On March 24th, it is estimated that thousands will celebrate the faith of atheism at the Washington Mall in D.C. The event, called “The Reason Rally,” will feature famed atheist, Richard Dawkins. Among those attending will be Missouri State University’s atheist club known as the “Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.”
Chuck Colson explains that atheist groups, often filled with young adults who grew up in Christian homes, are increasing on college campuses. According to the Barna Research Group, three in five “Christian” kids abandon the church after the age of 15. Eighty-four percent of 18-29 year-olds who call themselves “Christians” admit that they have no idea how the Bible applies to their occupation. What do you say? Has the church done a poor job of teaching our young people that reason and faith are not opposites? Do you think atheism more reasonable than Christianity? Many young people find themselves at the university completely unequipped to defend the rationality of the Christian faith against the secular worldview so prevalent on college campuses.
A group called Ratio Christi (Latin: “The Reason for Christ”) is doing something about this by starting student apologetic clubs (apologetics: defense of the faith). They want to reclaim the intellectual battle ground on campuses. Questions such as, “Does God really exist?” and “Is Christianity consistent with science?” are discussed. “Ratio Christi,” said a student at North Carolina State, “has given me a rational and logical defense of my faith. When I dialogue with atheists, they are shocked that I have a defense. When I run into skeptics, they are overwhelmed by the amount of evidence supporting creation. When I talk to Christians with questions about this, they find that their belief has a strong, historical foundation that cannot be shaken.”
I echo Chuck Colson who said, “Folks, this is music to my ears. A young, bright, college kid who gets it — and who is willing to defend the faith and make the case that Christianity is truly the only reasonable worldview there is.”
NOTE: I am indebted to Chuck Colson and his team for the way they keep me informed. The information above was gleaned from Breakpoint (2/20/2012). Visit Breakpoint to learn more about Ratio Christi and another group, Veritas. Also, Colson provides a helpful chart that shows various worldviews. Go to Breakpoint and, under “Further Reading and Information,” click on the “Worldview Grid” link. Do not fear the flying spaghetti monster. It is only the figment of doubting minds. Ezerwoman
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