Avowed atheist Penn Jillette talks about the importance of evangelism. (I’m not kidding!)
This is a pretty amazing video. Only a couple of weeks ago, I posted a link in one of our newsletters that featured an atheist writer who talked about the importance of Christian missionaries in Africa, and what a (good) difference was made when Africans converted to Christianity. Here’s one that is even more astonishing. Penn Jillette, an atheist who has often attempted to “debunk” Christianity, recently had an encounter with a Christian who gave him a small New Testament with the book of Psalms. Penn uses the word proselytize, which basically means to convince somebody to convert. I would use the word evangelize - but from the outside looking in, I can see how it might appear to mean the same thing. The main amazing part of this video is from the middle on, but the whole thing is worth watching. It is just incredible!
Here’s Penn’s pertinent quote: “I’ve always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell, and not getting eternal life or whatever. And you think that it’s not really worth telling people this because it would be socially awkward. And atheists who think that people shouldn’t proselytize, just leave me alone, keep your religion to yourself. 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 a doubt that a truck was coming at you and you didn’t believe it that that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you, and this is more important than that.”
Powerful words, considering the source!
- Chase
6 Comments
Mark Wo on January 17th, 2009
Wow, Penn seemed as if he was quite moved by this gentleman. He almost looked like he was trying not to cry. Great Video with an amazing quote!!!
S_Heriger on March 27th, 2009
Patience, patience… A seed has been planted. Let’s give it time to grow. One of the reasons we should never judge others is that we have no idea where they might be on their spiritual journey. What happened to Penn make take years to come to fruition. We should always remember that, and in every non-believer we encounter, no matter how far they may seem from God, we should always treat them as someone on the path…and then ask ourselves this question: Will my behavior in any way hinder this person’s progress, or help move it forward? “Love does a neighbor no harm, therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.”
alsante1 on June 8th, 2009
S_heriger:
have you drank the Cool Aid yet?
There may be some left for you in the French Guyana…
Instead of attacking Penn, refute his argument!
Yes, you attack him, you patronize him…
downburst on June 18th, 2009
Wow thats awesome so see!!!!! I will be praying for penn :)
S_Heriger on September 7th, 2009
Aslante1
Huh? What are you talking about? You don’t make a lick of sense with your comment. I attack him? I patronize him? Are you high? Can you read?
JohnTalley on January 16th, 2009
breaks my heart to hear someone that was obviously moved by the spirit, but just didn’t respond.