Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Not only without, but also within, Christendom there is wide spread unbelief in the Bible. In many pulpits things are said about the Bible which one hundred years ago were said only by professed infidels. Why is this true? What causes have operated to produce the widespread unbelief of our generation? What is it that is blocking the development of faith in their hearts and minds?

These questions the author has endeavored to answer in this book, which is the first of a proposed series on Christian Evidence. The author has not endeavored to say everything that could be said with reference to each of the causes of unbelief. Enough, it is believed, has been said concerning each of them to enable the reader to see that these causes are not really such as either must or in any way should necessiate the conclusion that the Christian faith is not tenable. But until these causes are dealt with it will be impossible for a person to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. All the evidence in the world cannot make a deep impression on a mind in which certain ideas block a fair consideration of the evidence. This is well illustrated by the statement made to Huxley by one of his friends in reply to Huxley's question as to why, if the evidence for God's existence was so clear that he, Huxley, did not perceive it. " 'May I speak frankly?' asked his friend. "Certainly,' answered Huxley. 'It is because you are color-blind.' Huxley was silent for a moment, and then replied: 'And of course if I am colour-blind, I should not be aware of it." There are many who are colour-blind and know not the real cause of their belief. They imagine that the fault is with the evidences of Christianity, when in reality the fault is with them and the attitude in which they approach the study of the credentials of Christ. To assist the sincere unbeliever in his search for truth this book has been written to help him see the attitudes and ideas which now blind him to the light of the gospel.