The Atheist
Every once in a while I encounter one of those atheists. Those atheists are the ones who troll the internet in search of Christian blogs, their prime objective being to “enlighten” us (i.e., intimidate us into silence) with their browbeating, far-superior intellects and firmer grasp on all things biblical and theological. They are the bullies of the blogosphere, dutifully heeding Richard Dawkins’ call for mockery.
Today, one of those atheists made a comment on a comment I made on another blog. His tone was condescending, irreverent, and vulgar (in his particular shade), just as always. Then, after some purposeful sarcastic language from me (which is all he is now qualified to receive, for it’s obvious anything more is casting pearls before swine), he said: “You really do have issues, Anthony. Maybe you should seek counselling?”
My response…
“Ha! You don’t know the half!”
His reply…
“You are right, I do not. But maybe this is half the reason you sought your god in the first place, perhaps?”
My response…
“Actually, that’s why my God sought me (Luke 4:18).”
His final reply, showing complete and willful ignorance…
“Really? What were you doing, Anthony, lurking in a back-alley?”
I Have Issues
The thing from the above exchange that stuck with me was the comment about me needing counseling. If the truth be known, we ALL have issues, and I am certainly no exception. For that matter, I am well acquainted with counseling and counselors.
It wasn’t worth my time to go into any detail with the obviously antagonistic troll who only wanted to get a rise out of me. Had he been one who really cared, if it would have done any good, I might have shared with him some deeper truths concerning the atonement and redemption, of the God who came to seek and to save the lost, to heal the brokenhearted.
But he scoffs at all that. He is no sinner. There is no God to whom he must answer. There is no need for crutches; he’s not crippled!
But I am broken. I am wounded. I do suffer from scars. I do deal with painful memories. I don’t have all the answers when I hurt, much less answers for others. I long for ultimate redemption! I do struggle with temptation. There are times when I feel overwhelmed, afraid, helpless, and hopeless. And yes, sometimes my faith gets weak.
Sometimes I do hide from my God…in my thoughts…in my books…in activities…even in the occasional dark and secluded place – much like a back alley.
But then Jesus comes looking for me, saying, “Anthony, where art thou?“
My response?
“Here I am, Lord.”
His reply…
“I know, but why?”
My response…
“I was ashamed. I was afraid. I was angry at You, and myself, and angry I felt that way.”
His reply…
“Son, you’ve got issues.”
Me….
“I sorry….. I’m so sorry.”
His still, small voice…
“I know, son. But hey! I’m your Counselor! Let’s talk about it.”
Then what follows is the kind of counseling those atheists will never be able to understand…because they don’t have issues.
The Recovering Legalist 