The Path Of Fools

Romans 1:18-23

Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. (Romans 1:22)

IN OUR CULTURE, showing skepticism and cynicism can come across as intelligence. It doesn’t matter if the skeptic can actually refute a position logically or if a cynic presents a coherent alternative point of view. The simple use of sarcasm and suspicion to undermine what other people say is usually enough to give the cynic an air of common sense and superiority. A few condescending jabs, a criticism written from a “knowing” perspective, a roll of the eyes—all convey superiority. And the technique is really easy to employ.

Christian beliefs have often been dismissed with such cynicism, even when the cynic doesn’t understand what he or she is dismissing or have evidence to support a better alternative. In fact, that’s the key to skepticism—you don’t need a better alternative. You don’t need to come up with a more coherent explanation for anything; you only need to criticize the ones that are out there. This pseudo-intellectual attitude is rampant in our society, and it appears to undermine the faith of simple believers like us. Except it doesn’t.

There are legitimate questions and arguments about faith, of course, and genuine objections to discuss. Many thoughtful people have rejected the faith. Unbelief as a whole is not incoherent or empty. But much of popular skepticism is, and Paul put his finger on it in Romans 1. He was writing about the trajectory of false worship—paganism, to be specific, which has taken on much more diverse and subtle forms in recent centuries. The context doesn’t apply to all mockers and unthinking skeptics, but the dynamics do. They profess to be wise, convincing many. But behind the rolled eyes and contemptuous expressions is the foolishness of minds that don’t want to think too hard.

Refuse to be intimidated. Anyone can criticize, but very few in our world embrace a coherent worldview. You do. Know your beliefs, grow in faith, and most of all, live the gospel. No amount of cynicism will ever overcome a lifestyle of wisdom, power, and love in the Spirit.

{Jesus, you stood strong against a storm of criticism. Your Word urges us to stand strong too. The world shows contempt for your truth, but you have overcome the world. May I overcome it in every way too. Amen.