At least 10 “Nut Jobs” of historical significance who believed
“Anyone who believes Jesus is the Creator of universe is a complete nut job!”
— Gary, former Christian turned skeptic
Hmmm…
Let’s analyze that statement by looking at some of these so-called “nut jobs,” shall we?
1. Paul of Tarsus. [? -65 AD] A former Hellenistic Jew and well-educated religious leader, Paul persecuted the apostate Christian sect. Yet later, he became a Christian evangelist who wrote most of the New Testament and was eventually killed for his new faith. Historical records indicate he was beheaded by Roman authorities because of his involvement with spreading Christianity. If he would have recanted, and bowed down to the Roman “gods,” his life could have been spared.
Q = Why would Paul willingly die for something he knew was false? Because he didn’t.
He died for what he knew was true.
2. Constantine the Great.The emperor of Rome [272-337 AD], Constantine ruled in a time when persecution against Christians was widespread. But after his personal conversion, he reversed the persecution policies firmly established by his predecessors. He went on to summon the famous “Council of Nicaea,” which established the orthodox doctrines and canon of scripture so that worship throughout the empire could be standardized. This was the beginning of creating Christendom; the conversion of the entire Roman Empire to the belief that Jesus is God.
10. Rene Descartes [1596-1650]. A French thinker, known today at the “Father of Modern Philosophy,” was Roman Catholic by faith. His theological works include an ontological proof of a benevolent God, asserting that reason alone is the only reliable method of attaining knowledge. He argues for “dualism,” where the mind and body represent different natures though each affects the other: the mind (supernatural) and the body (physical) work together.
There are literally hundreds highly intelligent influencers who believe Jesus is God. I can’t list them all here because this blog would end up being a book, but here a just a few more smart Christian “nut jobs” — Blaise Pascal, Robert Boyle, John Locke, Sir Isaac Newton, George Washington, Mozart, and (gasp!) even Charles Darwin, the man who developed the theory of Evolution. Now, I realize each person listed here had varying degrees of belief, some stronger than others, and some perhaps falling from faith at certain points in their lives. It’s important to note that no one should be a Christian based on another person’s level of faith. Be a Christian because of who Christ is, not how faithfully His followers act Share on X
The point is that to label all Christians as “nut jobs” for believing Jesus is the second person of the triune God disparages some of the most highly intelligent people who’ve ever lived. So much for the “nut jobs” who believe that Jesus is God, eh? I’m certainly honored, by being a believer myself, to be part of such a prestigious group of nuts.
You’ve definitely detailed a list of brilliant thinkers and world changers who are not “nuts.” What some people can see as logical, right, and clearly in line with God’s Word, others cannot see. Therefore, they brand the view of faith as “nuts,” for they don’t understand it. However, it’s important for us, as people of faith, to remember that God must grant us this ability to understand, particularly in matters of faith. The enemy tries to confuse the mind. We could not arrive at these rational conclusions ourselves if the Lord did not open our eyes to the truth and to the rationality of all of his creation, allowing us to see what is clear. One day, all eyes will see the truth, but even then, many will remain in denial of what is clearly seen.
Yeah, I hear you. It’s tough when our culture is so heavily influenced by the material realm that they cannot perceive of anything beyond it.
This was so fun to read — it’s easy to forget (or not even know) that these brilliant minds were also followers of Jesus. It saddens me to know there are some people so full of the desire to follow their own ways that they would throw around blanket statements like that. Prayers their eyes would be opened to the truth!
Thanks Emily! Unfortunately, in this day and age of rapid information sharing via the Internet, lots and lots of misunderstandings are spread about Christians and our faith. I am just trying to present the facts.
Lisa, what an excellent idea, to share the stories of a few historical figures who believed in Christ! Sometimes the life story of a person from ages past can trigger a fresh understanding in our own lives today. Though many people know these names, they may not know of their faith in Christ. Thank you for sharing these testimonies of God’s work with humankind throughout history.
Thank you, Melissa. There are many more highly intelligent people, even among us today, who are Christ followers. So, you know me, always combating the lies against our faith with, hopefully, gentleness and respect (and maybe a little “snarkiness” once in a while – ha ha).
Lisa, this is so great! I was unaware that some of these intelligent and incredibly creative people were Christians and believed in Jesus.
“The point is that to label all Christians as “nut jobs” for believing Jesus is the third person of the triune God disparages some of the most highly intelligent people who’ve ever lived. So much for the “nut jobs” who believe that Jesus is God, eh?”
I, too, am glad to be included in the group! I’m nuts for Jesus! 🙂
That’s why I love you – we’re both nuts for Jesus!