The idea that Christian conversion is ‘just psychological’ — in other words, that it does not involve a real encounter with the living God — has been widely promoted.
Recently, such books as The God Delusion by the atheist Richard Dawkins have reiterated the claim. For Dawkins, religion is scarcely distinguishable from childhood delusions like the imaginary friend. Conversion is a species of psychological trick which is foisted on people or which people play on themselves and involves nothing supernatural.
This accusation intimidates some Christians and prejudices many ordinary people against ever considering the gospel of Christ.
The re-emergence of heavy shepherds
What would you think if you received a letter from your church leaders that read like this? ‘Are church members …