http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-michael-dowd/new-atheists-promote-bibl_b_1320555.html
This is new, Atheists are now encouraging people to read the Bible. They believe it actually supports their cause, which is interestingly contrary to some of the things we've learned in class. From our Christian Thinkers, a lot of them view Scripture as communication to God. However, here we have a case where instead of bringing people closer to God, it's pushing them back.
The article then goes on to state how new readers, when reading through the Old Testament see a brutal God of the Jews. They're floods and whole cities being destroyed. A powerful accusation is made by Michael Scott Earl, accusing God of being a terrorist, "the U.S. Department of Defense defines terrorism as 'the calculated use of violence or the threat of violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate others in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological.'" Instead of the Bible being used to draw people in, some Atheists are using it to turn people away.
"new readers, when reading through the Old Testament see a brutal God of the Jews."
ReplyDeleteOnly if they're those who are going to reject and deny the existence of their Creator. Those who are destined for a healed and forgiven relationship with Jesus will have their spiritual eyes opened by Creator God. The latter group will correctly see the Bible as a history of humanity's failings and God's plan of forgiveness and redemption.
There is nothing to worry about here. No one who is destined for heaven will miss that opportunity.