Would you like some practice in dealing with a challenge to the Christian faith? Recently I received a letter from Charles in response to something he read in this column. Charles describes himself as a former "born again" Christian who has now come to view Christianity as morally repulsive. His letter presents a list of arguments in defense of his changed perspective. Virtually all these arguments center on puzzling or paradoxical doctrines, beliefs that many people besides Charles, perhaps people you know or will know, struggle to understand and accept. My plan is to present Charles's case against the God of the Bible, one point at a time, and to invite your thoughtful, respectful response to him.
Here's how the letter begins:
"Several issues ago I believe you asked the question if the existence of evil can be reconciled with a loving God. In asking that question, I presume that you are willing to accept the answer that best fits the evidence.
"First, consider the Christian's explanation for the origin of evil. According to the literalist's view, human suffering is God's just punishment for Adam's disobedience. Now I ask you, if your great grandfather committed a murder, and the judge sentenced you to death for it, would you call the sentence just, or would you loudly protest that the judge was unfair? I suspect the latter. Yet, absurdly, the Christian would have us believe that God's sentence of death upon the entire human race is fully justified because of a sin committed by Adam, a far more distant relative! . . ."
Imagine yourself as one of our correspondence volunteers. What would you write to Charles in response to this first point? Does he accurately represent the doctrine of original sin? I look forward to hearing from you.
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