are created in God’s image, and they are trying to exorcise that influence? Well, its worth pondering.”
Needless to say, I loved these two articles. I do, however, have one problem. The great danger that I see here is a similar curt dismissal of those whom we can easily deconstruct. Just as the new atheists are doing to us, we can give into the temptation to respond in kind, and thus minimize the real signpost that is meant to inform us of the time in history that we must not miss.
I am convinced that the biggest threat that radical Islam poses to us now are acts of terror and widespread violence that will galvanize the nations of the earth against radical expressions of any faith, Muslim or Christian. Radical Islam, in their great zeal to begin their Great Tribulation, will only serve to rally the anti-faith zeal of the nations against them. In the process, they will rally the zeal of the nations against us. Prior to the actual Great Tribulation (that God Himself will begin, not men), Revelation 17 gives us a glimpse of a global religion in which the kings of the earth are all in agreement and service to - with great prosperity as their reward. It is towards the end of Revelation 17 that I believe radical Islam will make its reemergence - to be the dominant power of the last three and a half years. Prior to that, however, I believe that we will see a planet filled with people openly hostile to our kind of faith - much like the gospel of the new atheists.
Our immediate future is bound up in this expression of “religion” - not of the radical persuasion but of the middle ground of what we currently call the “center” in politics. The “center” - not too radical left or right - will come to dominate relgious expression as well, by necessity (in the eyes of the nations). In those days, men like Sam Harris and Richard Dawkins will be poised to capitalize with a message they will have been preparing for years. They are preaching now to few, but the days will come when I believe that many will give them an willing and eager ear.
The greatest fear that I have in hearing their message is that the messenger we dismiss today will be the rallying point of martyrdom tomorrow (Rev. 17:6).
David
Entry Filed under: current events, end times
38 Comments Add your own
1. Jim | January 17th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
Dave,
Great Post. Only question for you is this. What if the vast majority of the world converts to Islam? Or at least enough so that those who “hate” the radical form of any religion never get a chance to voice it and oppose it.
What do you think?
I know many will say it is an impossibility for this to happen. I mean the majority of the world become Islamic? Come on! I would think the same thing but then you look at the stats and see that the fastest growing religion in the world is Islam. Europe, Africa and Asia it is growing crazy fast.
North America, believe it or not, is seeing a great conversion to Islam.
2. David | January 18th, 2007 at 7:07 am
I think that the version of Islam that the vast majority of the world is converting to at the moment is the lukewarm, watered down backslidden version that is too easily labeled a “religion of peace”.
The hard-core, radical guys that actually read the Koran are disgusted by the prevailing expression of Islam across the earth right now. It’s the exact same scenario as a “Laodicien” liberal expression of Christianity that freely admits to “many ways to God”.
My point is that this expression of Islam would flow seamlessly into a one-world religion joined at the hip with “oprah Christianity” and other lukewarm expressions of faith that are all united by their common desire for peace and safety.
David
3. Lex | January 18th, 2007 at 7:27 am
I don’t know that I believe that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. I think Islamists believe it is, and they shout it from the proverbial rooftops to a western media that is eager to encourage and perhaps exaggerate the idea. Most of those media outlets and the independent “studies” that fuel them have no way of tracking the growth or movement of the underground Church in nations where persecution is ripe.
I definately agree, though, that there may soon come a time when it seems as though Islam has taken over … as the strain of Islam in the public eye continues jihad, and the strain of Christianity in the public eye continues impotence.
If someone could cite a relatively thorough, unbiased study of the influence of world religions, though, I’d be interested.
4. ChriS Ferguson | January 18th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Athiesm is the highest form of idolatry. The creation saying I have no creator. I in fact am self-existent and self perpetuating. Worship of false gods and other faith’s is less of an abomination to the Lord because at least they acknowledge a “god” in whom to submitt. When the creation He loves so much has gone so far as to reject any thought of Him and to exalt himself above the Most High…what does this do to the heart of God. He loves them and they reject Him completely. No wonder Jesus is wearing bloodstained garments.
Alas Athiesm is an unreached people group. When we are a people without mixture who recieve the Spirit without measure…they can write the books, blogs, and text books…but the World will know GOD ALMIGHTY exists. The billions who choose to harden their hearts will figure it out. One way or the other ever knee will bow. That is why we pray!
5. Cathy | January 18th, 2007 at 8:33 am
Dave,
Have you read any of what Barack Obama has to say? To me, even though he seems to have chosen Christ, and says that he “submitted myself to His will and dedicated myself to discovering His truth”, to me, he reeks of a man willing to lead this country into a one-world religion of the future.
