Dawkins deluded?

On Saturday I picked up a copy of the Dvd of Richard Dawkins debate with John Lennox in Alabama last year. I have watched it twice already. Dawkins followers have been upset at the construct of the debate, feeling Dawkins was handcuffed and therefore unable at times to counter Lennox's arguments. However, it is worth pointing out that "Fixed Point" who hosted the debate, is a christian organisation, and Dawkins was given the first and last word. It equally says something for Dawkins that he was prepared to debate an evangelical Christian in the deep south of the USA in the Bible belt.

It is well worth getting hold of! Lennox is brilliant. I know him (though not well) and have had the privilege to hear him on a number of occasions. He is a Mathematician and philosopher of science at Oxford uni. Lennox is insightful, some of his arguments are cutting, and he manages that difficult thing in a debate of being direct and at the same time, incredibly gracious.

I remember a few years ago, as a young evangelist, getting into a debate (argument!) with some members of one of the 'quasi christian' cults (JW's, Mormons, Christadelphians). I was incredibly enthusiastic, fresh out of Bible college, and dreadfully naive! Not only did I not make any ground for the Gospel, but I lost the argument.

I am becoming more and more convinced of the need to "win friends and influence people!" The church is full of cliches and catch phrases like "People need to belong before they believe." Just because it is a cliche does not mean it doesn't contain a nugget of truth.

As we stand on the truth of Gods Word, and the Rock of Truth, Jesus Himself, may God help us to be less concerned about winning the argument, and more so about winning people.