I have heard numerous times the claim from the atheist that the “natural and default” condition of men from birth is atheism until “indoctrinated” into religion. This assertion seemingly works from the “clean slate” philosophy and overlooks the fact that atheism is also indoctrination. A child enters this world, and evidently, whoever gets to him first “wins”. From that point, the battle rages on either side to “deprogram”.
Our tendency is not to utterly deny the existence of God, for Scripture says all men know God exists, stated specifically in Romans 1. Due to the Fall, we are born as little rebels against God; natural God-haters. Even when raised in what may be called a “good Christian home” our tendency is not toward atheism, it is toward APOSTACY and it will be until the day we die.
No one, not even the atheist, wants to come right out and admit that they rebel against some known good. While Christians affirm Romans 3:23, maybe the temptation is to say “”True, but now I’m saved. That was then; this is now” implying that our rebellion is over. Sure, we now strive to bring all our ways into conformity to the Person of Christ as well we should. But again, I am grateful to the one who posed this question to me: “If I rely on my conformity, for what do I need a crucified and risen Savior?” Did I only need Him once for “salvation” and the rest is now up to me (with the “help” of the Holy Spirit, of course.)to conform; to obey. Why? Because (we are told) obedience brings the blessing. Christian Sanctification is then based on my obedience and not Christ’s. Remember, it is Christ’s imputed righteousness unto us always and only.
Then we must come under sound teaching. (Titus 1:9…the frightening task of the Pastor/Elder) for our continual tendency is to teeter and totter on the brink of apostasy, rationalizing that “no one is perfect; God’s not done with me yet.” and by our un-admitted indifference to historic sound doctrine and Satan’s subtleties, we become more susceptible to…apostasy. Not outright atheism, for the young boy (untaught) becomes an atheist but is no different than one raised in the church who begins to question, as is illustrated in the video link.
We all have questions! But when the boy abandons the faith due to unanswered questions and claims atheism, or another boy apostatizes, what’s the difference? Is there a qualitative difference? The same lack of sound teaching produced both, only to a lesser or greater degree! Thus the exhortation to “be sober; watchful in prayer” 1Cor 16:13, 1Pet 4:6,7.
Would we be surprised to find that our presumed answer to a certain contention ends in agreement with the atheist? How much of our belief is truly derived from the doctrines of Scripture? Many helps are available, which will correct us in humility, yet are neglected. Are we stiff-necked? We do not expect the atheist to submit to correction, but will we also resist at the risk of apostatizing?
Alright, now who's THIS guy?
The World Conquered
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Atheism: Our Default From Birth?
Monday, June 13, 2011
The Use of Great Minds
I frequently state that I simply make use of the great men and their minds that God has given to the Church over the centuries. Personally, I must do this because I have not been trained in the original languages of Scripture. I have not been to Seminary, nor have I received even one minute of accredited Theological training. Therefore, to rely upon these is for me quite safe, for they have proven themselves capable of handling what would overwhelm and leave me apostate.
So, briefly, here is simply one response from Francis Turretin who answers why human reason alone is insufficient for a “happy life”.
I know it can be difficult to endure the reading of a text, but at least allow this to be a beginning.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Atheists and Authority
I just have to ask – how is it that atheists presume to speak authoritatively on scripture? I mean, they have such vile disdain for God, for Christians and for Scripture yet they speak as though they are absolutely correct in their views. Since we don’t kowtow and agree with them we are the most mush-headed imbeciles the world has ever known. They mangle and twist, distort and abuse any text they set their eyes upon and claim that they are simply treating the Scriptures as they would any book. But they do nothing of the sort with other texts. Oh, sure, they may raise sharp disagreement with Christian authors, engage in banter as they would within a literary club and then head off together for Lattes, Sangria and self-congratulatory accolades. But all is just jovial perusal of quaint fiction; no need for contemplation or, Darwin forbid, a deeper meaning. Scripture becomes quite like…
Broccoli. You may rather dislike broccoli because it lacks a certain color. I mean if it had little red specks in it it might be more appealing. And that dreadful texture…why, if there were a God, he certainly would make broccoli more appealing.
