Photo credit: Dave Davidson (Prezography.com)
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) had an interesting encounter with an atheist while on the campaign trail in Iowa. He was asked how he would address the non-theists and atheists that make up one of the fastest growing voting blocs (according to the questioner – that may be accurate, but I haven’t looked into it). He said that atheists believe he is running for Pastor-in-Chief instead of Commander-in-Chief.
Rubio responded in a way that I think Christian candidates should take note. He treated the questioner with respect. He shared his faith, explained that we believe salvation and faith is not something that can be compelled, and then he also explained the benefit atheists will experience as he lives out his faith.
Watch below:
My only critique is a theological one – there’s no mention of the resurrection as Rubio explains the Gospel.
The Bible even tells us that without the resurrection of Christ our teaching would be in vain, (1 Corinthians 15:14). His death on the cross would be ineffectual as we wouldn’t have ultimate victory over sin and death. Jesus Christ was fully man and fully God, but if he didn’t rise from the dead he would not have been God and he’d be buried no different than Mohammed or Buddha or any other dead religious figure.
That said his answer was good, but when he talks about the Gospel I really do hope he does not neglect the resurrection. That is what makes the Gospel good news. Jesus is not dead, but He’s alive!
HT: Erick Erickson
Disclosure: This writer has endorsed Ted Cruz for President of the United States.