Chapter 5: The Challenge of the New Atheism

The impact that atheists have been able to have over the last several years, I believe, directly correlates with an area in which the "church" has dropped the ball in a BIG way. Growing up, I learned Bible stories in Sunday school, which was great, but there was so much more I needed to be learning in order to help grow God's Kingdom. We have been sending our kids out into the world where they hear so many arguments against Christianity, and then are surprised when they walk away from the faith even though they grew up in the "church." Very little time, if any, has been spent explaining the facts and truths of the faith. I've heard it said that it's easy to talk people out of Christianity when we've done little to talk them into it.  

2 Timothy 2:24-26“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”

"Here again, Paul is instructing ministers to be able to not only teach but to also be able to give a gentle answer to those who oppose the truth. We see here that apologetics can play a role in bringing people to repentance." (Manning 2019)

In this post we will discuss Chapter 5: The Challenge of the New Atheism. In your comments please share any insights you may have had or connections you my have made while reading this chapter. Feel free to consider the following questions as well as the "What do you think?" questions within the chapter in shaping your response. Keep in mind, however, we are not looking for a list of answers to the questions.  

Manning, Erik (2019, May 5) 19 Essential Bible Verses and Passages on Apologetics, cross-examined.org Retrieved from https://crossexamined.org/19-essential-bible-verses-and-passages-on-apologetics/