A Truth that Offends by Suzanne Hadley on 10/24/2006 at 12:53 PM

In discussing Christianity with those who don't believe, I've often encountered more ridicule than reason. Catherine Claire of The Point says the same of Richard Dawkins' approach in his book, The God Delusion. According to the book's description, it "makes a compelling case that belief in God is not just wrong but potentially deadly." But part of this case, Catherine points out, is built on ridicule and parody:

Dawkins reveals his modus operandi best in his own words when he told Wired News: "At some point, there is going to be enough pressure that it is just going to be too embarrassing to believe in God."

Bullies have always taunted. Look at Goliath. The faithful, however, see their taunts as directed not at them, but ultimately as a fist in the face of the living God. They respond in faith and strength. The challenge for Christians in the coming years, however, is in how we will respond to efforts to embarass and marginalize us. I hope we can respond like Paul, a former scoffer, by underscoring that the Gospel is for all who will turn and believe:

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." And perhaps, I pray, also for Dawkins.

Scoffers will always be among us. They are evidence of a truth that offends. This should not surprise us. After all, we are the "smell of death" to those who are perishing. The good news is, we are also the fragrance of life to those who are being saved.