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Atheists for Christmas

It appears that the "War on Christmas" controversy that has captured the attention of many in the US is not limited to our shores and may in fact be even more pronounced in England. An article by Simon Heffer published in the Daily Telegraph newspaper in London indicates that over there, political correctness is such that up until recently not even Church leaders were willing to stand up and demand that Christ not be taken out of Christmas.

There is an irony in this article however given that it's author is a self-professed non-believer in God or that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (thus the reason for the season). This however has not stopped him from acknowledging quite forcefully, the merits of Christianity's influence on the greater society, and the perversion which fuels those people who are aligned against it. People he adds who are far fewer in numbers and power than their rhetoric would suggest.

The author's reason for non-belief is quite common; he writes: "...I saw as a child that, having tried as hard as I could, I could not believe in God. I greatly regret this, but, despite extensive reflection, I can see no reason after all these years to revise my view. I accept the existence of Jesus Christ as a historical figure, but the Christian miracles are beyond me."

His need to "make sense" of the miracles of Jesus underscores a fundamental error for many who don't believe - that being that they exalt their minds (their ability to think) over what is plain to see to the eye of the simple. God alludes to this mindset most clearly in Romans Chapter 1: 19-20 - "...For the truth about God is known to them (people) instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God (NLT).

We were not created to understand everything. If so, there would be no need for faith. Our instincts know this but our minds often get in the way. Instinctively, Mr. Heffer knows the benefits of God to a society, and by way of his article eloquently cries out when others try to make the society Godless. To his own "unbelief" I prayerfully say: use your will, not your skill.
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