Matt:  Way to go, Laura!

Professor:  (Glares at Matt)  I take it you're a fan of Ms. Daniels?

Matt:  (Embarrassed)  A fan?  No, Sir.  I'm a friend.

Professor:  (Sarcasm) And what do you believe about truth,  friend of Laura Daniel's?

Matt:  Um…. I believe the way she does. 

Professor:  If I asked you what you believe about truth on an exam, would you answer (mocking him) "I believe the way she does?"

Matt:  (Nervous)  Uh, probably not.  I mean, you kind of caught me off guard, Sir.

Professor:  (Sarcasm)  Well, your "way to go" comment caught me off guard, my friend!  Now, I'd like to hear you articulate your answer to my question…. Uh, what did you say your name was?

Matt:  (Under his breath) Oh, mannnnnn.  (Loudly)  Matt Lyons. 

Professor:  Come on up here, Mr. Lyons so that the entire class can hear your view on truth. 

Matt sighs deeply, obviously unhappy about his dilemma and goes to the podium.

Professor:  (Looks at his watch)  You have three minutes to enlighten us, Mr. Lyons.  (Moves aside)

Matt:  (Clears his throat nervously)  The Bible teaches that God has revealed his word in Scripture, which means humans have access to a truth that applies to all people in all times - a truth that goes beyond our own limited and mistaken understanding.  I believe the truth about God has been written on our hearts, but people suppress it in order to live their own way-- 

Professor:  (Obviously perturbed, but softly)  I knew it…

Matt:  People know the truth.  They know God exists, yet they refuse to submit themselves to Him.  In the Bible it says, "For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened."

Student#1: (Loudly) Romans 1:21! God has given us the truth, but we reject it!

Matt:  Exactly! 

Student#2:  Humans wrote the Bible!  Since humans are flawed, the Bible's flawed!

Laura:  (Responds calmly but forceful) If that's true, then it's also true that your argument, offered by you, a fallible human being, is also flawed.  And if your point of view is flawed, then why should I believe it?

Student#2:  There are lots of inconsistencies and contradictions in the Bible.  Everyone knows that!

Student#3:  (Points to Matt) Yeah, everyone but you!  Duhh….

Student#2:  You guys are brainwashed!  (mocking Matt) I don't know God exists.  So why whould I give thanks to Him, or it, or whatever God is supposed to be?!  You act like he's a person!

(Continued on page 161)