Or, in the spirit of the Dead poets society, will you stand upon your desks (or behind our pulpits) with your “alternative perspective”only after ripping out those pages you deem irrelevant or contrary to your preferred interpretation? This is what is realllly being said, you tell us. Trust me…
Your handling of Scripture becomes like…Chemistry. No competent Chemist would randomly mix just to see what would happen but Childish impetuosity ends with the maimed stating “Well it seemed exciting …at the time.”
Is there such a thing as a competent expositor to you? You repeatedly say of Doctrine “this makes no sense” and then go on to explain it in ways that make no sense to us either bc it’s not the way it should be explained! Yet you would rather have us believe you above those who have actually worked through the doctrinal issues. You’ve never “worked thru” anything in response to a serious formulation. You just say “I don’t get it…I don’t like it” and dismiss the whole thing and then call us ignorant, delusional morons when we call you on it.
We rebuke our own false teachers as well as you when heretical notions are introduced. Isn’t it interesting that there is a close parallel between you two?
Friday, June 3, 2011
Every Christian needs to own this book

Seriously. Not that it is the greatest ever written or the last word on a subject, but the contents and the style will serve the Christian in ways uncommon in our day. Just do yourself the favor and buy it. Work through it. Let it reshape your understanding of the keys of scripture. Books are a dime a dozen but this is pure gold for dirt.
Westminster Bookstore - Reformed Books - Low Prices - Flat Fee UPS Shipping - Marrow of Modern Divinity (Hardcover) Fisher, Edward 9781845504793
Sunday, May 15, 2011
EVERYONE HAS A THEOLOGY
By no means do I intend to envelop theology in the mere terrestrial, but qualitative assessments of proficiency or ineptitude govern our daily affairs and we give honor accordingly. The common clerk ought not profess to be a doctor. His/Her Honor the judge may give lousy advice concerning your home improvement project. Thus we admit when we are "out of our element" and so defer to the qualified - except when it comes to theology. Beyond the adage "We should never discuss politics or religion because it's all opinion and everybody has one." do most expect his/her theology to be considered the zenith regardless of any contrary position?
Theology: The field of study, thought and analysis that treats of God, His attributes and His relations to the universe.
Theologian: A person who is versed in theology
Theologize: To theorize or speculate upon theological subjects
"He that complies against his will is of his own opinion still." ~Samuel Butler (1612-1680), in Hudibras. Part iii. Canto iii. Line 547
While this philosophical quote addresses our plebeian preference, in matters of theology it is rather inane. Every inadvertent and seemingly innocuous "theological" remark betrays our view of God. Men and women who are not theologians still have no trouble theologizing as though theological fact were (to quote a friend of mine) as the Folks of the far-flung fields of Landingham: one here, one there and in between room for acres of conjecture.
Romans 1:18-23
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
Chapters 3 and 4 of Calvin's Institutes Book One are entitled:
3. The Knowledge of God Has Been Naturally Implanted in the Minds of Men
4. The Knowledge Is Either Smothered or Corrupted, Partly By Ignorance, Partly By Malice
Now just because Calvin said it does not make it so. Insofar as Calvin (or anyone of us) is faithful to the Scriptures, these statements are so. Can there be any doubt whatsoever that this is the teaching of Scripture? So why am I disparaging of theologizing if all "know God" naturally?
Precisely for the reason Calvin states in Ch. 4! But this corruption must be denied in order that our conjecture not come crashing down upon our heads!
"Nobody's perfect" we say. "Everybody makes mistakes" we admit. No matter what our declaration toward God, be it affirmation, open hostility or imagined neutrality, we speak as though irrefutable or worse, that it is inconsequential.
Good / bad doctors. Efficient / lax clerks. Fair / barbarous Judges. Ethical / unethical businessmen. All contmporaries. So yes, there are also sound and unsound Theologians. I think there can be no sound theologizers because theology is not speculative.
