The Death of an Atheist...

I heard today that Christopher Hitchins died.  I learned about it through comments people made on Facebook.  My friend Sean posted about it, and what he had to say really convicted me.

Here's the post: "Sad to hear about Christopher Hitchins...for all his dislike for religions he had a passionate sense of justice, seemingly incompatible with his atheism.  We truly are all created in the image of God, and I saw that in Hitchins' passion for seeing justice done in the world."

When I hear that an atheist dies, my spirit grieves for their suffering that they will go into not having a saving faith in Christ.  But in my flesh, there is a little part of me that thinks, "Ha!  Bet you wished you changed your mind now!"  Regardless of what my beliefs are, that just isn't appropriate.

And then there's Sean, who manages to show the love of Christ even in the death of man who constantly ridiculed and persecuted his faith.  Sean focuses on the reality that, atheist or not, this man was passionate about what he believed.  And whether or not he believed in the God that made him, he is still a creation of the one I call Lord.  If nothing else, that alone merits my love and care for the man and his family.

So, to the Hitchins family, if you happen to stumble on this little blog of mine, forgive my cynicism.  I can't begin to imagine the pain you're feeling and the loss you have suffered.  Whether you believe in God or not, know that I implore Him to give you the peace you so desperately need now, and I hope that somehow you find the strength to endure this hard time.

And to Sean, thank you for reminding me of what Christ's love looks like.

Keep Soaring,

B