The Table Briefing: Engaging With Atheists And Agnostics -- By: Darrell L. Bock

Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 175:698 (Apr 2018)
Article: The Table Briefing: Engaging With Atheists And Agnostics
Author: Darrell L. Bock


The Table Briefing: Engaging With Atheists And Agnostics

Darrell L. Bock

and

Mikel Del Rosario

Darrell L. Bock is Senior Research Professor in New Testament Studies and Executive Director for Cultural Engagement at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas. Mikel Del Rosario is a doctoral student in New Testament Studies, Project Manager for Cultural Engagement at Dallas Theological Seminary, and adjunct professor of Christian Apologetics and World Religion at William Jessup University, Rocklin, California.

The authors of this piece on atheism come from completely distinct backgrounds. I (Bock) used to be the person who would refute the Christian trying to share with me. I spent much of my high school career doing that. I did not grow up in a Christian home. I came to faith in college, so I know what it is to live life as an agnostic. I also had sympathies with those who were atheists. In contrast, I (Del Rosario) grew up in a Christian home and always had some sense that God was present in our family. Still, I wondered, “What must it be like for people who think my faith is no different from superstition?”

Whether or not they come from a Christian background, many believers find imagining life as an atheist or agnostic difficult. So it is important for them to realize that evangelism efforts may challenge nonreligious people by asking them to consider a category where they have not spent much of their lives. That is, of course, if they did not grow up in a Christian home or have left that background. When confronted with the gospel, many ask themselves, “Do I really need this?” or “I know what that is like and have no interest.” How can believers better engage atheists and agnostics, whether or not they have previously been exposed to the faith?

We talked with Dallas Theological Seminary Professor of Theological Studies Glenn Kreider, Houston Baptist University Assistant Professor of Apologetics Mary Jo Sharp, and Biola University Assistant Professor of Apologetics Sean McDowell to discuss respectfully

engaging with atheists. This briefing shares key points that emerged from our conversations. What do atheists believe? What draws people to atheism? How can Christians better engage atheists in spiritual conversations?

What Do Atheists Believe?

While a standard definition of atheism involves the conviction that God does not exist, many atheists do not make so bold a claim. Rather, some define atheism as the mere lack of belief in God. This is an autobiographical admission and makes no objective claim about reality. A continuum of belief is pr...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()