Atheist Ironies of the Highest Order
In following articles and comments on N24, I have come across a few atheist ironies that make me shake my head in amazement at how ludicrous the ironies really are. Do they even realize it, one wonders?
1. Atheist says that we are in the “Jesus who?” era. This is the biggest irony of them all. Someone just has to mention the name Jesus, or Christ or Christian, and atheists are all on it, immediately posting their negative comments and “proofs” that 1) Jesus didn’t exist, or for those who know that the existence of Jesus is irrefutable say, 2) that he was just a man who did not do any miracles, or 3) used magic to do miracles, or 4) [atheist, fill in the blank].
Tell me, exactly how is it the “Jesus who?” era? If this were an article about Santa Claus or the pink unicorn, hey, no problem. Everyone knows there’s no Santa Clause or pink unicorn right, hence no cause for concern or debate there, but Jesus? Wow, EVERYONE here knows EXACTLY who He is, what His claims were, how He is Saviour and Redeemer to those who choose Him and God’s gift of salvation through Him, all as revealed in the Bible, and that He was consistently prophesied of in the Old Testament, manifested and revealed in the New Testament, and lives forevermore! So tell me oh atheist, exactly how is this the “Jesus who?” era? An irony of the highest order! And it’s pathetic really, from your side. No other Person in history has changed the world so dramatically. Ever. And still continues to do so… even for you oh atheist, that so vehemently deny Him, His existence, His works, His resurrection, His salvation.
You WISH it were possible for there to be a “Jesus who?” era, but your obsession, hatred and renunciation of this great historic Man, Leader, Teacher, Miracle-Worker, Saviour, Redeemer, and God (in your articles, comments, efforts and mocking) make Him an ever “Jesus Now!” phenomenon, in every generation, always current, never to stop!
Thank you for your efforts, but sad indeed your rejection of the Saviour.
Ironies 2 and 3
These two go together, in that they are somewhat the OPPOSITE effect of each other, so I’ve grouped them here. Atheist revels in the fact that educated and predominantly Christian countries are turning atheistic.
2. Most of these countries were/are Christian, despite their falling from faith today. The irony is that while Christianity and Christians prevailed, the foundations for prosperity, progress, qualifications, wealth, travel, comforts, etc. were laid.
Based on the Human Development Index (HDI), the top ten most developed countries have been/are predominantly Christian, while only today many are throwing away their faith. From first to tenth: Norway, Australia, Netherlands, United States, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Germany, and Sweden. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developed_country) Also, a quick google or wikipedia search of “Christianity and [the country of choice]” and their corresponding articles will reveal all details and confirm my points here on these 10 countries, even though many are turning away from faith today.
3. In predominantly communist and atheist countries, many are currently converting to Christianity! Even in the midst of great persecution and affliction, Christianity is growing! It reminds me very much of the rise and growth of the early Church.
Wikipedia states “While many countries no longer follow state atheism, communist governments in China, Vietnam, Laos, North Korea and Cuba, despite some economic liberalization, continued to persecute the religious. In addition to overt persecution, these states also sought to control religion by forcing upon the people state-sanctioned churches, essentially attempting to make the churches tools of the state.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_atheism)
I will look at just two of these countries, i.e. North Korea and China to highlight Christians’ perseverance and faithfulness (even to the point of martyrdom). These are Wikipedia references, but there are many sites detailing the oppression and persecution of Christians, yet they hold onto their faith, even when faced with death!
North Korea (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_North_Korea): “Some NGOs and academics estimate there may be up to several hundred thousand underground Christians in the country.” “Many defectors from North Korea have attested that any form of adherence to the Christian faith, even the mere possessing of a Bible, can be considered a reason for arrest and deportation to a DPRK prison camp.”
China (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_China): “Many Chinese Christians who want to avoid the state-controlled religious movements meet in unregistered house churches – "risking fines, imprisonment, torture, and even, in some cases, death."”
I see that where Christians grow complacent in the lap of luxury, comforts and freedom in Christian countries, that there is a great falling away, while those born full-on atheists and “encouraged” to be so, are turning to Jesus Christ and His salvation. What a shame to cushy Christians turning to atheism and blaming the “light” of science, logic and reason, and what a testimony of truth, perseverance and glory to hardcore atheists turning to the light of God and His love, through Jesus Christ!
4. Atheist says that the uneducated and illiterate countries of the world are religious, but for the purpose of this article, let’s talk specifically about Christianity. The irony is that that as soon as first-world countries embraced Christianity, began to prosper and travel, then Christian missionaries took Christianity into many third-world countries. And then as these third-world countries embraced Christianity, they simultaneously became informed, educated, and on the road to progress and prosperity themselves, as a DIRECT RESULT of the efforts of Christian missionaries. Wow!
Examples abroad: “Protestant missionaries began entering Korea during the 1880s. They established schools, universities, hospitals, orphanages, and played a significant role in the modernization of the country.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_North_Korea)
“Christians in China established the first modern clinics and hospitals, and provided the first modern training for nurses. Both Roman Catholics and Protestants founded numerous educational institutions in China from the primary to the university level. Some of the most prominent Chinese universities began as religious-founded institutions.” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_China)
In Africa: “Christianity was an agent of great change in Africa. It destabilised the status quo, bringing new opportunities to some, and undermining the power of others. With the Christian missions came education, literacy and hope for the disadvantaged.” (http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/africa/features/storyofafrica/index_section8.shtml)
Additionally, in Africa as Christian leaders and governments were deposed or replaced, then crime, disorder and lawlessness prevailed. As Christian foundations were eroded or destroyed, then the good that was initially done, began to be undone. I am not talking about so-called “Christian” leaders, that are only so by title and not by their actions, e.g. so-called “Christian” president slaughtering animals to his ancestors, etc. Where Godly leaders have been removed and replaced by ungodly leaders, then the good that first-world Christians and Christianity BROUGHT to the third-world countries began to be eroded and destroyed. We see this even here in South Africa currently. Removing Christianity and Jesus Christ is the beginning of problems, NOT the eradication of them.
It is my sincere desire that these truths be understood by all. Inasmuch as the atheists make bold statements on this forum, to those who are honest, the truth of the bigger picture is very clear, very obvious, and to the glory of God in Christ Jesus!
May it ever be the “Jesus Now!” era! And so shall it continue to be.