The Gospel rings true

In last week's sermon, Pastor Richard Dahlstrom uses the example Saul's unbelievable conversion to Christianity as a compelling reason to believe that the Gospel is true. He says, "If you want evidence that Christianity is true, you need look no further than Saul."

I remember about 4-5 years ago that Pastor Eugene used a similar rationale to prove Christianity. He said that there was no other religion/belief system that compelled the fervor and devotion of Christians, therefore Christianity must be true.

I'm a Christian but I beg to differ. Malcolm X is an example of someone who, though his pre-conversion life was dramatically antagonistic to religion, faithfully converted to Islam - and spent the rest of his life passionately serving as a spokesperson to his faith. Even in my own life, I know people of all belief systems, whether born into them or later converted (including atheism), who are passionately and 'ridiculously' faithful to their doctrines and beliefs, even when the people around them or society-at-large persecute them for their beliefs.

Many Christians believe that our society is antagonistic to our faith, and thus believe that they are a martyr for their beliefs in Christ. Yes, society is selectively antagonistic of all different beliefs. But Christians have more choices than any other faith system in the U.S. We can choose or choose not to watch trashy television or movies, or listen to violent music, or wait until marriage to have sex...

Try asking an atheist what it's like for them during Christmas season, particularly Christmas Day when the whole country essentially shuts down to them except for a handful of Asian restaurants and the movie theaters. Try asking a Jew or a Muslim what it's like to enter a public space only to have to listen to songs about Christ's birth, life or death throughout the year. These are simplistic examples. Christian values are fundamentally and pervasively embedded in our culture. Ask a non-Christian if they believe they have a choice to live out their beliefs without having them infringed upon daily.

A lot of people are quite troubled and offended because of their strong personal beliefs, and they certainly are not only Christians.

Just saying...