The atheist philosopher, Thomas Nagel, had argued that no
one can be impartial about God:
- I am talking of...the fear of religion itself. I speak from experience, being strongly subject to this fear myself: I want atheism to be true...It isn't just that I don't believe in God and, naturally hope there is no God! I don't want there to be a God. I don't want the universe to be like that...I am curious whether there is anyone who is genuinely indifferent as to whether there is a God. (The Last Word, Oxford University Press, 1997, 130)
Nagel is unusual. Even though he has expressed a high regard
for intelligent design, something for which he had incurred great disapproval, he
still admits that he has an aversion to the idea of God.
However, many others have confessed to such an aversion. Author
of “The Brave New World,” Aldous
Huxley, had also been very candid about his rejection of a higher meaning to
life:
- I had motives for not wanting the world to have a meaning [and moral absolutes]; consequently assumed that it had none…We don’t know because we don’t want to know. It is our will that decides how and upon what subjects we shall use our intelligence. Those who detect no meaning in the world generally do so because, for one reason or another, it suits their books that the world should be meaningless. (Ends and Mean)
Nor are scientists
immune to these commitments to a God-less world. Todd C. Scott admitted:
- Even if all the data point to an intelligent designer, such a hypothesis is excluded from science because it is not naturalistic [mindless and purpose-less].
Richard Lewontin also admitted the bias of present-day
science:
- We take the side of science in spite of the patent absurdity of some of its constructs. . . in spite of the tolerance of the scientific community for unsubstantiated commitment to materialism. . . . we are forced by our a priori adherence to material causes to create an apparatus of investigation and set of concepts that produce material explanations, no matter how counterintuitive, no matter how mystifying to the uninitiated. Moreover, that materialism is absolute, for we cannot allow a Divine Foot in the door.
Why are they so adverse to God, even though they have
everything, if not in this world, then in the next, to gain? As Huxley
admitted, a belief in God doesn’t suit their commitments, lifestyle, or “their
books.” Others have been less forthright about the prospect of being judged by
a righteous God.
However, I think that there is even another reason – guilt
and shame. Jesus taught that the Spirit convict the world of their sin:
·
“And when he comes, he will convict the world
concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do
not believe in me.” (John 16:8-9)
Especially for those of us who have become proud with our
worldly attainments, conviction of sin and of our unworthiness is utterly
intolerable. It tells us that we are nothing without the Savior and deserve
only judgment. It cuts us down to size. Besides, this truth has been wired into
us:
·
Though they know God’s righteous decree that
those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give
approval to those who practice them. (Romans 1:32)
This is why we are so agitated by the existence of God. When
we know that we are in sin, and we do, we love the company of others like us –
escapism to the max! This is why that
even Christ’s people are a stench to them:
·
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among
those who are being saved and among those who are perishing, to one a fragrance
from death to death, to the other a fragrance from life to life. Who is
sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)
I say this to warn you about the aversion of the world to us
and to our faith. We will sense this aversion in the university, in the media,
and even in our neighborhood.
Rejoice when you are treated well, but do not expect it. Jesus
warned us of this aversion:
·
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated
me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as
its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the
world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A
servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also
persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” (John 15:18-20)
Jesus even warned that our “brethren” will turn against us:
·
And then many will fall away and betray one
another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many
astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow
cold. (Matthew 24:10-12)
We see this happening today. The New York Times, in an article entitled “Christian Leaders
Denounce Trump’s Plan to Favor Christian Immigrants,” gave voice to the “Christian
Leaders” who thought it illegitimate to favor Christian immigrants. Meanwhile,
they fail to mention:
·
That, for years, we had been favoring Muslim
immigrants, while deporting Christian immigrants.
·
That Muslims create massive problems and
criminal abuses for non-Muslims.
·
Christian refugees are the most peaceful and the
most hated.
·
That Christian refugees would be grateful for
their new sanctuary, unlike Muslim refugees.
·
That our first responsibility is for our family
and brethren: Galatians 6:10 “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good
to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
We shouldn’t be surprised by such betrayal and hypocrisy.
Jesus even promised us:
·
“I have said all these things to you to keep you
from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is
coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.” (John
16:1-2)
As horrific as these truths are, we must still repeat them
to others.
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