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1546298,00.html
Also, I highly recommend “Now They Call Me Infidel: Why I Renounced Jihad for America, Israel, and the War on Terror ” for your wife, or any other woman….but you can read it too (haha)!
Nonie Darwish, you may have seen in the FNC-aired documentary “Obsession”. I just finished the book and found her writing to be incredibly detailed, especially in dealing with the effects of Islam on the family unit. It’s a great book!
6. Brent Steeno | January 18th, 2007 at 10:41 am
Lex,
There are actually plenty of studies out there that are very unbiased that show that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world.
“The second-largest religion in the world after Christianity, Islam is also the fastest-growing religion. In the United States, for example, nearly 80 percent of the more than 1,200 mosques have been built in the past 12 years.” - Gayle Young
“Islam is the second-largest religion in the world, with more than 1.3 billion believers. In the United States, it is the fastest growing religion, a trend fueled mostly by immigration.” - Defend America (a christian conservative group)
“A United Nations’ survey showed that between 1989 and 1998, Europe’s Muslim population grew by more than 100 percent, due mainly to the effects of immigration from Muslim countries.”
I dont see how you can say that you dont think Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world. The vast majority of statistics show that it is - all you have to do is study the current state of Europe and Africa to find that out. You should really do an in depth study on it. It is very interesting and you might learn a whole lot from it.
Dave,
I agree with your assesment to a certain extent. What do you think about Europe? The vast majority of muslims there may not be “extremests” but when asked they do sympathize with thier cause. And when push comes to shove may actually join in with thier activities.
Just a simple thought.
7. Lex | January 18th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Brent,
I say that b/c I’m not as well versed as some. Thanks for the info.
8. David | January 18th, 2007 at 11:50 am
Cathy - I fully agree with your assessment of Obama. The problem with politicians today is that they are so political.
They have becomes experts at detecting the prevailing mood and speaking the language of the american heart. That language, at the moment, is best expressed through politically correct inclusiveness that is a smokescreen for great intolerance towards passionate belief.
Thanks so much for the resources and the article link. Obama is obviously one whom no one had on their radar screen a few years back but is far scarier to me than many of the other candidates. For the record, Guliani (whom you know well) and McCain also scare me, for the reasons outlined above.
-ds
9. David | January 18th, 2007 at 11:55 am
Brent - I agree with you fully. i think Europe is both the exception to my suspicions (the events in Denmark confirmes that thought - the furor over the Danish editorial cartoons, for those who don’t remember) and a political entity in grave, grave danger.
The ideals of the European Union will be irrelevant sooner than later when they open the floodgates even further to the inexorable tide of radical Islam. They will be overwhelmed by the very democratic priciples that will literally leave them outvoted when it comes to resisting the brutal oppression of the true face of Islam.
-ds
10. Brent Steeno | January 18th, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Europe is deffinetely in some big trouble.
11. David | January 18th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
This side note may warrent a full-blown post later this week, but Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al-Malaki is an evil, evil man:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7374-2553148.html
-ds
12. Cathy | January 18th, 2007 at 1:35 pm
David, I totally agree - McCain and Guiliani both scare me - though Guliani less so than McCain….but not much less.
We wish we could have Guiliani back in the city as mayor though. Things are just going to get progressively worse without him here.
13. David | January 18th, 2007 at 1:43 pm
What Guliani did for Times Square and the surounding area was encouraging; what he did in regards to crime was very impressive. One could argue though, that the consumerism that replaced the darkness of Times Square is simply the spirit of the age repackaged in a manner socially acceptable to the masses.
What Guliani did to the homeless was less encouraging, but he had some difficult trade-offs to make there. Still, any who was a regular on the homeless outreach circuit throughout the city was no fan of Rudy in that regard.
His social policies, however, tell the true story in my opinion. I would guess that on a national level with a national microscope some of his hidden opinions (reflected in the compromise of his private life that were slightly exposed in his almost Senate run a few years ago) will come out again. It’s a different lens that comes on you when you asipre to presidential office, and I can’t imagine he would be too comfortable with that lens. His current celebrity status in my mind would be way more enjoyable and profitable than the manner in which his warts would be exposed in such a move.
In regards to McCain, I’m wondering when the McCain who was openly hostile to evangelical believers 8 years ago is going to resurface.
-ds
14. Brent Steeno | January 18th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
I read the same article this morning and thought the same thing aboout that guy.
Oh to go back a few years and do things differently in Iraq.
