When I started writing the last blog in mind I also wanted to include a conversation I had Monday night and how it tied to some of the principles addressed in Way of the Master (WotM) as well as my overall displeased perception of Christians. The WotM study did bring up so harsh criticisms of the modern church that I think are fair and to certain degrees true. While the discussion/debate I had on Monday was one of those that I couldn't pray for something more. Seeds were probably planted and the opportunity just presented itself as clear as day.
I was just hanging out in my room as usual, lately more people have been stopping by either to game or just chill and one of the guys happened to notice my new set of Systematic Theology. I have a couple shelves full of books that I have been accumulating and slowing reading. Anyways, being sparked by curiosity the individual pointed out my collection and proceeded to ask me about my beliefs. I was more than happy to tell him my stance and he seemed even more curious as to how or why I believed such scriptural beliefs and as he phrased it "[I] appear to be moderately intelligent". I jumped on the opportunity explain myself and the ensuing conversation went on for about an hour and half. Don't worry I am not writing to give a play by play recap of the conversation, I was just excited and I thought some lessons I noticed ought to be shared.
The first point I noticed and found interesting was the description of myself at least appearing to be "moderately intelligent". Being that we had never had any real discussion of meaning prior I took that as a good thing. I try to come across as an intelligent person as much as I do a man of faith. In the current world such a stance is often seen as incompatible. To present myself as an intelligent man of faith often catches people off guard. Once intrigued, we get in conversations that cover a plethora of hot topics. Do I ever try to explain someone the Gospel and see if they want to become a Christian? Usually not, by the time we finish the conversation there has been so much discussed, that the information just needs to be absorbed. I do look forward to further encounters when such an opportunity would be appropriate.
I recall at Hume one of the speakers, Chris Brown, both "decision nights" the students remaining easily outnumbered those that had left the chapel in silence. On the first night, traditionally the night to introduce people to Christ, he did not present the Gospel. What hit me even more, I recall at the counselors meeting the following day he was responding to one of the objections from a church's counselor wanting to know why he didn't present the Gospel at that time and that he left them hanging. Chris' response was, where he had taken them emotionally he could've gotten them to pray to the Easter Bunny, and they would've. I had never seen such a powerful response from a message before, nor did I hear such care in how and when to present the Gospel. That night has left a constant reminder to me about when those moments present themselves. In the scheme of eternity what is more valuable, someone that will have a greater grasp of what it means to be a Christian, or someone that while emotionally open says a prayer?
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