Results 1 - 5 of 5
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Results from: Answered Bible Questions, Answers, Unanswered Bible Questions, Notes Ordered by Verse | ||||||
Results | Verse | Author | ID# | |||
1 | How do we respond to Sam Harris? | 1 Pet 3:15 | Parable | 177095 | ||
In his book "The End of Faith: Religion, Terror and the Future of Reason", author Sam Harris suggests faith itself is understood as belief that transcends reason, yet at the same time is justified by appealing to physical evidence, such as the miracles described in scripture. (my paraphrase) Of course, Harris questions the historicity of miracles and suggests that the idea scripture is the inerrant word of God is merely because scripture says so, which he suggests is circular reasoning and therefore invalid. What does the bible teach about the nature of faith itself? And given this nature, what does the bible say about why God values faith, perhaps even more than love? (because it seems faith is a prerequisite to love) Finally, what does the bible say about Harris' suggestion that religion is the bane of mankind? Didn't Jesus also criticize religiosity in favor of relationship? Harris' book is a direct challenge to the most cherished tenets of christianity, indeed all religions, in that he is challenging all beliefs that depend on mystical faith. As per 1 Peter 3:15, how would the bible have us respond to this most fundamental objection to faith itself? |
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2 | How do we respond to Sam Harris? | 1 Pet 3:15 | BradK | 177096 | ||
Hi Parable, Without trying to be condescending, I would first ask, "Why do we need to respond to Sam Harris?", "What credentials does he posses?", and "Why should we listen to him?". Scripture is replete with examples of faith! (i.e. Rom. 4) I would refer to and study Hebrews 11! Eccl. 1:9 states an eternal truth: "There is nothing new under the sun" Similarly, Mr. Harris' argument is not new either! Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). Man is always looking for ways around having to submit to a Holy, Sovereign God! The problem lies not with the validity of the Bible or Christs' claims, or even our faith. It lies with the heart of man. Jeremiah 17:9 summs it up well: "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" There is a God, and Mr. Harris will have his day of reckoning- whether he believes it or not. 1 Cor. 1:21, "For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe." Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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3 | How do we respond to Sam Harris? | 1 Pet 3:15 | Parable | 177124 | ||
BradK, You asked "Why do we need to respond to Sam Harris?" First, because scripture commands us to always be ready to "...make a defense to EVERYONE who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you..." 1 Peter 3:15. Second, because he charges that faith itself is ultimately dangerous for humanity and lots of people are listening to him, see below. You asked "What credentials does he posses?" He is a graduate in philosophy from Stanford and is completing a doctorate in neuroscience, studying the neural basis of belief, disbelief and uncertainty. His book is an award-winning NY Times Bestseller and has received glowing endorsements from many notable figures in contemporary social dialogue. You asked "why should we listen to him?" Because he makes credible arguments that are persuasive to a vast audience. Essentially, his position is summarized on page 106, "Whenever you hear that people have begun killing noncombatants intentionally and indiscriminately, ask yourself what dogma stands at their backs. What do these freshly minted killers BELEVE? You will find that it is always -- ALWAYS - preposterous." He includes a detailed historical overview of many atrocities committed in the name of God, including by christians (the crusades, the inquisition) and by present day muslims (suicide bombings, jihad), and an analysis of the belief systems of several religions. He also describes that many of us so-called religious "moderates" have a hard time admitting that atrocities were rightly committed in the name of God because we ourselves do not actually beleive what our religions teach regarding what must be done with heretics, for example. That is, Harris charges that most of us conveniently disregard much of our own scriptures in order to live with our modern-minded selves, and we cannot honestly endorse the actions of those who do fully embrace and act on everything our scriptures command. Ignoring Harris' argument would be seen as confirming his hypothesis. So, how do we as christians give answer? |
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4 | How do we respond to Sam Harris? | 1 Pet 3:15 | BradK | 177127 | ||
Hi Parable, I'm not sure I know what you're looking for? I provided an answer with a basis. You and I are not accountable (Or answerable) to Mr. Harris. 1. God is Sovereign! Mr. Harris has not established the definitive, unanswerable, unassailable argument! 2. Changed lives prove ministry. That was Paul's defense in 2 Cor. 3:1-3ff: "Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, letters of commendation to you or from you? You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts." 3. Ours is to preach the Gospel- Rom. 1:16! It is the POWER of God... As H.A. Ironside was once challenged by an atheist to debate, he shut him up by asking to bring all those who had been changed for the better by his preaching (Christianity)- the atheist had no reply and declined to pursue the matter! How many lives will or has Mr. Harris changed by being a Philosopher? A Best-Selling author? How many have come off drugs, had their marriages healed, become better fathers or husbands by his message? There is no life-changing power in his message! No one is coming to eternal life by his "preaching"! 4. I do understand 1 Peter 3:15. The operable verb is "to those who ASK for the hope that is in you". Has Mr. Harris asked or demanded you to defend your belief? I do not owe it to him, nor do I feel any obligation to respond to him. Parable, I do not know this man and further do not plan on either buying or reading his book! Might I ask, why you feel so compelled to reply or defend his accusations? Do you feel he has established some merit in his hypothesis? Do you feel the Bible or the Christian faith comes short in some way? Speaking the Truth in Love, BradK |
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5 | How do we respond to Sam Harris? | 1 Pet 3:15 | Parable | 177135 | ||
I am looking for a cogent response to a credible challenge to our faith. I accept your answer as a sincere contribution to that effort. I do believe that as christians we are accountable to each other for how we live, including the likes of Mr. Harris. I do agree that changed lives testify to the power of God, although Mr. Harris would propbably suggest that it can be explained just as well in terms of the power of the human mind in a particular state of belief or unbelief. As for Mr. Harris "asking", it may be that he has not asked, but his work inspires others to ask how the atrocities committed in accordance with the dictates of religious belief are justified, including the beliefs of christianity. As for my motivations, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another." -- Proverbs 27:17 |
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