Atheist philosopher Bertrand Russell was once asked what he would say if he found himself standing before God on the judgement day and God asked him, “Why didn’t you believe in Me?” Russell replied, “I would say, ‘Not enough evidence, God! Not enough evidence!’”
What this assumes is that if enough unambiguous and irrefutable evidence were presented it could, potentially, lead to belief.
That seems intuitive in a worldly sense so I get why someone who is dead in sin would think that way. What supposedly rational people like Russell are unable to grasp, though, is that a lack of evidence is not what keeps people from faith, spiritual blindness is. Here are a few relevant passages from Scripture.
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:14)
To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:18)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:18-21)
To paraphrase a quote I read somewhere a while back but cannot remember where. I don’t believe Christianity because it makes sense but because without it nothing makes sense. And that is the divide between those who have been called and those who have not.
Granted this will sound like hogwash to those who are dead in sin and hogwash-ish to those who think they are one good evidential argument away from converting the hardened online skeptic they have been arguing with for days. But evidence in the traditional sense doesn’t matter.
In fact, without Scripture and the God of Scripture nothing matters. And not only does nothing matter, nothing makes sense, not even science.
— James Hatt, Not enough evidence, God! Not enough evidence! February 21, 2022
“I don’t believe Christianity because it makes sense but because without it nothing makes sense.”
says every single theist about their particular religion.
These are the words used when someone has a ponzi scheme, pyramid scheme, mlm, broken used car, beautiful bridge, or swampland to sell.
“I know it looks like a swamp, with harsh odors, water laden land, lots of bugs and oppressive humidity, but that’s because you are not able to discern it properly. Here, look at this book I prepared for you, look at these beautiful homes, manicured lawns, with happy families mingling in a wonderful climate. That is what I see, and if you read some of this literature and just believe, you will see it also!”
Clubschadenfreude–So true.
Here’s something I don’t understand: Folks like James Hatt tell us that we “have to turn our eyes” and believe. But then he says that belief is the difference between those who have been called and those who haven’t. How can he, or anyone, tell someone to believe–which, as far as I can tell, one can only do through one’s own volition–if he thinks believers are “called” and those who don’t believe aren’t?
I am happy with my “darkened heart”, thank you. Living in your “evangelical light” was hell.