Encounter with an Atheist

In Tempe, Arizona, a few days back, I was fortunate to enjoy the annual Spring Festival of the Arts. I did not get to see some Cactus League baseball as I had hoped—I guess it was not meant to be.

After an afternoon of enjoying some wonderful art, I found myself sitting on a restaurant patio on Mill Avenue Friday night watching the NCAA tournament on TV and enjoying a fine cigar (I hadn’t had one in a couple of years), I heard some commotion on the street. Sensing drama and a little live excitement, I put out my cigar (there was only about an inch left anyway), paid my restaurant tab, and headed in the direction of the fracas.

It turned out to be a passionate Christian preaching scripture with a megaphone for all to hear. A second “preacher” with another megaphone was talking at the same time. The second orator turned out to be an atheist and was attempting to shout down the Christian.

The streets were closed because of the art festival, and there was a brief break in the amplified screaming, so a group of about six ardent soles were standing in the middle of Mill and 5th Streets where a small crowd had formed. Mostly of the atheist camp, they were fervently debating the existence of God. One Christian was engaging the atheists, who were quickly outnumbering him. I had just arrived, so I was just listening, in an attempt to get my bearings in order to join in appropriately. I love a good debate!

As the discussion continued, the atheists were getting angry, calling the Christian names, swearing, asking loaded questions, and spouting scripture which they had cherry-picked from Genesis and Leviticus (favorite books for God deniers). The point of the debate was the alleged opposition of Christians to science. I stepped in at this time to back up the brave Christian and asked the lead atheist, “Science and Christianity do not necessarily contradict each other, and why are you so angry?” I could not get a reasonable response and he began to point to the scriptures that he had marked in his Bible.

Somewhere in here, I got to use my favorite line, coined by me: The most intelligent person realizes how little he actually knows. The implication was that we do not know everything about our world, and that science is not complete.

One of his “followers” referred to one of their favorite passages, Genesis 1:5-8. Their point was to state that we Christians are supposed to believe that water used to be above and below us. I couldn’t quite understand the connection the atheists were trying to make, but I suggested that they take the verses in their context and pointed them to the following passage where it explains the continents. For the first time in twenty minutes, they had nothing to say.

The lead atheist put down his megaphone and asked me to join him about fifty feet away from the crowd. He tried to explain to me, in logical and scientific terms, that God does not exist. He was using chalk to draw a well-rehearsed diagram of circles, triangles, and arrows on the pavement. It was confusing, perhaps purposefully.

I explained that one cannot always use logic and science in debating the existence of God, and that God defies logic and rises far above what we know about our physical world. I sensed him letting down his guard a little bit as we could continue our chat. He was a linear thinker, thought in terms highly scientific, and I showed my respect for that. I continued, however, to stand by my points that God often defies science and logic, we have yet to figure everything out about our physical world, and that we cannot always use those things to prove or disprove His existence.

He still wanted proof that He was real. I said, “All I can tell you is what happened to me.” Then I told him my 100-word story that we at Cottonwood had prepared several months earlier. Had it been longer than that, I would have sounded preachy and would have lost him. He tried to explain my newfound joy in life with an explanation of endorphins and other scientific phenomenon. I countered, asking how he though those endorphins came to exist and how they knew to kick in right after I found Jesus. I was careful not to dispute his science, but explained how science and faith can compliment each other.

All in all, we had a great discussion. It was uplifting to both of us and I got to share my story with an atheist leader. We parted exchanging our names, shaking hands, and wishing each other well.

I don’t know God’s motive for this encounter with an atheist. I don’t know if it was to keep him busy for ten minutes while the Christians in the group could be more effectual. I don’t know if I was to plant a seed, or just water one that someone else had already planted. I don’t know if he’ll ever come to Christ, remain an atheist, or find some spot in between. One thing I want to believe is that his atheism is a just little bit less acute.

One thing I do know is that we are sometimes called upon by our Father to share our story with someone who needs it, and we don’t know when and under what circumstances that will occur.

Larry Walsh

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100 Word Stories...Our Stories.