15. Brent Steeno | January 18th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
I think I am not going to vote in 2008.
16. Cathy | January 19th, 2007 at 7:23 am
McCain has said so many things that are so completely “out there”, that at times you have to wonder if he’s got all his marbles. I guarantee his open hostility to evangelicals will resurface. Dean will definitely bring that up to Rush and write about it if McCain really becomes a serious contender. Once Rush talks about it, you can pretty much guarantee that Drudge, Fox and others will pick it up and it will go beyond Rush’s own 20 million/week listeners.
I also agree with you on Rudy’s social policies, and his own life. I’m not familiar with his treatment of the homeless in detail, but that doesn’t surprise me, because after living for a short while in Hawaii, I was astounded that many city and state leaders would just bundle up their homeless, and give them a one-way ticket to Hawaii, hoping never to have to deal with them again! It’s amazing how many leaders have done just that!
It’s also hard to argue with the difference in the city itself from the time before Rudy was mayor until when he left. NYC is unlike any other city in the world and no simple human mayor is going to get everything right - but the fact that he pretty much removed the “fear for your own safety” attitude in New Yorkers is quite an amazing feat.
Though Dean still has his “before Rudy” defense positions when we’re on a subway platform or walking through the streets…hahaha. It’s funny to me, in some ways, because I didn’t live here pre-Rudy, but a lot of New Yorkers who did, grew up ready to jump, punch, and defend themselves at any moment from some disturbed person on a subway platform or street who could come up behind them in a moment’s notice and push them on the tracks, or stick a knife or gun in their back - or worse.
Just last night, 2 very portly homosexual gentlemen were having a lovers quarrel in front of the entrance to the 14th street subway station and I hesitated to go near them, but Dean just grabbed my hand and we plowed on by. Afterwards he said to me, “I knew we were safe and these guys weren’t carrying a gun.” At other times, he would just grab my arm and steer me in the other direction, always aware, from the years growing up pre-Rudy, that life can quickly go back to those days.
17. David | January 19th, 2007 at 7:47 am
Brent - I am so depressed that the “Surge” being orchestrated by the US military is being used as a tool to finish the job in supressing the Sunnis while Al-Malaki has:
1. Demoted his officer in charge of the Iraqi forces in Baghdad (a Sunni) in favor of his own man (a Shiite)
2. Restricted the US military from targeting any of the Shiite forces in that city, including the Mahdi Army and others who are quietly cleansing neighborhood after neighborhood of Sunni; and only allowing them to conduct operations against the Sunni.
Once America is gone, this man will fully ally himself with Iran, I am sure of it. Ugh.
-ds
18. David | January 19th, 2007 at 7:51 am
Cathy - I agree, one of the great appeals that Guliani holds for Americans are his impressive leadership abilities. The nation conected with them when they saw his conduct after Sept. 11, but NYC has been the beneficiary for quite some time.
Still, as we have been saying, he is a nominal conservative (thinking Rush) and more Clinton than Bush regarding his social and moral agenda, which he would surely try to minimize if he ran for national office.
-ds
19. Cathy | January 19th, 2007 at 8:32 am
I agree with you on that, Dave. Most candidates are unfortunately lacking in many areas and their political teams will do just about anything to minimize, hide and downright deny that their candidate is anything but perfect in all areas.
What’s your view on Brownback? I’ve heard people say he’s the next President, but it looks so unlikely at the moment. His lack of support for President Bush on the troop increase interested me.
20. David | January 19th, 2007 at 8:41 am
I’m a huge Brownback fan. As a United States Senator.
In qualifying that statement, I think he has an accurate perception that there are many around the nation who are ready for a man to be in leadership to fully and accurately represent authentic christian faith.
But I think he is mistaken in his analysis of the zeal of the counter-movement already underway (and gaining strength) that reflects the early seeds of what I spoke of in my post. I am speaking of a hostile backlash against outspoken and zealous expressions of faith; in the present this will be expressed through candidates who HAVE faith (which most still see as a good thing - as long as it is a “reasonable” faith that allows for “choice” and “freedom” in certain areas of privacy) but do not allow their faith to be the guiding force behind public policy.
Watch. Whoever emerges from either party will, by neccessity, have to insist on that fact as part of their platform and personal philosophy of governance. Again, they will say that they believe in God (probably not Jesus) but their belief will not dictate public policy, and that there is a necessary separation between personal belief and the governance of our nation.
This idea, of course, is ludicrous, but will be the prevailing sentence guiding the candidacy of both Democrat and Republican nominees.
Which is why I think that Brownback has no shot at the presidency in our time.
