Several elements of my fellow Christians’ letters to the editor are not being properly debated by Geri Jensen.
Yes, the Bible was written by approximately 40 men of diverse backgrounds over the course of 1,500 years. Despite that, the Bible does not contradict itself or contain errors. Very few books of the Bible are not clearly credited: the Book of Psalms is credited to several authors (mostly King David), and the Letter to the Hebrews, while not explicitly credited, was most likely penned by Paul, Luke, Barnabas, or Appollos circa 65 A.D. Theauthors present different perspectives, but they all proclaim the same one true God, and the same singular way to salvation: Jesus Christ. Themany authorized translations do not invalidate Scripture, but provide the Bible in local languages and aid in reading comprehension.
The debate regarding eyewitnesses does not hold water. Yes, humans can be fallible, but the eyewitnesses to Jesus Christ numbered in the thousands. Whether Jesus Christ was ever born, and whether He rose from the dead, are not up for debate. Biblical scholars and secular historians acknowledge the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The choice we have is what we do with Jesus.
Dan Barker’s book is not an analogous comparison to Linda McIntire’s personal testimony. A born-again Christian has had a personal encounter with God through Jesus Christ, one in which the Holy Spirit is welcomed into the person’s heart and they are made a new creation. The relationship is as personal and real as any parent-child relationship. Dan Barker’s “deconversion” is based not on logic and facts, but on personal opinion and emotion. Barker relies on misrepresentation and poor scholarship to make his points. People are free to choose what they want to believe. My caution is to vet what that is.
Choosing not to believe in God does not mean He does not exist. God has given each of us free will. People are free to choose Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord, or not. But it is important to understand that both choices have eternal consequences. God welcomes in heaven those who choose Him.
Conversely, God does not send people to hell; He honors their choice. To live without God now is to live without Him in eternity. In the words of C. S. Lewis, “Thegates of hell are locked from the inside.”
Monica Hussey-Klanderud
Coon Rapids, MN
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