2Tim 4:1-5
4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
Titus 2
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Christianity is a Virus of the Mind
A term is used that may not be familiar to all: Meme. A meme is a mind virus. Richard Dawkins first introduced this concept in his book The Selfish Gene and since, of course, everything that Dawkins proclaims is revered, it has become somewhat of a standard in how the New Atheist addresses the topic of religion and Christianity specifically. We are no longer merely mistaken in our beliefs. No, we are infected with a MindVirus. It is the cause of every type of Fundamentalist behavior in the world ("Fundamentalist" being defined to suit their assertion) and is almost impossible to isolate in order that it may be "treated" effectively. Guess who is capable of administering this treatment and what the desired end is to be.
I have made use of classic resources in order to demonstrate how the AHE's once again distort historic Christian doctrine. I refer to Isaac Watts Improvement Of The Mind, William Balfour Establishment Principle Defended and Herman Bavink Reformed Dogmatics Vol 2 God and Creation.
I hope you find it useful.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Dan Barker's Freethought Radio Critique
Former Evangelical "Pastor" turned Atheist Dan Barker has a popular program called Freethought Radio. I offer a critique by making use of the great men, both past and present, and their minds that God has given the Church. In this particular edition of the Podcast, Mr. Barker even holds a major rally right on my very own street!
It is my intention to start posting the show notes so that any quotes, authors, books etc may be referenced.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Podcast #2 In the Eyes of AHE's
Friday, March 11, 2011
Podcast Content
The next one will address specific Counter-Apologetics from Atheistic perspectives. Several of the most popular Atheist Podcasts are Reasonable Doubts, The Atheist Experience, Freethought Radio and Chariots of Iron. Personally, I find Reasonable Doubts to be the most insightful regarding how Atheism actually views religion in general and Christianity in particularl. I believe The Atheist Experience has been voted the most popular along with their companions The Non-Prophets. Chariots Of Iron has some interesting guests and pull no punches either. I like that.
Freethought Radio is Dan Barker's venture. Dan Barker used to be an Evangelical preacher. An accomplished musician, some of his musicals are still ironically being used in churches. In 1984 he "lost faith in faith".
So, what is it about Atheism that provokes me to this task? I would encourage you to listen to a couple programs for these reasons:
1) They attempt to effectively wrench the Scriptures from our hands. You will hear me say frequently that if they are successful, we are done. Game over. Pack it up; let's go home.
2) They attempt to wrench the Scriptures from the mind of God.
3) Their insistence that they are not "religious", all-the-while using religious and doctrinal terms regarding their unbelief. e.g. "Evolution gave us..." Mere substitution, in my opinion.
4) Very few arguments are new and we have the whole of Ecclesiastical History from which to draw. Both sides have been argued brilliantly. To the extent that we neglect them is the extent we may be embarrassed in discussion or dispute.
5) We can learn from them. Plain and simple. If they have done their homework, as many have done, and raise valid Q's, we should at least respect them enough to review their sources for objection.
What is being said out there is serious, serious stuff. Their perception of us as sheep in isolation has been met with little objection from the great majority of "Evangelicals" over the last few decades. We prefer to parrot the more well-known names, thinking since they've done some work we don't have to. Not all their work is good, however, and now we're being called on it. There are the many who philosophize as though there were some common ground from which to make appeal, and there are those few who understand Scripture and history and won't let the AHE's wiggle away. I hope to make clear who is who over the course of the Podcasts.
Monday, March 7, 2011
"There is a twofold description given of the true Christian by the Apostle John, 'Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God', and again 'Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world, even our faith' 1John 5:1,4
A true Christian, then, is a conqueror, more heroic, more noble, more exalted thatn the greatest of all earthly conquerors, for he has conquered that which has conquered them-the world."
The World Conquered. That provocative title in no way produces any amount of prideful arrogance in us as Christians. While Alleine writes in order to bring encouragement for us in this fallen world, he also recognizes the depths of our depravity and draws our attention to our Crucified and Risen Savior without which we are utterly hopeless. Yes, His enemies see this as a profound weakness - our "crutch" by which we get along in this world - but by the graces granted by God to us who are in Christ, Alleine says 1. The strength of a Christian is his faith and 2. the strength of faith is Christ.
Against the allegation from Atheists that our faith is a "blind" faith and therefore mere wishful thinking, we present the Object of our faith in such a manner that "God...makes manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place." 1599 Geneva Bible