“Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools” (Romans 1:21-22)
Recently I found myself in the middle of a discussion regarding Carl Sagan, the astronomer, astrophysicist, cosmologist, author, and former host of the 80’s television series called Cosmos: A Personal Voyage. As a young adult I vividly recall watching these programs and being captivated by what this seemingly brilliant man was teaching. Then something truly astonishing occurred in my life – I discovered Jesus Christ. Actually, Jesus discovered me. I was lost and Jesus found me, cleansed me, healed me, redeemed me, and all of it He did because He loves me.
It took some time, but slowly Jesus began to reveal to me that everything Carl Sagan taught pertaining to the origin of the universe was an absolute lie. Whether Sagan knew it or not (he died in 1996), every word that poured out of his mouth in this regard was demonic; satan’s only purpose being in these matters to convey (by means of imaginative logic), that God is a fairy tale. At this point it almost goes without saying, Sagan did not believe in God. Today, and with all due respect to my fellow-man, I have no use for anything this vehemently anti-Christian and ardent evolutionist had to say .
Back in our conversation, one person had shared that although Sagan was wrong [about God], she saw ‘no contradiction in believing in evolution as part of God’s plan‘ (adding) that my views were only negative. Another person offered, ‘God knows his heart.’ Someone else added, ‘Sagan pointed us to the awe of creation…whether he knew it or not.’ Yet another, ‘God uses you…He can use anybody.’ The dialog ended with, ‘God spoke through a donkey, right?’
Back to the Bible
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
Clearly some of those notions are flawed, but others don’t seem to be too far-flung. Why shouldn’t we be drawn to the rants of an atheist if he is able to bring our attention to the Creator? Is there any danger whatsoever in cozying up to the likes of a Carl Sagan in order to appreciate that which God hath wrought?
The short answer is yes, there is a danger.
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)
First things first — the church is not starving for Christian resources or teachers, so why should we opt for one who ridicules the God of the Bible. Giving atheist Sagan undeserved recognition or portraying him in a positive light, could cause someone (an immature believer perhaps) to stumble. The thought of defending Sagan, or some similar atheist authority, because they’re nice guys with plausible intellect, boggles my mind. Personally, I’d rather defend the position of a brother or sister in Christ, then defend the position of a non-believer, especially one who mocks Christians.
Carl Sagan’s own words in regard to God, the Bible, and Christians:
“There is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there’s little good evidence…Life is but a momentary glimpse of the wonder of this astonishing universe, and it is sad to see so many dreaming it away on spiritual fantasy…A celibate clergy is an especially good idea, because it tends to suppress any hereditary propensity toward fanaticism.” [Carl Sagan’s Billions and Billions, page 215, random quote, & Contact, pg 244]
Sagan believed Christians were fanatical nuts, so tell me why we should want to embrace him?
Sometimes Donkeys Do Speak
I recently read an article about a man named John Joseph who, while listening to Bill Maher (a crude, arrogant, atheist comedian), gave his heart to Jesus. So it’s true, God can use anyone He desires, but I hesitate to believe 
that God would recommend ‘atheist Maher’ to John Joseph as a mentor, adviser or counselor. The donkey as it turns out was just a doltish messenger, but otherwise not a reliable source of information. Having heard Joseph’s testimony, I assure you that when Maher’s name is mentioned, it is not in a positive light. Balaam’s donkey was never lauded as something great — that honor is God’s alone. As Christians, we need to be able to make a distinction between the fool (those who reject God, but otherwise seem okay) and those like us who were once foolish, for whether we realize it or not, our words and actions are being scrutinized.
“The fool (the atheist) has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.” (Psalm 14:1, emphasis mine)
“But God has chosen the foolish things (born-again believers) of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:27, e. m. )
At the end of the day, a follower of Jesus Christ does not need anyone to point to the Heavens and suggest, imply, or proclaim that, “God did that!” The Creator Himself has pronounced, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
Let’s leave Sagan and his like for the atheists and let us embrace the Word of God, Jesus Christ, and those who follow Him, lest we be led astray or lead another astray.
These articles probably don’t relate to this article
- In Awe of the God of Science (daviddflowers.com)
- Carl Sagan Was On US Team To Nuke the Moon (science.slashdot.org)
- How the U.S. and Carl Sagan planned to nuke the moon (news.nationalpost.com)
- Cornell University pays tribute to Carl Sagan with stunning LED tribute (theverge.com)
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He Dwells -- The B'log in My Eye 