Why I Am a Christian

"Becoming a Christian, or avowing oneself a Christian, in the second half of the twentieth century is in some ways full of comedy. Everything in this world has in it both truth and comedy. All the media pundits, all the sociology professors, and all the other enlightened purveyors of contemporary wisdom have decided that no one in his senses could possibly in this day and age believe in such outmoded nonsense as the Christian religion, or regard its sacred texts like the New Testament as other than an evident myth.

"I'm well aware that such an attitude, in contemporary terms, is the height of foolishness, but I believe it to be as near to absolute truth as any revelation so far vouchsafed to men. And I comfort myself with St. Paul's words to the Christians in Corinth: 'If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.' In such company, I am happy to be a fool."

Malcolm Muggeridge (1903-1990) was born in Croydon, London, worked as a lecturer in Egypt before taking up journalism. As a journalist he worked around the world writing for the Guardian, the Evening Standard and the Daily Telegraph. In 1953 he became editor of Punch, where he remained for four years. In later years he became best known as a broadcaster both on television and radio for the BBC. His other books include Jesus Rediscovered, Christ and the Media and Chronicles of Wasted Time. Malcolm visited Regent College, Vancouver, in 1974 and 1979.

Eugene H. Peterson is Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology at Regent College. He has written numerous books, authored a commentary on the books of 1 & 2 Samuel, and translated the New Testament (The Message) and the Psalms into contemporary English.