Fundamentalism and faith make a dangerous combination. Indeed, the atheistic community has been making its contribution to the ongoing debate of matters regarding religious faith.
Often when I encounter the various presentations, I wonder if the crass fundamentalism which prevails is not the culprit in firstly confusing some of the practitioners of same, and secondly inviting the venom of some atheists.
The anger which pervades Christopher Hitchens' work may be understandable when one considers how the Bible has been used over centuries to promote some of the worst atrocities against humanity.
Richard Dawkins postulates the view that the atheistic way frees you up to live this life to the full. Biblical theology inspires life in the now, where one moves beyond the limitations of 'glad morning fly away' theology.
Civilised presentation
I have to concede that Dawkins presents his material in a much more civilised, and even peaceful way than many Christian fundamentalists would!
I do not believe that my faith in God is threatened by the fact that I find the theory of evolution to be a reasonable proposition. It certainly does not rule out the action of God.
My unswerving support is for human rights (regardless of who the humans are). The expression 'human rights' has much contemporary currency. However, the moral and ethical theses have always been present in biblical theology. The Bible is the story of life. It has accounts of life-affirming experiences and those of ruthless and merciless barbarism. The presence or mention of slavery in the Bible does not condone this scourge any more than the reference to various crimes in the newspaper condone same.
No stenographers in eden
One does not have to be an atheist to know that there were no stenographic personnel in the 'Garden of Eden'. That is why according numerous activities to various days of creation is neither here nor there. In essence, the biblical text seeks to affirm God as Creator!
Oh yes, it is quite okay for anyone to believe that it is necessary to prove that God made roaches and fruit flies on a Thursday or on the sixth day. It is quite another matter when it becomes necessary to impose this as the final word of ultimate truth.
It is to me of significance that Bart Ehrman's concerns began after his departure from the Episcopal Church in Lawrence, Kansas. While a sophomore in high school, he had the 'born again' experience. He eventually attended Moody Bible Institute where everyone had to accept the Bible as "verbal, plenary inspiration".
He later realised it was not sufficient to hold on to this position, given the fact that later copies of the Bible were often not exact copies of the original texts. Suffice it to say that translation from one language to another presents its own challenges.
Differences in copy
Risographic technology may have helped. However, we ought not to be afraid to acknowledge that if we were to read the editorial in today's Gleaner to a group of individuals taking dictation notes, chances are, some would have minor if not major differences at the end of their newly produced 'copy'.
Ian Boyne's informative work continues to provide much-needed reflection for the theological and philosophical landscape. It seems to me that bringing the thoughts and reflections of atheists to the fore presents a wonderful opportunity for Christians to explore their beliefs vis-à-vis perpetually regurgitating what has been forced down their throats!
When all is said and done, it may just be helpful if persons of faith in the divine (versus faith in faith) seek to plunge even more into the depths of the holy within.
Fr Sean Major-Campbell is rector of Westmoreland Parish Church (St George's), Savanna-la-Mar, and may be reached at seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com. Feedback may also be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com.
One does not have to be an atheist to know that there were no stenographic personnel in the 'Garden of Eden'.