Is one of today’s most famed atheists making a flip-flop?
According to several articles now circulating, Richard Dawkins says he has mixed feelings about the decline of Christianity, “in so far as Christianity might be a bulwark against something worse.”
Though the quote originally appeared in a 2010 article, the significance remains, especially with the rise of the Islamic state and radical Islamic terror.
Within this week alone, the Islamic State claimed responsibility for attacks in Indonesia, Turkey and Afghanistan.
“There are no Christians, as far as I know, blowing up buildings. I am not aware of any Christian suicide bombers. I am not aware of any major Christian denomination that believes the penalty for apostasy is death,” Dawkins said.
Dawkins is right, according to several Christian commentators.
“Indeed, while many may claim to be ‘Christian,’ the word only applies to those who are justified in Christ, spiritually reborn and regenerated through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit,” writes barbwire.com‘s Matt Barber. “The true Christian walks in Christ’s steps through faith and obedience. Terrorism is in direct disobedience to Christ.”
Though some secularists point to the Planned Parenthood shooting as “Christian terrorism,” those who truly know Christ disagree.
“As for those ‘anti-abortion extremists,’ their actions have been condemned by all major pro-life groups as well as by all major Christian leaders involved in the pro-life movement, since, by murdering another human being, they violate the very spirit of being ‘pro-life,'” writes Charisma News’ Dr. Michael Brown.
“More importantly, there is not a single word in the teaching of Jesus or the New Testament that supports murdering an abortion doctor (or worker), nor is there anything in ancient Christian tradition or example that would support this,” Brown continues.
When someone truly knows the power of Christ, they can’t help but be changed, and even the world’s most famous atheist recognizes that God is protecting us from evil.
