In response to the various claims made in the Collegian over the past couple of issues as to whether the Bible itself or Christians are to blame for the adoption of atheism:

Firstly, to approach the Bible excuse: it is important to remember that the Bible is not intended to be as dry as a mathematical equation or an instruction manual. The Bible is divinely-inspired text adapted to the writing styles and personalities of the individual human authors and often includes symbolism. Quotes from the Bible must be made cautiously to consider the context of the passage in relation to the entire Bible. Making statements that God is not pro-life because of the mention of throwing children off a cliff (Hosea 13:16) doesn’t serve any truthful purpose.

This passage refers to Samaria as a woman, which it definitely wasn’t (it’s a place) and the disobedience that she showed resulting in people falling from a place of great altitude (closeness to God) into darkness (sin and misery).

A misunderstanding of the Bible may lead some away from Christianity, but this can easily be remedied by a little honest, scholarly research. Christianity has withstood the onslaught of legitimate (The Reformation) and illegitimate (The DaVinci Code) claims since the time of Christ, precisely because it is based solely on the truth (John 14:6).

Atheism is not just a rejection of Christianity, but rather a rejection of the “confinements” and responsibilities that inevitably flow from the belief that we have a purpose and we have a Creator. The late, great Pope John Paul II said that the greatest scandal in Christianity is the great chasm that exists between what Christians say they believe and the way in which they live their lives. We, as Christians, are called to recognize, love and imitate He who is perfection, Jesus Christ, to the best of our abilities. Pray for believers and non-believers alike, that they may more closely imitate Christ.

John P. PullisBrookings, SD 57006Plant Science Graduate Student