book review: There is a God

I thought I would do something different for this blog, instead of my usual musings and reflections on the current state of affairs in my life. I have recently finished a very insightful and fascinating book by a world renowned former atheist Antony Flew.

For those of you unfamiliar with Antony Flew he was an academic philosopher and professor at various universities including Oxford, Aberdeen, Keele and Reading. He wrote several academic theses and books including, arguably his most famous, 'God and Philosophy'. Flew became an atheist at age 15, while still at school and later went on to study at Oxford. However, after a lifetime of triumphing atheism he renounced his atheism in favour of theism.

In his book 'There is a God' Flew narrates his journey from atheism to theism. As a young boy his father took them on holiday to Germany where he witnessed first hand the cruelty of the Nazi regime. In the face of such evil Flew became disillusioned with the concept of God. In his book Flew admits that even as an atheist in his adult life he came to realise he had become an atheist for the wrong reasons but by then his academic study had strengthed his convictions so fervently that he knew despite the means he arrived at it, atheism was correct. Throughout his book Flew speaks plainly and openly about the integrity of the intellectual and academic principles he lived his life by; namely the Socratic principle to follow the argument wherever it leads. This principle shaped and reshaped many of his atheist beliefs and eventually led him to theism. Reading his journey of transformation I was struck by his honesty and how highly he spoke of the theist philosophers whom challenged his atheism through critques of his work or public academic debates. He speaks very highly of people such as CS Lewis, William Lane Craig, David Conway & Richard Swinburne.

Essentially, as Flew explains, he came to the conclusion that theism is a better explanation for the existence of the universe through the break throughs and groundbreaking new discoveries made in science: the evidence in support of the Big Bang, DNA & RNA sequencing, the laws of nature and the fine tuning argument. As Flew considered this new scientific data about human genes and genetic coding, as well as the properties of the universe, he reached a very theological conclusion based on a reconsideration of classical philosophical arguments for the existence of God such as the argument for design and the cosmological argument. Having followed the Socratic principle to always pursue the argument wherever the evidence led he finally came to believe that atheism could not sufficiently explain the origins of life.

In the second part of his book, where he details his journey to belief and acceptance in theism, Flew gives a wonderful overview of the insights and beliefs of Einstein. He explains how often Einstein is popularly portrayed as an atheist but conversely the opposite was true. Whilst it is true that Einstein did not believe in a personal God, such as has revealed himself to the Abrahamic faiths he nevertheless believed in a transcendent, "superior mind" who had created the universe and was beyond all comprehension. Flew is also critical of some of the more famous modern atheists such as Richard Dawkins for his conclusions and condemnation of theism.

Although at the time of writing Flew did not adhere to any of the major monotheistic religions he concludes his book by saying:

"Where do I go from here? In the first place, I am entirely open to learning more about the divine Reality...second, the question of whether the Divine has revealed itself to human nature remains a valid topic of discussion. You cannot limit the possibilities of omnipotence except to produce the logically impossible."

Despite his faith coming purely from reason, now having come to a faith in an intelligent, creator God Flew cannot deny the possibility that this same being could reveal himself to humanity. I find this conclusion to be incredibly profound, as I have said before to my friends that if God exists you cannot rule out the possibility of His communicating with humanity. To say otherwise would be to try and limit God and in Flew's words "produce the logically impossible". Moreover, Flew concedes:

"As I have said more than once, no other religion enjoys anything like the combination of a charismatic figure like Jesus and a first-class intellectual like St Paul. If you're wanting omnipotence to set up a religion, it seems to me this is the one to beat!"

Whilst not (at the time of writing) a Christian, Flew could see that Christianity is the most likely of all the major monotheistic religions to be true. This is high praise indeed from a former atheist.

While some of the academic language Flew uses in his discussion and summary of the major philosophical and scientific work that led him to theism was slightly over my head, not being as familiar as he with the academic debates, this was a thoroughly fascinating and rewarding read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is prepared to tackle these issues and topics. Flew speaks honestly and frankly about his journey as well as offering many accessible analogies for the lay readers such as myself. As a Christian my faith was reinforced by the power and persuasion of the classical philosophical arguments for the existence of God as well as how modern science is producing many new theists.

Straight Edge

I have chosen to identify myself as a straight edge Christian. What does that mean? Well firstly for any Christians who are unfamiliar with straight edge reading this I have not joined some cult, neither does my identifying myself with straight edge mean I am committing idolatry in some way or shape.

Straight Edge is a lifestyle that I have come to respect and as it closely parallels my own in so many ways I have taken the easy step in associating myself with it. Straight Edge is a drug, alcohol and cigarette free lifestyle. The lifestyle originally started in the early 1980s hardcore music scene in America. Young people with a passion for heavy music began to see the folly in the licentious, decadent and hedonistic drug and alcohol fuelled lifestyle of the hardcore music scene and decided to make a stand. They chose, as the symbol of their new lifestyle, the black X, which they wore upon their hands. This symbol was an ironic inversion of the mark used to stamp people too young to buy alcohol in America.

Over the decades of the late 20th century Straight Edge for some has also come to involve abstaining from casual sex and vegetarianism. This is not a requisite for all straight edge followers but many whilst having pre-marital sex only do so within a committed relationship between two straight edgers whereby the emphasis is on love.

