Brainwashed or Blessed?

Have you every heard the argument from non-believers or humanists that one must be "brainwashed" in order to believe in the Bible and God?  As I consider this especially in light of our culture, this position simply defies logic.  From the perspective of American culture (and probably safe to say, from any western culture), we are taught from a young age to respect and honor human traditions and accomplishments rather than the sovereignty of God; we are taught about a theory of evolution as fact rather than an unproven scientific theory, and we are taught that religion is a personal choice - that they are all basically the same and all basically useless.  To acknowledge God is considered by some to be a crutch or a show of weakness rather than simply living out what we know in our heart of hearts to be true.

From the creation of the world His invisible attributes, that is, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what He has made. As a result, people are without excuse. For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened.  Romans 1: 20-21

So our culture teaches us to ignore God, and yet there are still millions and millions of Christ-followers, believers who seek to know God more and more with all of their hearts.  This simple truth is enough for me to push the "brainwashing" argument off the table.  It is not logical to believe in something that cannot be observed in a test tube... or is it?  Even though I have been taught from the Bible and have heard the gospel preached, I have still grown up in this culture of death which teaches me to ignore God.  The only reason that I can still come to know God and have the knowledge of His saving grace is because of the influence of the Holy Spirit.   I am so very thankful for the power and influence of the Holy Spirit in my life; that He has led me to the cross where my sins are forgiven and I am given eternal life... no brianwashing necessary.

Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elemental forces of the world, and not based on Christ.  Colossians 2:8

Be blessed, my friend...

-Andy G.