I listen occasionally to podcasts where Christian apologists discuss with atheists about the existence of God. They are always stimulating and stretch the mind as the arguments flow from side to side. The protagonists are often erudite professors, renowned unbelievers and very able defenders of the faith, yet the atmosphere remains convivial rather than adversarial. One can learn a lot from following such debates, in which Christians like Justin Brierly and Glen Scrivener excel. 

And yet, time and again, I feel that there is a false debate going on; the discussion remains at a theoretical level – a purely philosophical effort to find the best argument. Sometimes the same old reasons come round again and again, like the so-called problem of evil and suffering: how could a good God allow such horrors? Some good answers are proposed, but I think to myself, there is a dimension that is seriously missing to this debate. Let me explain.

It is one thing to discuss the possibility of there being a divine ultimate Being, the Creator of the universe with extraordinary intelligence who made man in his image, responsible to him. It is quite another to affirm that this God has actually showed up on earth, has walked and talked among us, and has left a lot of wisdom that we might do well to listen to. The person of Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, is too often absent from these debates, and they remain purely theoretical, with little consideration given to how understanding Jesus would make any difference to our lives. Because if God became incarnate in Jesus, there are many serious consequences that need to be taken into account.

In fact, the apologists who support the Christian faith would do better if they shared more of who Jesus was and what he does in the lives of those who believe. I firmly believe that when all is said and done, the best “argument” for God’s existence is the person and ministry of Jesus 2,000 years ago in history. We have four reliable accounts of his teaching, his miracles, his claims, his holiness of life – accounts that complement and confirm each other and have the ring of truth. Those who spend time in philosophical speculations would do well to change their whole attitude and dare to listen carefully to the extraordinary words of Jesus and properly weigh up their truth.

We’ve all heard the phrase “the truth shall make you free” which is often quoted by the likes of Jordan Peterson and other modern thinkers. What is not so often made clear is the full context of that quotation. It was actually Jesus who said it; but more importantly he preceded it by insisting that it is his words that bring the truth. Here’s the full quote as he addresses those who are beginning to believe in him: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8.31-32). This astounding claim could come only from one who knows absolute truth! Jesus is saying that he brings truth – like truth revealed from God himself – and when we grasp and hold onto his truth, we will be made free.

His Jewish listeners rightly wondered what they would be free from, claiming they had never been slaves to anyone, so Jesus explains that he can deliver us from slavery to sin! This also brings the theoretical discussion down to a challenge to turn from sin to good living that would test the sincerity of the seeker!

Clive Every-Clayton