Like many subcultures Straight Edge has spread to other spheres and not just its association with the hardcore music scene. For example one prominent straight edge figure currently is the WWE wrestler CM Punk, who professes a straight edge lifestyle and is currently the leader of a wrestling faction called the straight edge society, where he frequently evangelises to the audience.

Although many of the values professed within Straight Edge are akin to those found in many religions Straight Edge itself is not a religious movement. Adherents to the straight edge lifestyle do not need to be religious and in fact many straight edgers are against religion, taking a rather Marxist line that religion acts like a drug to its followers as the - "the opium of the masses". Again, however, this aspect of straight edge is personal to the individual and not a requisite of the lifestyle.

However, as a Christian metalhead I have seen and respected the many similarities I have with the straight edge lifestyle and despite the grievances that some straight edgers may have, in wishing straight edge to remain an entirely secular affair I believe it is not incompatible with my faith. The fact that this movement has so many Christian like values in it is something to be commended. The fact that many young people today follow a straight edge lifestyle of their own free will and volition and not because of any religious upbringing is to be admired and respected. That is why I see no conflict in being a Christian and choosing to associate yourself with Straight Edge.

Obviously, my admiration and respect for the straight edge lifestyle should in no way come before my faith in God, but as a Christian whose own values so closely mirror those of the straight edge lifestyle I don't see that will be the case. On the other hand there is one potential vice/sin that all straight edgers are vulnerable to and that is pride. I must make sure that I never become prideful for choosing a clean lifestyle. It is not a sin to drink alcohol or even smoke. I must never confuse the values of the two. I do not condemn any Christian or secular person for drinking or smoking, however I believe it is healthier not to. This is a personal decision I have made for my life.

pretty soon I don't know what but something is going to happen

Well this weekend has been if anything eventful to a point. On friday evening I cut one of my knuckles quite badly whilst washing up! I went to the minor injuries unit at my local hospital and it was checked for glass and then bandaged up. It seemed to be the way of things in my life at the moment. Recently I have been feeling much more positive about my current circumstances - meeting regularly with my new church group and reading my Bible on a daily basis definitely helped. However it's amazing how the little things in life ebb away at you. For example two of my favourite past times at the moment have been quite frustrating: Arsenal need to at least draw (though preferrably win) their final game of the season to secure third place. The last month has been incredibly disappointing for Arsenal as we've drawn once and lost four times in our last 5 games! Secondly I have been frustrated by the lacklustre performances and sub-par booking of TNA wrestling just recently too. The company could be huge but instead are wasting their talent and countless opportunities to make a big impression on the wrestling landscape. Minor points in one's life of course but coupled with other little things make for very exasperating times.

I have been coping with work much better the last few weeks. This has come in large part because of a decision I made regarding my future in teaching as well as disciplining myself to work between my gym commitments. I have really enjoyed going to the gym this past month or so. Not only do I feel fitter and stronger but it is a channel to release tension and frustration built up by the stress of my job and/or life. Unfortunately due to my injury on my knuckle I cannot go to the gym for at least a week as I am unable to grip anything properly with my right hand. The cut is terribly inconvenient both to my work and extra-curricular activities. It is amazing how much we take for granted when fully able. If nothing else this experience has given me more humility regarding my dexterity and full use of my hands.

This morning at church we had a sermon on God's provision and how God provides. The passage was from Philippians chapter 4, an account from Paul of his gratitude to the Philippians' generosity and gifts to him as well as his 'contentment' in the various circumstances he finds his life in. It was a very apt and relevant message for myself who sometimes does struggle with 'the cards I've been dealt with' to borrow a phrase from another sermon series from my church. Paul discovered how to be content in life through his faith in the power of Jesus Christ and the provision of God. This week as I have to learn to cope with going about my daily life with my right hand bandaged up, not being able to actively carry out my extra-curricular activities and living with my current circumstances: I must put my faith in my provider above; the Most High. God has graciously been sustaining me throughout my career thus far, despite the many hard times, steep learning curves, disappointments and personal & emotional difficulties I have gone through. I have not always asked for this life but I trust my God that He will supply everything I need.

God doesn't treat us like spoilt children who only have to cynically and manipulatively throw a tantrum and get what they want. God disciplines His children; those He loves. This past week I have been meditating on a couple of passages from scripture: "seek first the Kingdom of God and all shall be added unto you" and "lean not on your own understanding but trust in God". God does provide but we must learn to first place our trust in Him to do what is best by us as well as to put our lives into the appropriate perspective and context of His Kingdom, which is bigger than any single individual. My prayer and meditation this week is that I shall learn to be content with what I have and where I am in my life currently.

As for my relationships; it has been a year since I broke up with my ex fiancee. There are days when I feel being single is the best thing for me at the moment and other days when I long for a companion to love and be loved by. I continually give this over to God and continue to believe "God works for the good of all those who love Him." Whether it is His will I marry or find someone soon I cannot say. All I can do is trust that if it is in His will I have to be patient for that person will be worth waiting for.

Pretty soon, I don't know what, but something is going to happen...