Belief...by Francis S. Collins

March 17 – Tim Keller & Martin Luther King, Jr.

Question 1.  Keller seeks to expose a rationale for not intellectually supporting Christianity.  Christians and churches seem to provide ample ammunition.  The first hang-up is character flaws.  This critique typically excludes grace from the equation, either out of sheer ignorance or disagreement.  What, in your opinion, is the proper tension here?  How do we find balance between “performance” and “acceptance” as Christian human beings?

Question 2.  The second hang-up (intellectually) is the correlation between religion and violence (war).  Historically, we can make no excuses.  Human behavior, for better or worse, continues unabated in spite of professed religious beliefs.  Where have you witnessed this behavior, both from afar and near?  What is the driving motivation for such tactics?  Why does it continue to fail?

Question 3.  The third hang-up is fanaticism (e.g., Cubs fans).  Why do such folks behave in such a manner?  I agree with Keller when he states, “It’s not because they are too Christian but because they are not Christian enough.”  Why is this statement to powerfully true?  Again, where have you witnessed fanaticism locally?  A family member, a co-worker, a neighbor?  How might we best respond to this approach?

Question 4.  Keller notes that Christian “self-correction” is achieved by justice in Jesus’ name, citing the abolition of slavery and the Civil Right Movement as examples.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer also draws mention here.  Where, in your experience have you seen individual Christians and churches address evil by stepping forth in acts of justice?  Where have you participated is such efforts at any level?  What did you learn from your experience?

Question 5.  Martin Luther King, Jr. needs no introduction.  We are more familiar with his speeches than with his writing.  I love the way he comes out swinging: “Nothing pains some people more than having to think.”  Amen, brother!  The term, “soft-minded” (a rather kind term, don’t you think?), seems an ever-growing apt description of our culture at-large.  It continues to get us into all kinds of trouble…one that “purchases its own spiritual death on an installment plan.”  Tough-mindedness is preferable, of course.  Where are we losing ground in this country and where are we gaining ground?  How does Christianity play a role here?

Question 6.  King yokes tough-mindedness to tenderheartedness.  Such is the nature and character of God.  The third component is nonviolent resistance, in order that unjust systems might effectively be opposed.  Jesus is our ultimate model.  Consider the contrast between Egypt and Libya…why one nation succeeded and the other continues to struggle.  What is the key to success with nonviolent resistance?  How does our Christian faith equip us with the moral strength and endurance to face injustice and violence?