The most provoking quote I’ve read all year is by an avowed atheist. I want to read it regularly to stir me to evangelism.
“… I’ve always said, you know, that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there is a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell, or not getting eternal life or whatever, and you think that, well, it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward… how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? I mean, if I believed beyond a shadow of doubt that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe it, and that truck was bearing down on you, there’s a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that…” — Penn Gillette, (of Penn and Teller), atheist, quoted in Colin Marshall and Tony Payne, The Trellis and the Vine
May this quote stir us all to pray for boldness and opportunities to share the gospel in any way we can with our friends and families.
photo by teresia
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Excellent quote, Mark, and yes, very provoking.
Thanks Steve!
Now I need to do it.
Wow! What an excellent reminder, particularly during this Christmas season when I waste so much energy on things which have no eternal value. I need to be reminded – again – of why Jesus came, to seek and save the lost. Thanks so much.
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for your comments – I need that reminder too.
Yes Sir, Yes Sir, Yes Sir. It is sad I will point out Short comings for ” their own Good” However not enough to share the Truth – Jesus Christ Thanks Steve I a am newcomer to your BLOG. my Son turned me on to it. What wise man my son is.
Hi Mark,
Thanks for your comments!
Yes, this quote rocked my world as well. As Christians, I think we’ve long held this belief, but to hear someone else say it, particularly an outspoken atheist, gives it a whole new level of meaning… and realness.
It speaks directly to the truth. It says, choose. I think a log of people, believers or not, really understand that and can appreciate that position. Of course, living as though that Mac truck is coming (’cause it is) is the real issue at stake here…
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Also, if you haven’t seen the whole video of Penn saying it, please check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fa9JE_ZVL88
Someone (I’d sure like to know who) prompted this reaction. It was quite amazing. (Just between us, dear readers of The Blazing Center, I think I cried the first time I saw it.)
Hey Marshall,
Thanks for your comments and for the youtube link. Can’t wait to watch it.