Some folks have erected a bench carved of stone in front of a Florida courthouse, and it has caused lots of people to just flat wig out.
The bench is a monument. To Atheism.
Is erecting this monument casting the first stone?
As with many who feel they have been persecuted for their beliefs, those who designed and built this monument seem intent on striking back at people they feel are their enemies in as cruel a manner as possible, and the group has achieved the desired affect. The monument’s text (which is replete with quotes that are, much like the Proof-Texts so many unbelievers despise, taken out of context) seems to be written as a direct jab at those who believe in God, almost as an indictment on them for praying instead of acting on their convictions, as though theists are only capable of one or the other, never both.
There is a cold logic in militant atheism, a refusal to accept the of possibility of an unexplainable Magic in life, and this stone slab illustrates that. One can understand the atheists’ need to counter what they consider to be the offensive display of the Ten Commandments, and on some level, I think it’s actually good for people who believe in God to experience that gut-punch of offense atheists must feel when they see the Ten Commandments carved in stone on public property.
Casting more stones…
It’s good because it shows the faith of people who believe: it is a testing of our humanity, the depth of our grace, the strength of our convictions. Many believers are outraged over the atheist monument, as though a hunk of rock could destroy their country, or worse, their own personal faith, feeling for the first time a bit of the sting many non-believers feel when seeing another religious-themed statue erected on a public space. Christians have described the bench as “an attack”, both on Christians and on Christianity itself. And, perhaps, some atheists want it that way. But, I imagine other atheists just want to have an equal voice in the public square, and still others don’t really care one way or the other.
What often defines us is our response to those who deeply offend us. I sort of think the most Christ-like response to that bench in Florida would be to sit on it, and have a real conversation with someone, like Christ had with Nicodemus, one that involved a quiet but active listening.