The Preacher & The Atheist
Trevor (not his actual name) says that he is “currently” an atheist. However, he says “he is open to the possibility that he may learn something that will change his mind.” Trevor and I currently work out together and he calls me the only “Christian” he likes. “Why,” I ask? His reply: “You walk the walk, you’re down to earth, you’re funny, a cool person, and your goal is not to convert me, but to be friends with me. That’s what I like about you.” For the record, Atheism is the view that God does not exist and it is not a new development. Psalm 14:1, written by David in around 1000 B.C., mentions atheism: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” Recent statistics show an increasing number of people becoming atheists, with up to 10% of people worldwide declaring themselves to be adherents of atheism. Trevor is an associate professor at the University of Chicago (whose workload includes classes on comparative religion, anthropology, and philosophy), a husband, and the father of three children. He is also a poet and an author. Trevor’s father is a retired professor who is also an atheist. His mother is a classically trained violinist and a lifelong seeker of truth. Last week I asked Trevor to attend one of our worship services and he did (I’ll post what he said about attending Mars Hill – EYE OPENING). In turn, he asked that I attend a lecture with him at the University (I’ll share my experience – EYE OPENING). Of course, I agreed. Before we agreed to attend each other’s events, we made an agreement:
We will do this only if we remain open minded with each other. We both agreed.
Here’s what’s on my mind:
“What would you say to Trevor since he’s “open” to the possibility that he may learn something to change his mind?”
This is like a cliff hanger from your favorite show. I am looking forward to hearing what is next from both perspectives.
Hey Lowell:
I just received Trevor's comments & will post it tomorrow…the cliff hanger continues…
Stay tuned…
I'm w/LT – not sure what I'd say – so, what did you say?
Darius:
I will post (Thurs & Fri.) what I said and my thoughts on attending their lecture.
Thanks for sharing!
I don't know what to say, but the fact that he is "open" to the possibility tells me that he doesn't believe that God DOES NOT EXIST, it just means that he has not been convinced. I am praying that God give you the words, and that he pricks Trevor's heart. I'm already praising God for what's about to happen.
I don't think you need to "say" anything to Trevor, keep being his friend and keep being you. If you live your faith, something in your daily walk will show Trevor what you believe and he will inquire of you how you do what you do and live how you live.
I have a friend who is a Buddhist and often times we have conversations about my life and what gets me through. I am very vocal about my relationship with God – not in a way that comes off religious or over the top where a non believer wouldn't understand. (I must tell you that my Buddhist friend is a co worker, corporate lawyer, very intelligent and Asian). Anyway we deal with situations very differently and to my surprise she noticed and asked me one day about it so I shared with her how I get through it all. Once she was in a jam and I prayed for her, I let her know that I was praying for her and she accepted that. Now whether she will ever believe what I believe, I don’t know but every chance I get I shine my light on her by being me. And whenever she is stressed I tell her that me and Jesus are over here interceding on her behalf (which she finds amusing since she worships the big guy with the round belly – as she calls him
LaSondra:
Your prayers are working b/c he's asking more questions regarding salvation, Jesus, etc. Keep sending them up. Also, I really don't believe he's an atheist. He's more of an agnostic.
Thanks for sharing!
Hey Cuz:
What's good in DC? Heard you were heading home this weekend? If so, let's connect! Also, your advice about "being his friend" is what I'll continue to do. He's planning to attend our Easter services.
Take care & see you soon!
Oh my – great story & thanks for sharing! It seems as if we're both doing the same thing and are living out WWJD.