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Famous Atheist Now Believes in God (II)

Last week I commented on the rejection of atheism by noted atheist, Antony Flew [more]. Imago Deo links to an excellent interview, well worth reading, between Gary Habermas (a theist) and Flew. The two met for a theist vs atheist debate in 1985 and developed a friendship that led to years of discussion and dialog. In January 2004, Flew informed Habermas that he had become a theist. While still rejecting the concept of special revelation, whether Christian, Jewish or Islamic, nonetheless he had concluded that theism was true. In Flew’s words, he simply "had to go where the evidence leads."

In this recent lengthy interview, here is what Flew says about the Bible:

FLEW: The Bible is a work which someone who had not the slightest concern about the question of the truth or falsity of the Christian religion could read as people read the novels of the best novelists. It is an eminently readable book.

Habermas asked whether or not Flew had come any closer to believing that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is historical fact.

FLEW: No, I don’t think so. The evidence for the resurrection is better than for claimed miracles in any other religion. It’s outstandingly different in quality and quantity, I think, from the evidence offered for the occurrence of most other supposedly miraculous events. But you must remember that I approached it after considerable reading of reports of psychical research and its criticisms. This showed me how quickly evidence of remarkable and supposedly miraculous events can be discredited. [ect.]

And here is their final exchange:

HABERMAS: I ask this last question with a smile, Tony. But just think what would happen if one day you were pleasantly disposed toward Christianity and all of a sudden the resurrection of Jesus looked pretty good to you?

FLEW: Well, one thing I’ll say in this comparison is that, for goodness sake, Jesus is an enormously attractive charismatic figure, which the Prophet of Islam most emphatically is not.

It is encouraging when a devout and long-time atheist, who is also a scientist, marvels at the complexity and beauty of the universe and concludes that there must be a Creator. It is time for Flew to recognize that evil entered the world through man and that without a Savior all would stand condemned before a just and holy God. Jesus Christ is that Savior who willingly laid down His life, bearing the penalty for the sin of those who trust Him.

That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. - Romans 10:9

Posted by tim at December 20, 2004 5:42 PM

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