Don’t Believe in God?

Too many times, we fail to interact and engage with someone because of a stereotype. For Evangelicals, we are perceived to be right wing Republican, ignorant Bible thumping, judgmental, self-righteous, hypocritical snobs who are out of touch with the real world. For an atheist or an agnostic, they may be seen as amoral, or immoral, communist, Democrat anarchists trying to deliver the world to Satan on a paper plate. While there are instances where the stereotype may be closer to reality, they are very rare. The vast majority of both sides are civil and conscientious and many of us realize we may agree on more than what we disagree on.

It was in that spirit that I approached Earl Coggins, President and Founder of First Coast Freethought Society which is part of the local branch of the national entity , United Coalition of Reason; locally known as the Northeast Florida Coalition of Reason. They are responsible for partnering with the national group to bring two billboards to the First Coast that simply read, “Don’t Believe in God? You’re Not Alone.” We agreed that we would tape the interview and embed it here for anyone to listen and hear Earl share his vision for the interaction between people of faith and the non-religious.

If 1 Peter 3:15-16 has any meaning to you;

15 Instead, exalt Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have. 16 But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak evil of your good conduct in Christ will be ashamed of slandering you.

Then you should take the 20 minutes to listen to the interview and find out that just because someone does not hold the same beliefs, that is no reason to demonize them. You will find that by respecting the person, you will have a better understanding of Christ’s work in your life and you will be prepared to reach that person for Christ.

Part 1 of the interview.

Part 2 of  the interview.

Feel free to comment or pose questions; here publicly, or if you prefer to pose your comments or questions confidentially, to  jax.evangelical.examiner@hotmail.com
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