So that wasn’t actually the title for the story I recently read, but I liked it better than, “The Big Oops”. It was a good and insightful story though, whatever the title.
Lee Stroebel had just finished up a conference on apologetics and was all pumped up. He and Mark walked over to a restaurant to relax and as they were walking by a table he heard a young woman say, “What’s a deist?” Well this was one of the subjects he’d just covered at the conference so he instantly turned to her and started talking about deism. Then he moved into arguments for God’s continued involvement in creation. He saw her eyes get wider and wider, but he kept going, moving then into a discussion of biological evidence for God’s creation, into God’s role throughout history and such evidence, evidence for the resurrection, and into his own testimony. He couldn’t believe his good luck to wander into a woman who had these questions just after his conference. When he finished talking Mark said this to him, “Uh, Lee, I think what she said was Buenos dias.” Both parties looked at each other and then burst out laughing. Well, the subjects were already broached so the woman was intrigued and they did have a spiritual conversation and she actually invited him to share with some of her friends too.
The point is this, sometimes we need to lighten up and laugh at ourselves a little. His opening salvo was very serious, but Lee was able to laugh at his mistake and show this girl that Christians could have fun, even when it was at their own mistake. This was maybe the best way in.
Have you ever heard a Christian speaking to someone else about matters of the faith, but they presented things in such a serious, tough fashion, that it was completely unattractive. Sometimes incorporating a little humour is good. Sometimes our own mistakes or shortcomings can be occasions to poke a little fun at ourselves, but still talk about God. Most importantly, we just need to make sure that nonChristians don’t get the vibe from the Christians that they are always downcast, boring, etc. The Christian life is fun and we need to show it!
The hints of subjects that were discussed as part of being a “deist” are very interesting to me. I am 66 yrs old and my wife is 68 and we are both seriously ill, so learning all I can about God and how he runs His kingdom is interesting to us since we will probably soon be there. I just like to know where I am going and what it will be like when I get there for the same reasons I carry a map and get visitor information whenever I travel. I enjoy the metaphysical. Can you ecommend some good web sites and/or books on the subject.
Chuck,
Thank you so much for your comments. When a person begins to face what you’re facing, these questions become so much more real to us. I’m glad you’re looking to explore some books and sites that dig into nature of faith, relationship with God, our future in heaven, etc. I could recommend a number of good books in general, but I’d also be curious to hear what specific types of issues you might want to explore. There’s a book on my desk right now that’s called, “One month to live”. It’s a pretty good book that focuses on living all your life, whether you have years or months left, like you only had a month. What purpose would God place into your life? If you’re looking for some books that speak to some of the questions of faith, there are a couple of books by apologetic authors people enjoy. In fact, Lee Stroebel, who authors half the chapters in The Unexpected Adventure, wrote one called, “The Case for Christ” which goes through a lot of issues about Jesus. Another is called, “Letters from a Skeptic” and it’s by Dr. Gregory Boyd and Edward Boyd, which details a discussion about faith between a father and a son.
Let me know what other kinds of issues intrigue you and I’d love to recommend some more books or sites.
Thanks for the great question and for your honest exploration.
Peace,
Dan