How a skeptical philosopher becomes a Christian

Recently, the co-founder of Wikipedia, Larry Sanger, shared his story of how he became a Christian.  He published it on the web under the title “How a Skeptical Philosopher Becomes a Christian.”  

Larry’s story is quite interesting in this regard.  Larry grew up in a Christian home.   

Sadly, Larry’s decision to leave the Christian faith was influenced by regrettable interactions with a couple pastors.   When Larry approached these pastors with serious questions about the Christian faith, he was brushed off.   One of the pastors even told Larry that he “asked too many questions”.

What did Larry conclude from these interactions?   At a young age, Larry surmised that Christianity must be for people who do not think deeply.  He guessed that Christians must be people who are content with a lack of curiosity about their faith.

Thankfully, later in life Larry started reading the Bible on his own.  He also got around other Christians who were willing to sit and listen, and were willing to dig into the Scriptures with him for answers.  

Larry’s story is a great reminder for many of us of a Bible verse recorded in 1 Peter 3:15:  “Be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

Yes, the basics of the Christian faith are well summarized in the words of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

That verse is called “the Gospel in a nutshell” for good reason.

However, the Bible contains 66 books and over 1,000 chapters.  God provides us with answers to many of the questions that a person might have who is pondering the Christian faith.   A good portion of Jesus’ ministry in the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John was spent answering questions.  Every Christian is called to know their Bibles well.

Do Christians have answers to every question?  No.   Understanding everything about a God who is beyond time for people who are bound by time, has some limitations.    

Even atheists must admit that they have no good answer for how everything we see, came into existence from nothing.  If there ever was a time when there was nothing, we would still have nothing.

Larry Sanger’s story is a reminder that even people who are deep thinkers, can ultimately find answers to the deepest questions about life in the pages of God’s Word.   Larry had questions, and God’s Word provided answers that the world’s philosophers could not give.

I lament the fact that Larry had not been exposed to the best representatives of the Christian faith early in life.  If that happens to have been your experience, let me encourage you to do what Larry did.  Open up your Bible and start reading.   God’s Word is a “Lamp to our feet and a light to our path.”  Psalm 119:105

John Lehenbauer, Pastor Emeritus

Christ Lutheran Church, Perry

johnlehenbauer@gmail.com