Atheists join Alpha

The British Humanist Assosiation are apparently going to do an Alpha (not literally). Supported by Richard Dawkins, they are going to publicise their 'good news' on buses in London. But the liberals have had their way again! (I mean the liberal humanists - as opposed to the conservative humanists). The advert will not deny God outright, but their message will state 'There's probably no God'. Mmmm I thought this was an agnositc view?

Never mind I believe that although the idea of this advertising comes from the devil, it will be counter productive. It will probably enhance the number of those going on the Alpha course who ask: "Is there more to life than this?".

If you want to research the answers to these question click here to find out where your nearest Alpha Course is. Alternatively if you live in Huddersfield, why not e-mail me (see my profile for details) and we will set up an Alpha course near you.

Comments

Dawg said…
Probably no God?

That's all they have? At least that's better than saying 'there is no God'.

'Probably no God' still will get you a very good conversation with someone who isn't sure about His exsistence.

'Probably no God' is not a complete hard heart where the person will not hear any intelligent arguments for His exsistence.

I like talking to these people. Love taking them through the wonders of creation and moving into the realm of the conscience and then to sin and grace.

I would love to be at ALPHA to have one-to-one conversations with folks before and after the event!

Keep up the good work Neil!
October 23, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Anonymous said…
The best advertising, according to various passages in the Bible, is that of the conduct of believers and how this is viewed by the wider world. The fact the churches aren’t pulling in the crowds is probably related to both the conduct of believers and the attractions of the wider world. The creation of the secular, welfare state and the institutionalisation of religion (churches, charities, do-going organisations etc.) have eroded the dynamism of religion. It is interesting to note that where no welfare state exists and where church communities are poor, the church thrives and is a means by which people’s lives are transformed; the Pentecostal churches in South America, Sub-Saharan Africa and the Far East serve as a pertinent example. Yet the latter are also importing a Westernise worldview of the individual and of church culture (particularly at odds with the catholicity of the Church, as expressed in Paul’s notion of ‘Suma tou Christou’ The Body of Christ). In doing so, these churches are striking at the very root of what is at present making them successful. They will – as with all religious organisation – become institutionalised in time and lose their dynamism; in doing do their advertising appeal will wane.

I am glad the Humanists are aping the Alpha Course Advertisements, which I always find nauseating as they are promoting a specific, individualistic brand of Christianity, which I for one would hate to see adopted by the wider population! Thankfully many see it for what it is, hermeneutics combined with a good dash of post-Enlightenment individualism; thankfully Christianity is an older and broader religion (alas, how many Bible Based Christians have little understanding of the history and evolution of the Church and few, if any, will have even heard of, nor read any of the Church Fathers – these were, like it or not, the architects of Christianity). Whatever, it is an interesting question being posed: Is there a God? It is up to his believers to convince the world of His existence – as I get older and have had plenty experience in Evangelical and more catholic Christianity I find myself less convinced of the existence of a personal, loving God. The pseudo-Alpha Course advertisement only states that many others besides me have come to the same conclusion. I doubt if the real Alpha Course would do much to chivvy us to believe otherwise. There are those it works for, but I would suggest they are those who at the time they come to accept the Creed the course promotes, have their own psychological and emotional needs, which, for reasons best known to themselves, are conveniently fulfilled by an ideology (for that what it is). It is the ability to meet the needs of the wounded individual that is key to the limited success of Alpha; but then in my humble experience it is its promotion of spiritualised individualism that is the very thing which convinces me of its error.
October 31, 2008 at 12:14 PM
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