A DEFENSE FOR DEFENDING THE FAITH

 

 

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.