JAMES DAY 16 - Are the Atheists Right?

DAY 16
ARE THE ATHEISTS RIGHT?
James 2:14

Does religion do any good? 

About 15 years ago, the New Atheists were all the rage. People like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Christopher Hitchens wrote a string of atheist bestsellers. Not only did they challenge belief in God, but they also challenged the idea that religion does any good. 

I’m a believer, so obviously I’m not convinced by atheism, but they have a point on this question. The New Atheists want religion to have some positive, real-world effects. In fact, in their best moments, these unbelievers are demanding faith that works. 

If we’re honest, isn’t that what we want? I want all the time and money and effort I’ve put into being a Christian to make a difference. 

That’s exactly what James wants, too. James, the Bible-writing brother of Jesus, wants the same thing atheists want: faith that works! He says so in 2:14, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?” James isn’t asking exactly the same question as the New Atheists. We’ll get into his version of it this week, but he’s definitely asking what good some version of faith does.

The way old King James’s Bible translators put it into English 500 years ago gets to the heart: “What doth it profit…?” What’s the gain, the advantage, the return on investment? What do we get out of all the hours in church, all the Bible reading, all the praying, all the church camps, all the youth ministry, all the tithes and offerings - what do we get out of all the music, all the small groups? 

James’s question, and atheist critiques, might make us uncomfortable. That’s good. The gospel claims to be good news. We should know why it’s good and what good it’s doing. Don’t be afraid to stew over James’s question this week.

REFLECT
What good does your faith do?

PRAY
Lord, this is an uncomfortable question. But the gospel is good news. Show me again why Jesus is good and what good it does to trust Jesus. Amen.