Christ and Judges
Robert Blatchford, a severe critic of religion and theism, had numerous verbal tussles with G.K. Chesterton (who liked Blatchford and everyone else he had debates with). The atheist was sure that no English judge would accept as adequate the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. I think Chesterton's response was not only amusing but of consequence. He suggested that Christians don't share "such an extravagant reverence for English judges as is felt by Mr. Blatchford himself. The experiences of the Founder of Christianity have perhaps left us in a vague doubt of the infallibility of Courts of Law."
It's always tragic when we hear Christian types stupidly attack intelligence as if intelligence were an enemy to the faith rather than one of God's gifts by which we appropriate and rejoice in the truth that Christ is and brought. Just the same, it makes no sense to believe that our intellect isn't affected by our vested interests. Jesus called his judges and critics not to "judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." (John 7:24) Character and personal agendas can affect how we weigh evidence. In John 5:44, Jesus makes this clear when he says to his judges, "How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another, and you do not seek the glory that is from the one and only God?" It's true that professing faith can be "fashionable" but so can unbelief. It's a stark and sad truth that we can profess ourselves to be wise and become fools (Romans 1:21) because we lack purity of heart. Christians and non-believers alike need to confess that humility! and a willingness to obey can open our eyes to the good and perfect and acceptable will of God (Romans 12:1-2)
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