Yesterday's passing of Christopher Hitchens may be viewed in such a light. For those who weren't familiar with Hitchens, he was one of the leaders of the "new atheism" movement. This movement emphasizes resisting and countering religion wherever it exists. Hitchens devoted most of his career to doing just that. He was especially unkind toward Christianity, arguing against the presence of any positives flowing out of it. A few years ago, Hitchens was diagnosed with cancer, and his death was a result of complications of this disease.
When someone as staunchly opposed to Christianity passes, it's extremely easy to respond with callousness. However, Christians should not find joy in individuals leaving this earth in the same state they entered it: in rebellion against God. Our joy comes when the enemies of God turn to Him in repentance, placing their faith and hope in Jesus Christ. In addition, unbelievers are still image-bearers of God and leaving behind grieving loved ones. In Hitchens case, he has a wife and children as well as a brother who converted from atheism to Christianity. If anything our prayer should be for his strength to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with his family in their time of mourning.
A friend of mine sent an email to a group of us about Hitchens' passing. Two years ago we watched the film Collision which follows Hitchens and Rev. Doug Wilson as they travel the country together debating issues of God and faith (I would recommend it for a number of reasons, namely providing a glimpse into the various arguments against the faith Christians should be aware of). My friend challenged us that the lives of individuals such as Hitchens do remind us that opponents of Christ are vocal, ferocious, and intelligent. And our job is not to avoid or hide, but follow the counsel Peter gave the scattered church.
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks your for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
I pray that Christopher Hitchens experienced the "bedside conversion" he boldly said would never happen. Regardless, God is the holy, just, and righteous Judge. I pray as well for Christians to have a heart of compassion and grace for people like Hitchens. I pray they engage with these unbelievers knowing that as they honor Christ and give reasons for the hope they have, the only hope that exists, the Holy Spirit will bring about the fruit.
When someone as staunchly opposed to Christianity passes, it's extremely easy to respond with callousness. However, Christians should not find joy in individuals leaving this earth in the same state they entered it: in rebellion against God. Our joy comes when the enemies of God turn to Him in repentance, placing their faith and hope in Jesus Christ. In addition, unbelievers are still image-bearers of God and leaving behind grieving loved ones. In Hitchens case, he has a wife and children as well as a brother who converted from atheism to Christianity. If anything our prayer should be for his strength to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with his family in their time of mourning.
A friend of mine sent an email to a group of us about Hitchens' passing. Two years ago we watched the film Collision which follows Hitchens and Rev. Doug Wilson as they travel the country together debating issues of God and faith (I would recommend it for a number of reasons, namely providing a glimpse into the various arguments against the faith Christians should be aware of). My friend challenged us that the lives of individuals such as Hitchens do remind us that opponents of Christ are vocal, ferocious, and intelligent. And our job is not to avoid or hide, but follow the counsel Peter gave the scattered church.
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks your for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. (1 Peter 3:15)
I pray that Christopher Hitchens experienced the "bedside conversion" he boldly said would never happen. Regardless, God is the holy, just, and righteous Judge. I pray as well for Christians to have a heart of compassion and grace for people like Hitchens. I pray they engage with these unbelievers knowing that as they honor Christ and give reasons for the hope they have, the only hope that exists, the Holy Spirit will bring about the fruit.
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