In this article I want to explore the neglected idea of the backsliding atheist. Just think of the scornful atheist who proclaims loudly: “I do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus. It’s all nonsense.” Is it possible to doubt this bold confession?
This is my take on Mary's Biblical worldview. I mention lottery winners, plagues, posh nosh and celebration.
Just think about the cruelty of a human trafficker. A man (or woman) who kidnaps innocent women and children and turns their lives into a living hell. A few years ago the journalist Ross Kemp interviewed a ruthless human trafficker in Bengal, in India. This is what Mr Khan said:
To be honest DIY is not my strength. My dad, Jim, was terrible at DIY and it seems to run in the family. My wife, Anne, was concerned about the lack of shelving for books in the house and I was commissioned to find the right tradesman. Imagine my delight when I found an advert in the local newsagents promoting the work of a local 'handyman' who specialised in shelving assignments. I rang up Ron and the next day he arrived at our home full of the joys of spring. Within ten minutes we had a deal and I knew that Anne would be pleased.
This is my take on Goliath's pagan worldview. I mention rabbit superstitions, Genghis Khan and Wallace and Gromit.
I would like to show you how to compare and contrast the dangerous materialist faith with the Christian faith. It’s an intelligent and engaging way to talk about God’s kingdom. Mention Hobbes if you like.
The following story is in our latest TFN course.
A few years ago the journalist Ross Kemp interviewed a notorious human trafficker in Bengal. This is what Mr Khan said:
There is a crisis in the church. Christians are not confident and imaginative when talking about the Christian faith. They might be bold when they talk about recipes, diets, sermons and holidays but they lack confidence when it comes to talking about the kingdom of God with non-Christians. There is a pervasive fear that if you talk about Jesus you will be cut down and ridiculed. Think World War 1. If you put your head above the parapet the machine guns will get you.
No one enjoys being shot at either with real bullets or conversational bullets.
For some time I’ve been thinking a lot about how to reach sixth formers with the Christian faith. We are talking about 17 and 18 year olds who dislike ‘religion’.
I am reflecting on what I learned when I taught Religious Education (RE) and Philosophy A level in a high school in Bath in the noble county of Somerset. We’re talking early 1990’s.
A powerful way to disciple friends and neighbours is to compare and contrast different faiths. Instead of preaching at people, you are offering insights about ‘religion’ and then sharing important truths about Jesus. This approach is gentle, respectful and non-confrontational.
Here’s how it works.
Yesterday I delivered my conference on Lottery Winners, Money and Religious Faith in a school in Doncaster. I was delighted that Joel Cribbin, a gifted youthworker came with me to observe the conference. I had to squeeze a 90 minute conference into 55 minutes which was very challenging.