On June 6, 2013, The Atlantic magazine published an article by Larry Alex Taunton entitled Listening to Young Atheists: Lessons for a Stronger Christianity. Here is a brief excerpt:
“Sincerity does not trump truth. After all, one can be sincerely wrong. But sincerity is indispensable to any truth we wish others to believe. There is something winsome, even irresistible, about a life lived with conviction. I am reminded of the Scottish philosopher and skeptic, David Hume, who was recognized among a crowd of those listening to the preaching of George Whitefield, the famed evangelist of the First Great Awakening. “I thought you didn’t believe in the Gospel,” someone asked. “I do not,” Hume replied. Then, with a nod toward Whitefield, he added, “But he does.”
My hope is in the Lord. My hope is in Jesus Christ. My hope is in the gospel of His salvation, available to all who trust in Him. My hope is in the reality of a relationship (by faith) with Him, beginning in this life.
I hope that my hope shows up as 100% sincere and authentic. I hope that it shines brightly, clearly, and consistently. I hope that it shines brightest against the dark backdrop of personal adversity when adversity comes my way — that my convictions will hold in the day of trouble. I hope that I will never lose grip on the powerful apologetics for Christian faith. I hope that the many powerful evidences for faith in Christ will aways remain in focus, and that my hope will even prompt others to ask me about it. Then I intend to be prepared and strong in explaining that my hope is reason-based, not just wishful thinking (1 Peter 3:15)
I suppose that we’re about to find out if all of that will be the case as God moves Mary and me from the (relatively) comfortable routine of life into the challenges facing us over the coming weeks.
If you’re a fellow believer, your willingness to pray on our behalf would be very welcome.
If you’re not yet a believer — you’re welcome to follow this blog, follow our lives, and let us know what you think.
— Daryl E. Witmer
