A couple weeks ago, I posted the question Should I shut down the online Atheist v. Christian debate? Here are the reasons why I think the blog important and why I will not shut it down:
- It is forcing Jeff and me to talk about issues of Jesus. I believe Jesus is the Savior and the hope of the world and Jesus is now more on Jeff's daily radar than before.
- It is helping Jeff see that there are many very smart people who disagree with him (BTW: I don't count myself among them..the smart ones.)
- It is pointing Christians to resources (books, debates, etc.) that help answer the questions Christians fear being asked.
- It is forcing Christian readers to pay attention. Jeff is apart of what is being called "The New Atheists." These writers and scholars are getting a lot of press these days and Christians should take note.
- It is forcing me to encounter resources, arguments, theories in Christian philosophy that I had not encountered. I am enjoying this education thoroughly.
My favorite development in this blog is the phone conversation. I believe this will continue and grow and help remind all of us that these are two people, not two disembodied word-writers.
Bottom line: no one is argued into the kingdom of God. I know that. Apologetics must be based on loving relationships. I love Jeff and enjoy getting to know him more. It was his suggestion we put our dialogue online, and I am glad we have done so.
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