Along with the ring of truth, I told my atheist interlocutor that the Bible does a poor job of marketing itself.
Tough sayings and stories abound in the Bible. You have the apostle Paul despairing of life, great King David who is a murderer, adulterer, and don’t forget, cover-up artist, and Jesus Himself struggling mightily with God’s plan in the Garden of Gethsemane. And then you have all that stuff about picking up your cross, the narrow way, and hating your father and mother.
When skeptics tell me Christians believe because “it is easy,” I know among other things that the skeptic has not seriously read the Bible.
and (I hope) Part 3 is coming. I know when the opportunity arises to share my faith and the message of Jesus, I first attempt to find out the beliefs of the other party. I’m figuring to ‘file’ these ideas (the ones you have provided) in my memory bank and use them as a way to further the conversation.
I continue to appreciate you, Dave, and the ministry and insights that God has given you.
Thanks so much Jeannie!