Author of Mystery of the Cross Revealed, Oscar
Amaechina, argues against making a defense for the faith:
·
Unfortunately, after many years, this issue [of
proving God] has not been resolved as atheism and secularism continue to gain
ground in our public squares. Many of them say that the evidence against God’s
existence is too overwhelming. Despite all epistemological and ontological
evidence to prove the existence of God, many remain unconvinced.
Many do remain unconvinced. However, I do not think that
this is because of the weakness of the proofs and but the hardness of hearts to
any evidence for God’s existence and nature (Romans 1:1:18-21). Instead, the
author claims that it is illegitimate to make or use such proofs:
·
It is folly for a mere mortal to try and prove
the existence of Almighty God who created everything. God is a mystery, and no
man can claim full knowledge of Him. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher
than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your
thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9). https://www.christianpost.com/voices/do-we-really-need-to-prove-that-god-exists.html?clickType=link-topbar-news
If we are capable of understanding the Gospel, why not also
the proofs for the Gospel. Besides, we are required to always be ready to
present a reason for our hope:
·
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as
holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a
reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, (1
Peter 3:15)
It can be argued that the entire Book of Acts was about
apologetics—reasons to believe. When the Apostles were speaking to a Jewish
audience, they reasoned from the Scriptures. However, when Paul spoke to a
gentile audience, he resorted to reasoning from the general revelation—the creation.
Even Jesus resorted to proofs—miracles and fulfilled prophecies:
·
He presented himself alive to them after his
suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking
about the kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)
Admittedly, evidence alone will not turn anyone to the
faith, but neither will the presentation of the Gospel unless the Holy Spirit
accompanies it.
The unrepentant heart has embraced the darkness rather than
the light of truth lest he be exposed (John 3:19-20). Because of this, the
supporting evidences are, first of all, for the believer. According to the
testimony of many, it has been these evidences and proofs that have renewed their
faith and have solidified their commitment. I too can vouch for this!
However, against doing apologetics, the author resorts to Psalm
14:1:
·
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’
They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.”
Truly, the evil intents of our hearts are enough to overcome
any evidence. When I perceive their commitment to the darkness, and they
challenge me to prove God, I have learned to say:
·
“We are surrounded by the evidence for God.
Everything has the appearance of design,
when within the atom, molecule, the elegant laws of science or the fine-tuning
of the universe. If you refuse to hear what they are communicating, there is
certainly nothing I can tell you that will make any difference.
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