Skeptics Amongst Us

For what if some did not believe? Will their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.” Romans 3:3-4 (NKJV)

US News & World Report, July 24-31, 2000, devoted an entire issue to “Mysteries of History.” Not only are there many unanswered questions such as the disappearance of aviatrix Amelia Earhart; the possible survival of the Russian princess Anastasia; whether the FBI killed Public Enemy No. 1 John Dillinger; what happened to the Van Gogh that was sold at Christie’s auction house for $82.5 million in 1990; whether Christopher Columbus visited Iceland in 1477; who was Beethoven’s great love; or whether there is actually a lost civilization of Atlantis; but long-accepted truths are being called into question.

Many doubt if William Shakespeare was the author of the many plays ascribed to him. Historians doubt whether Davy Crockett died defending the Alamo. Some doubt whether Marco Polo ever visited China. Some find no evidence that there was ever a King Arthur or the Round Table or Camelot. Others question whether Abraham Lincoln ever wrote a sympathy letter to the Boston widow Lydia Bixby who had lost all five of her sons in the Civil War. Others wonder whether the pharaohs built the Great Sphinx. Brian Huberman, professor of art and art history at Rice University in Houston, Texas, stated, “It shows the way in which history works, in the sense that it has to be revitalized regularly for each generation.”

Doubters have arisen in ever generation and the 21st is no exemption. Our own history as a country is under constant assault from those who wish to change the foundation of this nation from one based on Judeo-Christian principles to one devoid of any influence of God. Those who wish to rewrite our rich Christian heritage go so far as to call into question the very beliefs of our founders. These revisionists feel that if they can discredit the person, then their beliefs will be discredited as well. And since they desire a godless society it is necessary to assail the very foundations upon which this country was founded. Anyone who attempts to oppose these revisionists are labeled uneducated or foolish or worse yet “right-wing” extremists.

Even during the time of Jesus’ ministry there were many learned men who questioned the authenticity of Jesus. They did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God and accused him of blasphemy. Despite witnessing the many miracles he performed they still did not believe. No amount of proof could be offered that would dismiss their unbelief. Even when he rose from the dead after three days buried, stories had to be told that the body was secretly stolen or that Jesus was not really dead but only in a coma. Those stories persist even to today.

So whether you believe Lincoln wrote a letter of sympathy to Lydia Bixby or if Davey Crockett died defending the Alamo or not, there is one thing you can be sure of. Jesus is alive and well and still seeking to save the lost. And no amount of historical revisionism is going to change that fact, you can take that to the grave. And that is this week’s tail feather.

Blessed is the person who does not follow the advice of wicked people, take the path of sinners, or join the company of mockers. Rather, he delights in the teachings of the Lord and reflects on his teachings day and night. Psalms 1:1-2 (GW)