Atheist Magician Encourages Christian Evangelism

Selfproclaimed atheist Penn Fraser Jillette (of the eccentric magician team Penn and Teller) says he has no respect for Christians who do not share their faith.

On a YouTube video posted at ThinkChristian.net, a new Back to God Ministries International website, Penn shares a powerful monologue about a “polite and kind” businessman who handed him a Gideon’s Bible.

Touched by the man’s gesture, Penn testifies: “If you believe there is a heaven and hell, and you think it’s not worth telling someone about it, how much do you have to hate him to not proselytize? To believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell people? This man cared enough about me to proselytize.”

Penn’s video has created conversation on ThinkChristian.net. And that's exactly the purpose of the ministry. "Our goal is to engage Christians in a dialogue that challenges them to think about the intersection of faith and culture,” says, Back to God Ministries International's Rev. Steven Koster, director of ReFrame Media, which produces the website.

The website had gotten people talking. Web user “Ken” responded: “Thank you so much for sharing this video. I have the most difficult time sharing the gospel. I so rarely do, and often feel guilty for it.”

Ken went on to say: “I think part of the reason I have this problem is because of what I believe others' perception is of Christians. I'm not ashamed of the gospel, but I am a little bit ashamed of what I perceive our Christian image to the world is. This video is very encouraging. Penn lets us know that how we approach people can override that image. When we ‘proselytize’ lovingly it will convey that we are not condemning the person, but that we are concerned for them.”

“JR1957” commented: “I'm glad to see Penn say how he was touched by this man's caring act. We all need to be praying for the salvation of Penn and Teller and many others. And not just pray. We are all called to be witnesses and to share the good news with all creatures. That's every Christian's calling.”

Did the businessman change Penn’s mind and heart? No. God will have to keep working in this atheist’s life. Penn concludes his video by saying, “I know there’s no God, and one polite person living his life right doesn’t change that.”

But it’s obvious from the video that the encounter started Penn thinking—and it presents challenges to Christians.

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