Classic Replay: Grill James White + Larry Taunton on bible study with Christopher Hitchens
Dec 12, 2023
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Reformed apologist James White takes calls on Jesus' divinity, God as the author of evil, and Calvin. Larry Taunton discusses his unlikely friendship with Christopher Hitchens and their book 'The Faith of Christopher Hitchens'.
Christopher Hitchens, despite his public persona as an atheist, had moments of openness and genuine friendships, demonstrating a willingness to seek out thoughtful discussions beyond his atheistic beliefs.
Larry Taunton's friendship and close relationship with Christopher Hitchens uncovered Hitchens' private search for meaning, leading him to question his atheism and explore Christianity through engaging conversations and studying the Gospel of John together.
James White addresses the theological tension of God's decree including evil without implicating Him as the author of sin, highlighting biblical foundations and referencing specific texts to demonstrate that God's sovereignty and human accountability coexist.
Deep dives
Unlikely friendship: Larry Taunton and Christopher Hitchens
Larry Taunton recounts his unlikely friendship with the famous atheist Christopher Hitchens. The two met at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2008, expecting to clash, but instead, they hit it off. Taunton describes Hitchens as a different person in private than the public persona portrayed in his book 'God is not Great.' This friendship led to an ongoing relationship with Hitchens, exploring questions of faith and meaning. Taunton acknowledges that atheism itself is a form of faith, and Hitchens was on a search for something to give meaning and sustain his life. He investigated Christianity in his own way, engaging with evangelicals and doing undercover investigations. Taunton talks about two road trips they took, studying the Gospel of John, which provided a unique setting for their extended Bible studies.
Questioning faith and exploring Christianity
Christopher Hitchens, known for his atheism, also had his own questions about faith. He recognized the need for faith in atheism and acknowledged that it couldn't provide a foundation for life. Hitchens explored patriotism and science but eventually turned to Christianity in his search for meaning and purpose. Larry Taunton, his unlikely friend, helped facilitate his exploration by engaging in conversations and studying the Gospel of John together. Through undercover investigations and personal reflections, Hitchens privately sought answers to the questions that intrigued him.
The faith of Christopher Hitchens
In his book, Larry Taunton explores the faith of Christopher Hitchens, the prominent atheist. Taunton argues that even atheists have a form of faith, a belief in the absence of God. He highlights Hitchens' search for something that could sustain and give meaning to his life, leading him to question his own atheism and investigate Christianity. The book describes their friendship, road trips, and deep discussions on faith, including studying the Gospel of John together. Taunton uncovers Hitchens' journey of personal exploration and the unique faith he held, challenging common misconceptions about atheism and providing insights into the complex nature of belief.
The Distinction Between Primary and Secondary Causes in God's Decree
In this podcast episode, a listener named Zach raises the question of how to articulate the distinction between primary and secondary causes in God's decree, especially concerning the fall of man. He acknowledges that God is sovereign over all things, including the fall, but struggles to explain this to others without implicating God as the author of sin. The speaker, James White, addresses this tension by highlighting biblical foundations and three specific texts. He refers to the story of Joseph and his brothers, where Joseph acknowledges the evil intention of his brothers while recognizing that God also intended the same event for good. The speaker also mentions Isaiah 10, where God uses Assyria as His instrument against Israel, but still holds them accountable for their evil intentions. Lastly, the speaker cites Acts 4, where the early church acknowledges that individuals like Herod and Pontius Pilate did what God's will predestined them to do, yet they are still guilty for their actions. The main point is that God's decree includes evil, but it does not make Him the author of sin as He does not force anyone to commit evil acts.
Christopher Hitchens' Journey and Changing Views
This podcast episode also delves into the personal relationship between the speaker, Justin Brierley, and the late Christopher Hitchens. The discussion reveals that Christopher Hitchens, despite his public persona as an atheist and critic of religion, had moments of openness to hearing different perspectives. The speaker shares anecdotes about engaging in road trips and debates with Hitchens, where they would have conversations beyond the public persona. It is noted that Hitchens valued integrity and loyalty to friendship, which sometimes led to surprising alliances, such as his support for the George W. Bush administration. The episode highlights how atheism did not solely define Hitchens, as he demonstrated a willingness to seek out thoughtful discussions and have genuine friendships, even with individuals of opposing beliefs. The speaker's book, which delves into their relationship, emphasizes the significance of caring for Hitchens as a person rather than just seeking his conversion or viewing him as a trophy.
From 2016: Reformed apologist James White joins Justin again, this time to take calls from listeners on whether the apostles preached Jesus’ divinity, whether God is the author of evil, and whether Calvin wasn’t reformed enough. In the final part of the show Justin is joined by Larry Taunton to talk about his unlikely friendship with one of the world’s best known atheists, as detailed in his new book ‘The Faith of Christopher Hitchens’.
For James White http://www.aomin.org/
o read the interview with Larry Taunton on Christopher Hitchens https://www.premierchristianity.com/Past-Issues/2016/June-2016/My-unlikely-friendship-with-the-world-s-most-notorious-atheist For Unbelievable?
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