Caveat emptor is Latin for "Let the buyer beware". It has become a proverb in English. Generally, caveat emptor is the contract law principle that controls the sale of real property after the date of closing, but may also apply to sales of other goods. It is the principle that the buyer alone is responsible for checking the quality and suitability of goods before a purchase is made.
The same should also apply to information that we read on the internet because as we know not everything we read on the internet is true. That brings us to Caveat lector...
Caveat lector is a Latin phrase meaning "let the reader beware". It means that when reading something, the reader should take careful note of the contents, and undertake due diligence on whether the contents is accurate, relevant, reliable and so forth.
What does that have to do with atheism, one might ask?
My brother Mike is an atheist. Over the years by he has given us his evidence as to why he thinks that God isn't real. I've taken the time to research his evidence reading many articles and books and listening to talks and watching videos. Recently I have been attempting to dialog with Mike on the subject with no luck. He tells us that his reasons are intellectual and that he has an open mind should there be any new evidence. But he also tells us that he believes that there is not much chance of new evidence. In my opinion he doesn't really have an open mind. He just says that in an attempt to avoid the discussion. So I gave him a book to read
"The Case for Jesus: The Biblical and Historical Evidence for Christ" by Dr. Brant J. Pitre
All I asked from him was to read the book and tell me what Dr Pitre gets wrong.
Instead of reading the book, he made every excuse why he couldn't read the book. Didn't have the time . Discredited the author and his writing style. Didn't like the footnotes. You get the picture. Mike doesn't want an honest discussion based on the facts about who Jesus Christ really is.
He did however, give me one nugget. A link to a post on his blog from back in 2014.
Here is that link!
And that brings us back to Caveat lector. Beware when you read his blog post. Just because something is on the internet doesn't make it true. Read, but with caution.
In the spirit of honesty and fairness I have read, broken down, and prepared nine responses to Mike's blog article. I have emailed them to Mike, but with no response coming back.
What's next. What would Jesus do?
Matthew 18:15-17 gives us a hint.
15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax .
In the next days, weeks, months, I will present my responses here on my blog in a series called "Answering an Atheist ". In the meantime, I'll pray for his conversion. I ask you to do the same.
Links to other posts in this series:
