Reggie Weems

Well, I was going to post again about humanity’s faux independence but someone asked by today how I related to the world apologetically.  So, here’s a quick overview.  

I  appreciate a quote from J. Machen Greshem who wrote, ”because the intellectual labor is insufficient, (regeneration requires the Holy Spirit’s work) it does nto follow that it is unnecessary.”  In fact, Christianity is very reasonable and there is every reason to believe it.

So this is how I relate “biblically” to the world around me. 

First, with the understanding that, the world, though in a fallen state, still possesses the imageo deo (though marred) and, as such, has some retention/knowledge of God.  This, Paul demonstrates in Romans 1 with his contention that God can be seen in the human conscience and in creation; creation simply, yet profoundly, backing up, supporting (okay, shouting) what the conscience affirms and what men “suppress,” ie., that God is.  So, I first relate to the world with the understanding that all men are created in God’s image, are fallen, yet possess “eternity in their hearts.”  This recognition inspires great hope in any apologetic witness.   

Secondly, however, while all men are born the same, “in sin,” that sin takes on various forms/formats in each person’s life.  By the time I meet them, that “sin,” both naturally inherent and integrated into the mind/heart by education, experiences,circumstances has made each person different.  Thus, sin’s existence is “felt” and “shown” in different ways.  Some people become intellectual, some become heart hardened, some become sensual, etc.  So, the second way I relate to the world around me is by observing.  “How has sin defaced God’s image in this particular person?”  This requires relationship, time, patience, listening, genuine empathy, etc.  As Machen wrote, “It would be a great mistake to suppose that all men are equally well-prepared to receive the gospel.”  Or, as the Puritans would say, “the mind must be civilized.”   

Thirdly, I then relate to the world around me by deconstructing what sin has built as a citadel against the knowledge of God.  Paul refers to this as “casting down” anything that exalts itself above the knowledge of God.  —Here, I must confess that, for me, presuppostional apologetics wins the day.  Unless life gets out of order tomorrow, I’ll blog on basic presuppositional apologetics.  However,to continue with the third step.  Before the scriptural foundation can be laid, the rotten wood of the unbeliever’s life’s core must be exposed - to the end that, they, while not yet accepting the Christ of Christianity, recognize the frailty, failure, inconsistencies of their own worldview. (Here, I submit that evidentialist/natural theology can be employed but out of a presuppositional framework)  This requires dialogue with still more listening than speaking.  At this stage, open ended questions are best.  (Even if a relationship is not established - on a plane, on a bus - a well spoken open ended question will cause a person to reflect on the stability of what they have said or think or believe)  That “reflection” is an open door for the Holy Spirit. 

Fourthly, I then relate to this world with the evangel, the good news once told by shepherds and now received by kings and paupers alike.  “May I take some time to share…” (asking permission is vital).  And then, gently, not confrontationally, patiently, as the Lord has patience with His sheep (not intelligent creatures), kindly and with genuine sincerity that seeks, not to win an argument but to win a heart and mind, explain the reality of Jesus Christ, Who He is and how He is the “holiday by the sea” in a world of “mudpuddles.”  In other words, how His truth/reality exceeds what any worldview can offer. 

Finally,  - - And then to wait…for “no conversion was ever wrought by argument.  A change of heart is also necessary” (Machen again)  And to pray…and to wait…and to converse when possible and permissable…and to be willing to start all over again with #1 with the same person, time and again, 70 times 70 if necessary.  For what is my time, my patience, my effort, compared to the cross of Christ and what it cost Jesus Christ to save??? So, this is how I apologetically relate to the world around me.    

Teana and I were both raised in the military.  Until our dads retired from the Air Force, we and our siblings were considered “dependents,”  you know, like when you claim your children on your tax form.  If our dads had remained in the military until we were 21, only then would we have been considered independent.  But with dependence came the BX, the Commisary, the Teen Club, free medical care, every benefit afforded to our dads was ours, through them.  Dependence is a great thing!!!

That human beings are divinely created and given existence for a purpose outside of themselves is one of the major sticking points for our friends who are unwilling to accept intelligent design or worse, any concept of a Creator Who is providential over His creation.  Why this strikes a negative cord in the rebellious mind and will of an unbeliever is not difficult to fathom.  The reason is not even below the surface.  If people are created by God it implies, well, actually means, that (1) they have no independent existence apart from that Creator.  Okay, now we’ve offended someone and only the first point has been made.  But that’s right.  What human being ever willed themselves into existence?  That alone proves that a human’s existence is dependent or contingent upon something or someone else.  So, get over it.  No one is independent.  People argue the point but unsuccessfully.  This is why all the kids who want to look like their own person, be it preppie (sp) or goth or punk, etc., always end up looking like the same people they hang around, even to the extent that you can’t tell them apart.  Where’s the independence?  Adults make the same claim but do the same thing, only more subtely.  Even Alaskan fur trappers who live by themselves for most of the year are dependent on consumers to buy their products, on small grocers to stock their camps, etc.  No one is independent. Everyone’s existence is contingent on something else.  (Try living without oxygen for 10 minutes) 

So it shouldn’t be a shock that human beings really are dependent on someone/something else for their creation, and also dependent on someeone/something else for the their existence.  (Even Michael couldn’t kill himself on Lost because the island wouldn’t let him….Not that I watch Lost.)  Even if you’re not a theist or deist, you’ve got to confess, you didn’t create yourself.  You are not independent.  Come on, I love the spirit of Invictus, but it just ain’t so.  You are not the captain of your own soul.  And the ramifications of our dependence are enormous, both for now and forever!!!!