Chapter 16
Free Will, an Observable Fact
New Atheist, Richard Dawkins, believes that there is overwhelming evidence that the more intelligent people are, the less they believe in God. Intelligence can be measured in many ways and mean different things to different folks. There is academic intelligence (from which I believe he has gathered his statistics). People with academic status tend to not believe in God because most leaders in academia are already teaching against it, propagating humanism and atheism aggressively, within the educational systems. So, the natural consequences of education under the guidance of non-believers, is the production of more smug and self-sufficient non-believers. There is, however, an immeasurable intelligence that should not be ignored, but often is. It is the wisdom of the sages, the wisdom that comes to those who pray unceasingly, the wisdom that is not from our own worldly knowledge, but from God.
How is this wisdom, which can't be denied, measured? Although Solomon led a very carnal life, there can be no doubt that his request from God for deep wisdom was granted. He possessed much insight about life. His Proverbs have provided assurance and helpful advice to countless numbers of people down through the ages, since they first were written, spoken and taught. With over 700 wives and 300 concubines, I imagine he was kept pretty busy, and obviously did not walk in all the wisdom he had, but in the field of pure Godly wisdom, Solomon is famed to be one of the "most" intelligent. Yet Solomon proclaimed near the end of his days that all of the wisdom of man is vanity. Wisdom of man, in this case, should be defined as knowledge of the world, based on appearances and that is the wisdom he most operated in—not the wisdom of God.
Mother Teresa, who established dignified homes for the dying, in the most impoverished areas of Calcutta, India, spent much of her life praying for others. In her later years, she was asked to speak in many places and never failed to exude an inner wisdom and a deep love for people. She was not knowledgeable in what the academicians might measure intelligence by, but, nevertheless, the knowledge she presented was what I would choose, hand over foot, to have, instead of knowledge that would make me a good candidate for Jeopardy.
Since anyone reading this book is still alive, it would be a little presumptuous to conclude, outside of a faith perspective, that they know for certain the fate of the dead. All things considered, it makes sense to me to side with the believer, and go for prayer and a deep immeasurable wisdom that stems from God. With God's wisdom, you may not win in Jeopardy, but you will most certainly avoid the Final Jeopardy of those who rejected the Savior. All must choose to believe in God, and His Son, Jesus Christ. There is only one truth, and He is it.
"Believing is not something you can decide to do as a matter of policy. At least, it is not something I can decide to do as an act of will. I can decide to go to church and I can decide to recite the Nicene Creed, and I can decide to swear on a stack of bibles that I believe every word inside them. But none of that can make me actually believe it if I don't." Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion, page 104.
I disagree with Mr. Dawkins. Of course we can choose what we want to believe. Free will is an observable factor on this planet. From my book, The Opening Window, you can observe that my changing belief systems were not easy—but it certainly can be done. It requires persistence and willingness, and the understanding that we "think into" the heart. Over time, our thoughts and desires accumulate into the subconscious mind (another term for the heart) and our whole mindset, our worldview, changes accordingly. Students, who are indoctrinated with "intelligent" professors in secular colleges, become less and less interested in God, while in college. We do not have to be like chameleons, however, changing our colors with every group with whom we associate. We can determine to believe anything we like, but we must understand that our commitment will strengthen with time, our beliefs will create electric impulses to our brains, and we will begin to find reasons for our belief, even as we use our senses (which will naturally perceive what is believed). It is all a choice. Everything is a choice. The only way we can make sound choices is by looking at the fruit of the decisions and deciding, if necessary, to make different choices. It is that simple. All of that truth leads to this truth: God wants us to love Him—by choice! But rest assured that once you make that "choice," that step of faith, God will reinforce that belief by revealing Himself in many wonderful ways.
Jesus, I adore You, and desire to do Your will, during my short stay on earth. Thank You for watching over Professor Dawkins. Guide him to Your gentle arms. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.
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