iGod

'Evening prayer' as seen on London buses

In the light of the previous usage of bus sides in London by atheists and the Christian Party which on the whole failed to capture the imagination of a non-plussed general public, it is good to see the Evening Standard regaining the sacred space with some good old-fashioned ironic advertising.In some way, this probably does more good for the Church than its own efforts.

ASD

What stops us from sharing our Christian faith?

To end the week, I came across this profound quote from Christianity Today magazine:

"How much to you have to hate somebody not to proselytise?  How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?"
Penn Jillette, atheist, comedian, film-maker, recounting someone giving him a Bible.

ASD

How to respond to atheists - don't use a bus ad or political party to do it.

I read yesterday that The Christian Party, the Trinitarian Bible Society and the Russian Orthodox Church have paid for their own pro-God adverts that will run on 175 buses across central and east London and the West End for two weeks from Monday.

I really don't know what to make of this. There surely were not many comments left that positively responded to this move.

As a marketing man in my day job,I have never been a fan of tit-for-tat advertising. Marketing history shows there are usually two main casualties with this tactical defensive approach - the advertisers themselves.

I also wonder if the best way to reach people with God is to first get them to join an institution. I wouldn't have thought so.

Personally, I struggle with the whole thing, but you'll be relieved to know that I 'probably' won't be using a bus side to say it.

ASD

An atheist that believes Africa needs Christianity

I keep bumping into people who keep mentioning to me Mathew Parris' article in the Times newspaper back at the beginning of this month. I notice that Jason Clark had posted his words too. Though, of course, he is much more on the ball than old slow coach here. The columnist argues for the place of Christian faith in Africa if it is going to have a real chance of really moving forward in strength. Yet, what makes his words profound is the fact that he, er, well, doesn't believe in God.

"Now a confirmed atheist, I've become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people's hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.

I used to avoid this truth by applauding - as you can - the practical work of mission churches in Africa. It's a pity, I would say, that salvation is part of the package, but Christians black and white, working in Africa, do heal the sick, do teach people to read and write; and only the severest kind of secularist could see a mission hospital or school and say the world would be better without it. I would allow that if faith was needed to motivate missionaries to help, then, fine: but what counted was the help, not the faith."

I suspect Dr Dawkins might take quite a different viewpoint.

ASD