Getting to know God the hard way.... In 1972 I found myself between an Olds 98 and the asphalt. It rolled over my back - breaking my hips, pelvis, and crushing the femur. Then the rear came up and broke my shoulder, twisting me between street and car frame. If it hadn’t happened this way, the Olds would have continued overmy head! Later, I was told it was my fault – that I had it coming. I asked, “Why me? Why did I live?” It was a path bringing family and friends to Christ, starting from under a car!

Mark

Born 1971, I served the Lord, family and friends. I kept my virginity while hoping for a God fearing and loving wife. I survived the trials of my parents divorce. God gave me a 10 year job with a great company and a home of my own. At age 25, tragedy struck; losing family members. I cursed God, turning to gambling and immorality. I lost everything: home, job, friends, respect and trust. Years later, the Lord healed wounds of old friends and family; restoring me with new work and friends, leading me to a foreign land called Rio Rancho.

Ed

My parents divorced when I was a baby. Although I was loved, I felt it was contingent on me being perfect. The need to perform in order to gain acceptance and favor was stressful. As I got older, it became harder to keep up this people pleasing persona. The pressure caused me to be self-destructive. In college, I learned that Jesus not only loved me in my imperfection, but He died to free me from my destructive habits. I still have trials in my life, but now I have the promise of God's love and the peace from forgiveness.

Shawna

I come from a good, loving family that never went to church. For my family, Church was sailing in a boat on Lake Michigan. When Joe and I married and had our kids but something was missing. When we relocated to New Mexico, we decided that we wanted to make BIG changes in our life and finding a good place to learn more about God was a priority. We found you and we now know that God loves us and has wonderful plans for our lives. I’m so grateful we get to share that with all of you!

Bridget

Life was miserable. I was abused as a kid, drank too much as a teen and adult, wasn't good at relationships, and couldn't keep a job. I didn't fit into this world I was stuck in and didn't care if I lived or died. I was clearly missing something spiritual. I search for deeper meaning in life in bottles and churches, finding only more pain. My life remained dismal until I found people who welcomed me into their church community and lead me to Christ. I found new life. I now have purpose, joy, and fulfillment. Now, life is great!

Larry

I grew up in the church and a Christian family. I accepted Christ into my life at 12. In high school, I began making choices that led me down a destructive path under the banner "experience life, question authority". For the next 6 years, I lived for myself and not for God. After a series of particularly destructive choices, I realized what a disaster my life had become and confessed my sins to family, friends and God. I dededicated my life to Christ and have seen amazing transformation and fruit. Though I still struggle, Christ is clearly my Lord.

JJ

I knew about Jesus Christ for as long as I can remember, but I’ve met Him personally and grown closer to Him down the road of my life. I don’t come close to understanding everything about Him, but I know He is and He has been there for me. Through my divorce, raising my sons, losing my parents, and the journey of adopting my youngest son, I’ve learned so much about His love and guidance. Sometimes I foolishly ignored Him, but He has always been there for me. I know He loves me unconditionally and He continue on the journey.

Lori

I was watching a gospel movie when I was young. When Jesus was crucified I asked my brothers why he was punished. They told me he was innocent, but punished for our sins. I could relate to his suffering and believed in the gospel. After following Jesus for a time, I sinned and felt driven from church, bringing on a time of rebellion, though I still believed in Jesus. When I repented, sinners in the church slandered me, attempting to cover their own sins. Yet God is kind, I'm still God's daughter, forgiven, courageous, and nobody can condemn me.

Elaine

I attended church as a child, where I learned about God, but never really knew Him. After high school I joined the Army and developed some bad habits that followed me into civilian life. After college, and eight years at Honeywell, Bonnie and I got married. We spent five years together before having children. We wanted our kids to know God – but we also wanted them to experience Him. We joined a Christian Church and grew to know Jesus Christ as our family grew. Our family has been immensely blessed with a loving church family and a well balanced life.

Rich

Years ago, I was married to my children’s father and we lived in Florida. When the girls were still toddlers, we divorced. The girls and I went to California near family. No job, money or home, I hit rock bottom and needed help. My path crossed once again with a dear friend who helped. He was saved and he prayed for me, cried with me and held my hand. Through his love, God showed me His. Since then, my friend went home to be with the Lord. But not before, In God’s perfect plan to save me and my house.

Luana

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