Can Man Live Without God?
I'm reading a book called "Can Man Live Without God?" by the Christian apologist [1] Ravi Zacharias. I'm intrigued that his premise in the introduction of the book addresses the frustration of those such as myself, who feel the church broadcasts so much anti-intellectualism. This thought is expressed in the second of these two paragraphs, in which he describes the purpose of the book:
I've been openly skeptical of other Christian apologists, but, I must admit, Zacharias' straightforwardness and balance in reasoning is disarming. I'll post further thoughts on this text as I explore it further.
1. For those that don't know, the term "apologist" comes from the Greek word meaning "defender," in the sense of a defense attorney. A Christian apologist is one who "defends the faith."
Though proud skepticism is rife in academic bastions, the human spirit still longs for something more. This tension must be addressed, especially at this time of cultural upheaval, and it is imperative that the answers [Christians] espouse meet not only the intimations of the heart but the demands of the mind. Here the greatest question of our time must be considered: Can man live without God? It must be answered not only by those who are avowedly antitheistic, but also by the many who functionally live as if there were no God and that His existence does not matter.(Italics mine)
But in all fairness, there is another side to this story, justifiably provoking the contempt of the skeptic. Much of what has passed for the Christian message has been nothing more than frothy God-talk -- mindless, thoughtless, and in its exploitation of people, heartless. This, too, will not do. Just as so much of antitheistic thinking when scrutinized is sensically impoverished, so also much religious verbiage, seeped in emotional drivel and bereft of reason, can be tossed at unsuspecting audiences in the name of orthodoxy. The ruinous end of the latter, in its destruction of lives plundered materially and spiritually, may be greater than the ideas perpetrated by the openly cynical. Is there an answer to all of this? I sincerely trust there is. And it is to find that common ground of interaction that this material is presented.
I've been openly skeptical of other Christian apologists, but, I must admit, Zacharias' straightforwardness and balance in reasoning is disarming. I'll post further thoughts on this text as I explore it further.
1. For those that don't know, the term "apologist" comes from the Greek word meaning "defender," in the sense of a defense attorney. A Christian apologist is one who "defends the faith."
Labels:
Books,
Christianity,
God,
Meaning in Life
2 comments:
One of the reasons I'm so skeptical of atheism is that, as Zacharias points out, my human spirit longs for more than the absence of God. And he is additionally right when he points out that the mindless, thoughtless, exploitative God-talk has thoroughly turned me off to religion (at least Western organized religion).
Interesting post -- I'm going through your blog to see if there is more on the subject.
So, what did you think of the book when you completed it? could you tell me your thoughts? im a young christian and im currently reading. It is really solidifing my views and faith. It seems to prove to me that christianity is a rational religion that can be logically defended. of course there will still be the need for faith as faith is one of the key concepts of christianity, But it can fufill the minds desire for logic aswell as the hearts desire. what do you think?
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