I can respect an Atheist, but not Atheism.

In my life I have come across many who are committed and genuine self-described atheist. Some I met at work, some through my wife Joyce and others I grew up with.

I care about them, and their opinions really matter to me. I will confess that a not infrequent fear of mine is that in voicing my convictions and beliefs I have alienated them, offended them or worse.

People matter to me more and more. As selfish as a donkey hole I may be, in the quiet of the night I do think and worry about people who I am sure would be either embarrassed or disturbed about how often they come across my mind. 

I don't want to name names, but if you are an atheist, and I have worked with you, or have ever had more than a 10 minute conversation about the meaning of life with you in the past 7 years...your face is probably one of a dozen or so flashing through my mind right now. 

The meaning of life is a very dear topic to me... and if you were kind enough with your time to explore the matter with me, it has left an impression on my soul.

The atheist I have lengthy discussions with, are generally very well read, thoughtful, kind, witty and all around very pleasant! Some other adjectives I would also like to throw in there are brave, of deep integrity and sincere. For some of these friends, their beliefs have cost them very real currency in hardship and loss of relationships.

I respect that very, very much. I respect so much any man or womans search for truth, and the refusal to bow down to false gods. I am inspired by the courage it takes to ask hard questions and and go against the tides of false ideas and sweet lies.

I want to join the parade of men and women throughout history who have fought for what is true, right and good.


....but...the horrible 'but'...

Is that I see more clearly than day, that all paths to truth, righteousness and goodness start from God. Not an unnamed 'god' but Yaweh. The God of the Bible. From Jesus.

And there it is. Jesus. The great chasm between me and the world. And the only bridge to Heaven.

Don't think it is lost of me how incredibly odd, weird, old-fashioned, religious, western, arrogant, wishful, demented, strange and close-minded it must sound for me to say "JESUS is LORD"

I cringe knowing how many people have associated me instantly with Westboro Baptist Church.

But the truth is, there IS only one Truth with a capital 'T'. And despite years of doubt, endless confusion, frustration, embarrassment and angst. God showed up. My heart, my soul and finally my mind see Him. My deepest hope, is for my friends to see Him as well.

There is no hope without God. The best of the best on both sides of the argument have firmly established that. What I want the world to know is that there is a God, so there is  Hope.