For my Science, Technology, Mathematics, Academic, Agnostic, and Atheist Friends

John 11:25-26 reads:

"Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this"?

A decade ago, I wrote this article for my friends in science, technology, mathematics, academia, and those who identify as agnostic or atheist. My research and explanation focus on probability, statistics, and eyewitness accounts.

When I try to explain the existence of God to my atheist and agnostic friends, I've found that taking the time to share detailed analyses about the presence of God in a way that resonates with them is more effective.

My Journey

I have spent about 35 years examining the scientific, eyewitness accounts, and mathematical evidence for Jesus and reviewing atheist claims and their conclusions.

First, I'd like to say the obvious.  I've been a Christian for most of my adult life. I love Christ and do my best to follow Him each day. Invariably, I fall short in my walk with Christ daily but will follow Him until I leave this earth.

I have always been fascinated by various fields such as science, medicine, technology, mathematics (particularly probability and investing), history, astronomy, quantum physics, and complex evidence-based research models. I’m unsure why I am drawn to these areas, but I share your interest. I enjoy conducting detailed research that helps uncover the complex mysteries of life.

Statistical Chances Of Christ Fulfilling Prophecies Through Probability

The probabilities presented by Stoner in "Science Speaks" demonstrate that the science of probability eliminates coincidence in the fulfillment of eight prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.

"We find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled all eight prophecies would be 1 in the 17th power. That would be 100,000,000,000,000,000 (17 zeros after this equation). Stoner illustrates the likelihood of fulfilling prophecies further with a silver dollar example.

Stoner's example of mathematical probability is like taking tons of silver dollars and laying them on the face of Texas.

Based on the probability outlined above, the silver dollars in this example cover the state of Texas two feet deep.

To further illustrate this exercise in probability, you then blindfold a man and tell him he can travel as far as he wants, but he must pick up just one silver dollar that you identify as the "right one." What chance would he have of getting the right one? It was about the same opportunity the prophets had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true with one man. They all came true through Christ.

Stoner did not stop his analysis with the probability of eight prophecies being fulfilled by one man. He then looked into the possibility of one man fulfilling 48 prophecies. The odds are astronomical that one person could fulfill 48 prophecies. However, if you take the time to look at each prophecy and its fulfillment by Jesus, you'll see that He is who He said he was.

The likelihood of a single person fulfilling all 48 prophecies is 1 in the 137th power, which is a minimal probability. Imagine having a cubic inch of electrons and counting them day and night to show you how slight this chance is. It would take 19,000,000 years to finish this counting project. This is similar to the opportunity for anyone to fulfill 48 prophecies. However, Jesus fulfilled not only all 48 prophecies but even more.

Historical Evidence Is Not Blind Faith (neither is a probability, for that matter)

When it comes to historical accuracy, historian Phillip Schaff states:

"The purpose of a historian is not to construct a history from preconceived notions and adjust it to his liking but to reproduce it from the best evidence and to let it speak for itself." (Shaff, HCC, 175).

Do you believe Lincoln lived and was president of the United States? Most people answer yes to this question.

No one can have personally seen or observed Abraham Lincoln in the present day. The only way one can know about his existence and his assassination is through physical, verbal, and written testimonies.

However, based on historical artifacts and reliable testimonies, it is highly probable that Abraham Lincoln did live and was assassinated.

The historical probability of Christ's resurrection is overwhelming when you study the historical details and eyewitness accounts. The key phrase here is "taking the time."

Many critics overlook the evidence supporting Christ's resurrection. More than 500 people claimed to have seen the resurrected Christ, which is further corroborated by the eyewitness accounts of James and all the apostles. These testimonies should prompt even the most skeptical individuals to reconsider their beliefs.

Looking further beneath the history hood, you will find much more on the history side to validate Christ's claim.

Please take the time to look for yourself.

Famous Atheist Motives

Alex Huxley, a famous atheist, had this to say in relevant part: "…for me, the philosophy of meaninglessness was essentially an instrument of liberation, sexual, and political".

Huxley had motives for his atheism (to his credit, he freely admits this). His motives closed his eyes to the kind of rigorous research outlined above.

Bertrand Russell is another famous atheist who did not carefully examine Christianity. In his essay "Why I am not a Christian," it is apparent that he did not seriously consider the evidence of Jesus's resurrection. His remarks cast doubt on whether he even glanced at the New Testament.

I find it extremely challenging to understand the reasoning of those who have not analyzed the resurrection in detail, given that it is the foundation of Christianity.

Additionally, I have concerns about outspoken atheists who lack discipline and rigor in their arguments, particularly if they have not thoroughly reviewed the Old Testament prophecies to determine whether they were fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ.

Both Huxley and Russell have dismantled many people's beliefs—and continue to do so today through the residue of their work—due to their agendas, personal motives, and failure to examine their worldviews closely. They overlooked the shortcomings and inconsistencies in their intellectual and research approaches. Jesus is Lord. He is the way; I believe this with all my mind, heart, and soul.

Again, please look into "the question" yourself. Don't rely on people like Huxley and Russell for your eternal destiny.

Scientists Now Theorize That There Are Unobservable Dimensions

Scientists from Princeton, Yale, Stanford, and other leading Universities theorize that there is likely an infinite number of imperceptible universes. If this is the case, why would anyone feel self-conscious about believing in the unobservable dimensions of heaven and hell as outlined in the Bible 2000 years ago?

When The Fog and Smoke Finally Clears

Ultimately, statistics, probability, science, and propositions fail to fully communicate the importance of a topic like eternal destiny, no matter how often the information is presented in a post like this or even as a part of a peer-reviewed scientific process.

Countless individuals overlook the abundant evidence and advantages of maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen too—only to be confronted with the harsh realities of their choices when disaster strikes.

They cannot internalize the importance of a healthy diet because small daily habits that affect health remain unseen sometimes for decades. These habits may seem invisible, but they still exist.

When faced with death, during a war in a foxhole, or while experiencing a significant life crisis, people's understanding of eternity often becomes much clearer than any scientific or mathematical explanation. The confusion fades away. This clarity is likely why the saying "there are no agnostics or atheists in foxholes" has become popular.

Naturalism does not save people. Intellectual and academic pride, evolution theory, and secular humanism do not save them either.

Who will you believe: Huxley and Russell or Jesus Christ?

Love you all,

Coach Weber

Philippians 4:13

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