-ds
21. Brent Steeno | January 19th, 2007 at 9:17 am
Cathy,
When you come to KC I need to sit down with you and your husband (the Slikers can join us if they want to).
Steeno
22. Brent Steeno | January 19th, 2007 at 9:40 am
Dave - I agree again with your assessment of Iraq. I just wonder if Al-Malaki will stay alive long enough to ally himself with Iran.
It amazes me actually that he is still in power after everything he has done and said. I wish Bush would surround himself with some people who actually new the political history and culture of the Middle East. Understanding the history of the Shiite and Sunni’s might help them make better decisions.
I must admit I do agree with Bush sending more troops into Iraq. We have got to fix the situation. To leave early only means that Iran doubles in size overnight. Im not sure Israel would sit back and let that happen. Hopefully the job gets done in the next two years…I would hate to see what Guliani, Obama, Clinton do if the situation has not changed in two years.
In fact I am a little nervous about the decisions Brownback would make if he was president in two years concerning Iraq and the Middle East. I read the comments Brownback recently made as well. That concerns me.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge Brownback fan but after a recent conversation with someone I now look at foreign policy as the biggest qualification for someone to be president. I don’t think, from the limited information that I read, that Brownback has that in him right now. Although I could be surprised. I don’t think Obama or Guliani has it either. Clinton might have a better understanding about foreign policy right now but she is down right scary.
I actually watched recently an interview with Newt Gingrich and he seemed to know a bit more of what is going on in the world. But who knows.
What this country needs right now is another Reagan. This guy was one of the best presidents we ever had. His desire to rid the world of communism fascinates me. His understand of geo-political situations in the world was nothing short of brilliant.
I pray we get another president like him or I hate to see where this country will be in 6 years.
I look forward to the posts on Islam. I have been reading some crazy stuff on it as of late.
23. David | January 19th, 2007 at 9:48 am
It doesn’t make sense to send more troops if those soldiers are unintentionally participating in one of the worst exercises in ethnic cleansing since Bosnia.
-ds
24. Brent Steeno | January 19th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Wow. I did not look at like that! I would have to agree with you I guess.
This situation in Iraq is really messed up. I want to stand with Bush on this but because of all the facts mentioned it is hard but at the same time we can not run.
Im still stunned at that comment. I can not believe how slow I am at times to see things for what they are.
25. David | January 19th, 2007 at 10:10 am
It’s a pretty intense statement, for sure.
26. Randy Bohlender | January 19th, 2007 at 10:40 am
Regarding a Brownback Presidency…
I really like Sam Brownback. I would vote for Sam Brownback. That being said, barring a miracle rivaling the parting of the red sea, Senator Brownback will not be elected. My money right now would be on Brent Steeno over Sam Brownback for electability, not because Steeno is well known, but rather because he’s NOT.
In our current political climate, Brownback is not a viable player. He’s right on a lot of issues (’right’ in both connotations) but has failed to maintain the ambiguity factor that gets people elected (the current winner in that catagory is Barack Obama).
Now, to say these things publicaly is to suffer the wrath of those who will cry “The prophecies! The prophecies!”….which remind me of the beaver in the Chronicles of Narnia, who, in turn reminds me of Graham Walsh, but that’s another post. If the prophecies are accurate, we’ll know in ‘08. In the meantime, I can’t ignore the writing on the wall.
Someone also mentioned Gingrich as a possibility. I don’t think so. He’s lost a lot of luster since his Revolution of ‘94. In Feb of 05, I saw him standing on the corner of Pennsylvania Ave trying to hail a cab….by himself. That’s a long way from where he came. Granted, he’s brilliant - and a life long student - what he has failed to do is be nice to people, which still counts for something.
I wish that we had a candidate. I don’t see one right now.
27. David | January 19th, 2007 at 10:52 am
I for one am going to begin a campaign demanding a fully fleshed out analysis of the ways in which the beaver from the Narnia movie really does resemble (and sound like) Graham Walsh. Randy, it is your civic responsibility to explore this.
In regards to your lament, I agree. 2008 looks undeniably bleak politically (and, subsequently, in regards to the future of american legislation and biblical morality) , which is a statement that prophetic types don’t always appreciate coming from the end-times types (in broad, sweeping generalizations, of course).
ds
28. Cathy | January 19th, 2007 at 11:28 am
Dave - I totally agree with your post (#20) above. If any political candidate came out and said that their faith in Jesus as Lord will dictate their public policy, sadly, that would be their downfall in this country. But I know God is bigger than the American political system and just as I believe Bush was His choice for President, I’m hoping and praying that somehow a true Christian emerges and gets elected once again in 2008, and if Brownback is the guy that the Lord wants, then, I’ll be behind him 100%.
Based on what I’ve read and heard so far though, if I could vote (I can’t, as I’m Canadian), I have no idea who I would vote for.
Brent - Nice to meet you. I just took a look at your blog and you seem very interested in international politics. We look forward to meeting you in person. Be prepared, Dean can drink gallons of coffee and discuss politics for hours!
29. joyska | January 19th, 2007 at 12:14 pm
Cathy
I love the conversation! It’s also fun to see you on the blog world “circuit”. I know we are already connecting while you are here… but I must say, i would love to be a “fly on the wall” during the politcal debate about to insue with Brent Steeno and the slikers! woo hoo!
30. Brent Steeno | January 19th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
AHHHHHHHH! I just lost one of the greatest posts of my life! I will try again!
Cathy - Tell your husband to come prepared. I love geo-political stuff. I coiuld spend hours talking about it. It has become my second fav. thing to do besides pray and reading the Bible. I look forward to meet you all in person. Dont forget me though.
As far as Brownback is concerned it is a shame that the only way you can become President these days is to comprimse your morals. That is why Sam wont get elected president.
But I guess you never know what could happen the way God does thing. You have to remember that the little “prophecies” that Randy mentioned were prophecied by the same guy that prophecied a little comet that us “IHOPers” are very well aware of.
31. Cathy | January 19th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
Joyska - Yes, we will indeed be treating you to dinner and we can’t wait! We love all the work you’re doing down there and think you have an awesome heart!
Brent - Dean is always prepared. He has an amazing memory. His knowledge of American presidents alone is downright scary.
32. Cathy | January 19th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
David - just realized that I’ve been calling you Dave - sorry about that! It’s David from now on!
33. Marc | January 19th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
I have not spent much time learning about atheism beyond the basic dictionary definition. I realize that as a public school teacher and in passionate pursuit of Jesus, I need to have an understanding on this subject. I find it very interesting that the group that started the Blasphemy Challenge are atheists. On the website they quote Mark 3:29. I thought atheists do not believe in the exisistence of God. Why then do they quote scripture?
David your blog is awesome. I love to read about life at IHOP and the endtimes. I visited IHOP last summer for a conference. One of my former athletes that I have coached since he was in 8th grade is not enrolled at FSM. I plan on visiting again for the Passion for Jesus conference.
34. David | January 19th, 2007 at 5:27 pm
This comments section has taken some of the funniest twists and turns - this is fascinating to me.
Cathy - David or Dave, as one who has a preference for easy one syllable names (or a nickname if that’s impossible) I fully buy into whatever you land on.
Marc - They are quoting Mark 3:29 as the centerpiece verse they are looking to spite (the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit verse). If there was a “don’t ever jump up and down or you will spend eternity in hell” verse, they would video each other jumping up and down enthusiatically with the corresponding verse on their t-shirts.
Ben Witherington’s article gave a really solid analysis of why that would be, and what would have to be happening internally for them to go there.
-ds
35. Brent Steeno | January 19th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Cathy,
Im excited all the more now that I know your husband knows alot about our past presidents. I have recently become a huge Reagen fan. I am currenlty reading a book (slowly because the only time I read it is when I go to barns and nobes, one chapter at a time. i would buy it but for an Intercessor Missionary about to get married there are other things to spend my money on. I told the local library to buy it but they seem to be dragging their feet.) on him and his history. i am amazed by this man and his leadership.
36. David | January 20th, 2007 at 9:41 pm
Note: I decided to wait until next week (after my “results post”) to do my follow up on radical Islam - mostly because I want to do a little series on the topic, as it is one of the central issues of our time.
I am often asked what my opinion is on Islam and the End-Times, and so it may be time to really lay it out comprehensively for all who are interested.
It may not be the wisest course of action to publish such opinions for all to see (Muslims don’t really like that kind of thing), but hey, I’m kind of making this thing up as I go.
-ds
37. Josiah | January 21st, 2007 at 9:03 pm
Whoa, this hit me like a punch in the gut. Another reason to continue in fasting and intercession, Teressa and I can’t wait to get there. This generation is dying and for fasting and prayer is all we can do.
38. David | January 23rd, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Josiah - I agree. We can appeal to hearts and minds to turn to Jesus, but God is the only one who can actually change minds and hearts. We participate in this process of mercy through the weakness of prayer.
-ds
Leave a Comment
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed