POWER BLOG

Mr. Douglass,
The story you have posted here is an urban legend that's been proven false. In the form you've posted, it's been shared for about 10 years. The story is a complete and utter lie. As someone who loves USC and has been closely associated with it, the story offends me- I don't like my school badmouthed like this! My school would never allow such offensive teaching. Please see the following links:

http://www.snopes.com/religion/chalk.asp

http://www.usc.edu/student-affairs/dt/V136/N04/04-philoso.04c.html

As you can see, nine years ago when this rumored story first hit the internet, USC professors took the time to find proof that the story is false.

Please help quash this story! It's completely bogus, and to spread a lie like this is not something that helps Christians show their faith. Christians need to find better stories, TRUE stories, to witness and to encourage each other. This old wives' tale needs to die!

Thanks.

Although this story IS just a story, I think it is very encouraging. The last comment is true; it may, in fact, offend some people at USC, but I have say that it is an amazing story that was based off of another story similar to it. I think this story should still be circulated on the internet, but to agree with the last comment, it should say that it isn't true. It was only based on a true story.
As a Christian, I do believe that stories like this encourage people immensely. But, considering this story is not completely accurate, fellow Christians should find other ways to witness the Word that are more true. If stories like this are spread, it may give the wrong idea as to what is true regarding Jesus Christ.

My dear friend K. K, if you had the intellect to see what was posted above the story you could see that Mr. Douglass himself stated, "Although it has gained much popularity, many claim it is just an urban legend. Whether truth or legend, it is an entertaining story none the less."

I advise you to read the last sentence of the quote above that I have copied from above. He himself is telling us that he is not sure on how true the story may be. However for him he find the meaning, the values of the story to be more important the then whether or not the story is true.

I agree by reading some other links that the story may most likely be derived from another story, BUT it is what the story is teaching us that is important just like other stories that are Christian AND non-Christian. One simple example of a story that helps teach people that is just a fiction is the three little pigs. Now unless you have the memory capacity of a one month old child and you have bird droppings for your brains, you should have at least heard of this since you seem to be well versed in stories that are untrue. You remember that the last pick survived against the wolf due to the fact that he built his house with bricks and not straw or other flimsy material. In short, it does not matter if it is a false story or not, as long as there is good advise to those who wants to read it is important.

This story is just telling other fellow Christians to stand firm and to encourage them. And mind you if you want to criticize this story for being false I would advise you to criticize many books, stories, and movies that are non-Christians as well (both sides do happen to take other stories to fit their needs.




Anyways even if you do not wish to read that top part or decide not to listen to it, here is one advice I give to you and hopefully you will listen to this one at the very least. Read what the host put up as well.

I think that I just covered everything you mentioned.

"the values of the story to be more important the then whether or not the story is true."- So, rather than fact-check and use your so-called "god given" brain to verify a story as fact or fiction, we should just mindlessly pass it on to others because it's got a good message? What is so shocking to me, is that it portrays an atheist as a goon on a bully pulpit and the moment he is challenged after 20 years, he runs from the auditorium because his pant leg caught the fall of the chalk... it's a STUPID illogical story... Atheists use intelligent arguments whereas religious folk base their entire belief system on pseudo-science and false history to explain their views... why not just pass on the story of John Henry, the Steel Drivin' Man... at least that story has a good message about never giving up... and it includes a nice bit about the working class and people of color...

Dear Jeeps (reply to post) 12/14/2008

The story was posted for it's entertainment value. Any fact checking can be done on your part. (feel free) Do you also have a problem with Harry Potter and other stories as to whether they are based on fact, or does it only bother you when the story has a Christian theme? (Liberal thing?)

Have you ever read the story of Robin Hood? Was it based on fact or fiction? Do you care? Why is it that liberals can't seem to hold an intelligent conversation without being insulting to anyone who disagree's with them? (use your so-called "god given" brain etc...)

You did make an interesting statement though! "Atheists use intelligent arguments" Would you care to post a couple of examples? For instance: Many athiest's believe in the "BIG BANG Theory". That an atom appeared from nothing, exploded and the result is you, me, and everything in the universe you see today!

Hmmm atoms poping out of nowhere! That's intelligent? I call that un-intelligent design. Or, how about, gases came together and caused the big bang etc...

Since you are so intelligent, maybe you'll share with the rest of the class just where these gases came from. Did they pop out of nothingness, just like the "Magic Atom?"

The intelligence you boast of is not based on "fact", but theory! Ask any college professor that is honest, and he'll tell you the same thing.

Christians base their belief on history and documented evidence. Without written documented evidence, can you prove to me that George Washington existed? It was only a couple of hundred years ago!

If you believe that George Washington existed, we use the very same belief system that you do to testify to the existence of Jesus Christ.

There is overwhelmingly "more" documented proof that Christ existed than George Washington.

In closing, I'll point out that liberal professors indeed "do" use their platform as a "Bully Pulpit" (how cowardly can you get?) This happens in the majority of colleges.

P.S. - Watch out for those "magic Atoms" It's been billions of years, we're due for another one to pop out of nowhere any day now! It would destroy everything we see!

Wow! That last post was very loving, Mr. Douglass! You, like so many Christians, are nothing like the man you so admire.
You come across as judgmental, condescending, and dismissive. I am not a believer, but I used to be and know many. I think those who truly attempt to live a Christ-like existence would ask you to stay off their side. You do more harm than good.

Dear Mizz Renee

Wow! It never ceases to amaze me how someone can openly and proudly profess to be a non-believer, yet somehow know exactly how Christians are supposed to talk and act! (Even though your many friends haven't been a good enough example to convert you - maybe attempting is simply not enough?)

Granted, when it comes to people who are a determent to other people seeking salvation, I, as of lately, have not driven anyone out of the Church using a scourge of cords. (John 2:15) Neither have I called anyone names like "snakes" (Matthew 3:7) or accused anyone of being "Sons of the devil", (John 8:44) but I "am" working on it, because I truly "do" admire him and want to be more like him!

The old liberal trick of accusing someone of exactly what "you" are guilty of, simply doesn't work here and is quickly exposed. It is obvious to anyone who has read these posts, that the words you used: judgmental, condescending, and dismissive, pertain more to your own post, than to anything I've said or written. Frankly, it's old and it's boring!

If you disagree with my latest post, where are your facts? If I happen to disagree with the theory that an atom appeared out of nothing billions of years ago, then, for no logical reason, exploded and expanded and the result was: you, me and everything we see around us, that is my point of view having a logical mind. (Not to mention it's plain silly)

I clearly stated my facts and why Christians believe what they believe. Where are "your" facts? If I am wrong, prove it to me! Teach me! I promise to me a most attentive student.

If the best you can offer is to attack my faith, well, frankly, that's old and boring too. It's just something liberals do when they are losing an arguement. Show me the beef! Present your facts! (I'll post them)

You might consider excluding attacking ones Christian faith and just stick to facts. As a non-believer, you have no credibility in this area, and it lacks substance. It is comparable to Hitler accusing our president of "not treating the Jews very nicely".

As Christians, we love the sinner, but hate the sin. Similarly, I love liberals, but dislike their lack of facts and substance and hateful attitude.

Please take this advice from an unbiased observer; your beliefs and ideas hold no merit to each other’s life situations. You appear to be two children fighting over entirely different theories of enlightenment.

Find satisfaction in God, Allah, Yahweh, The Big Bang or whichever “omniscient originator” theories you wish to give merit to, but understand that your perspective is meant to bring fulfillment and happiness to your personal circumstances. They will never sway a strong believer’s faith in an ideal, whether or not “justifiable value” can be applied.

The greatest advice: seek happiness in yourself, in the present, and be open to the ideas of those around you. Live with concordance, knowing that whatever (or whoever) our creator was they (or it) gave us the power to decide for ourselves.

These are borrowed words from a brilliant man: “do your best and you will be successful, be the best you can be and you will find happiness”, “when you judge you are hurting yourself and ones you are passing judgment over”

:)

Dear Sara

I can see you are just a little new to this. On a blog or forum, you will observe opposing points of view, or commonly known as a “discussion”. That's what it's all about. If every one agreed with everyone else here, there would be no need for anyone to post anything, Don't you agree?

Personally, I respect everyones point of view whether I agree with it or not. However, I draw the line, when personal insults are unnecessarily directed at me. For this, I have a simple rule. “Kick the mule, and the mule kicks back”.

The words you “borrowed” from a “brilliant man” were interesting, but sounded like they came from a “Self Help Book”, (as did most of your letter to me) and there are hundreds of them out there. As for the quote itself, I Googled it, I Yahoo'ed it, and I MSN'ed it, and it was just not found anywhere.

I'm sure you meant well trying to play the referee on this blog, but it really isn't needed or requested. However, if you have a point of view or opinion on any subject here, we'd love to hear it.

as an atheist i cant stop laughing at this absird example. please (whoever wrote this) do me a favor and look up the definition of the p-value. all you are doing is misinterpreting a random event. No education atheist would be stupid enought to misinterpret the unbroken chalk as an act of God. thank you for humoring me.

Dear Abigail

I'm glad you got such a kick out of it! (calm down – haha) If you take the time to re-read the story, you will notice (this time) that “I” do not claim it to be neither true, or un-true. As I stated, it was posted for it's entertainment value. The reason? True or untrue, it's entertaining!

For Christians, it is an exciting story that makes them want to cheer! For atheists, it gets their blood boiling because you hate us Christians so much and want to destroy everything Christianity stands for! Which of course never made any sense to me.

After all, If a Christian believes in Heaven and Hell and wants to spare “you” from it, how does that possibly hurt or offend you? Their intentions are good. But, exactly what is it, that atheists are trying to convert us too? Hopelessness? Nothingness? Sorry, I just don't get it. Do you hate everyone who cares about you?

Don't you think the p-value is a little extreme when it comes to a story? Should we scrutinize every book, and every movie that comes out of Hollywood using the probability value also? Don't you think this is just a bit overkill on your part?

As far as your comment about “educated atheists”, theres not very many of those out there, and I'll explain why I say that. With “very” few exceptions, atheists who condemn the bible and Christianity, have never read the bible, and judge Christianity buy the few bits and pieces of scripture they have taken out of context.

Another example: Ask any atheist professor a question about something other than what they majored in. If you ask a professor of English, a question about physics, he will surely tell you “I am not qualified to answer that question, go ask the professor of physics down the hall”.

However, ask that same professor a question about religion or the bible, and he'll be quick to condemn it and throw out his opinion, even though he never majored in theology or probably never even read the bible.

Well Abigail, thanks for writing and keep laughing!

I would like to start out by saying I am a strong Christian and I love reading stories like this where God has shown his power, and how he loves and supports the people that believe in him. I am also not perfect, I sin and also falter many times. But I, like all other Christians, strive to be like Christ in every way possible.

Dan, I am glad you are protecting the "Christians" by defending our beliefs and I believe any person would want to do the same. But on the contrary to your quote, “Kick the mule, and the mule kicks back”, does it not say in Mathew 5:39, "But I say to you, that you resist not evil: but whoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also." I agree with you on most things you have said about the "Big Bang Theory", George Washington, Hitler, etc. but in this instance I cannot agree with you. As christians we are supposed to turn the other cheek if someone attacks our faith. We should try and spread the word of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we should not attack them back. Which, by reading these posts, I have gotten that you are attacking the aetheists: being sarcastic when saying, '"Atheists use intelligent arguments" Would you care to post a couple of examples?' is not the most Christ-like behavior I have seen.

I understand that we are human and we do conform to the ways of the people around us, but that is where Christianity comes into play. If we argue like an aetheist, are we then being Christ-like?

I do not support aetheism or the beliefs(or lack there of) but I do believe every word of the Holy Bible and will stand firm on it until I die and visit my Lord in Heaven.

I do though support your opinion that aetheism does not make sense.

Let us think for an instant about the aetheist side of beliefs. If there is no afterlife after all and we believe in something then there will be no consequences for believing in God or Heaven and Hell, we simply will not exist any longer. If there is an afterlife, whether it be in purgatory or standing infront of God himself reading from the Lambs Book of Life, and you have not believed in God or Heaven or Hell there will be consequences for your this, and those consequences will be spending an eternity in Hell.

If Buddhism and reincarnation is something you believe in and you do not believe in God then you will also spend an eternity in Hell. On the contrary, if God is not real you will come back as another creature and you will eventually have another chance at "the correct path" and remain in the "Cycle of Death and Rebirth".

This can be said for many religions and anything can be found wrong with any religion Christianity or not. I am not writing on here to bash other religions, this is not my intention. My intention is only to get non-believers thinking. I believe religions are like opinions, everyone has one and all should be respected. We will all find out in the end whether we were right or wrong. If I die and there is no afterlife then so be it, I will not have lost anything by believing in my God. If I come back as a cockroach, so be it also. I will have a year to live and I will return as a more sophisticated animal and eventually be able to return as a human being and try the "Cycle of Death and Rebirth" over again.

I support all Christians who stand firm in their beliefs whether it be on the internet, face to face in a class room, over the telephone, or in any other circumstance. And I thank all who stand firm on a day to day basis professing the Word of the Lord.

I will end with my favorite quote from the Word of my Lord, "In my father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and recieve you to myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:2-3)

Dear Neal

Reading your post, you strike me as someone who has a good heart. Someone who is truly seeking Christ and trying to walk the walk. I commend you for your stand on the gospel. The teachings of Jesus, simple as they sound to the ear, are by far the hardest to follow and live by.

After all, the command, "Do not commit murder" is a pretty easy one for most of us to follow, but "Turn the other cheek" That's hard! I am a work in progress. I am a sinner, but I am working on it, every day.

I recognize your post to be one written out of love and concern, and for that I thank you and it is appreciated. We however may disagree on one or two points. The following is not written to try to change your mind, or even sway you over to my way of thinking. On the contrary, I believe you probably have a much better attitude than I do, concerning this subject.

But, As to your question, "If we argue like an athiest, are we then being Christ-like?", I would ask, "Was Christ being Christ like, when he argued with the pharisee's in John 8:13-59, where he said they were of their father the devil? Or Matthew 12:34 where he called the Pharisee's a brood of vipers?

To put this in perspective, just walk up to some big fellow on the street and call him a snake! It was insulting then, and it is insulting now, and the reaction you will get will be the same.

My comment "Kick the mule and the mule kicks back" was more of a figure of speech. It simply meant, if your going to insult me, you will hear a response from me.

When I challenged the athiest to post a couple of examples, that "athiest's use intelligent arguements", I suppose I might have come off a bit scarcastic and could have worded it a little better, however, I stand by it!

After all, if you are claiming to have intelligent facts that are going to lead innocent people through the gates of hell, by all means, POST THEM! I have posted mine!

The problem is, facts are too often left out when talking about God, Christ or the "Big Bang". I get accused of not being "Christ like" when I stand up for my beliefs, morals and point of view, but Christians commonly turn people off with their self righteousness every day, and that's okay as long as they are pleasing to the rest of the club.

Athiest's hate us, and people are not quickly converted to Christ because, it has become a "click". A group of people who lord it over everyone else because of their "good deeds and actions". It more resembles an elite club that one joins, then gets a key to the executive washroom. Complete with having to pay your dues to be in good standing.

Why would any athiest want to become a part of that? That is not at all what Christianity is all about.

At least I deal in facts. Facts are Facts! If I'm wrong, ... prove it! That might convince an athiest or someone else, as opposed to the "Holier than thou" approach.

The one thing athiest's and God have in common is, neither of them like the "I'm holier than you" approach.

Dan,

I guess I came off the wrong way when I stated, "If we argue like an athiest, are we then being Christ-like?". What I meant by this is that I do not believe that I should be arguing by judging others or even trying to disprove their religion. I am not "holier than thou" and I strive to not be like that person, because in church as a little kid I could not stand the snoody christians who acted that way.

You are correct when you say it has become a "click" and that is very sad. I wish it was otherwise. At the same time, we as Christians know it is not a click and should put it out there, like you have, to let others know that we are all not snoody, stuck up, holier than thou people. We all put our pants on one leg at a time.

I just would like to thank you for posting all of this because I believe we are "working for the same man" so to speak, and I love seeing other people that are proclaiming the same thing as me. I am not here to try to sway your way of worship or beliefs, as you are not mine, so I do commend you on a great post.

I have also read some of your other posts, and some show me the toe stepping kind of way of thinking you have. It is great that you think about it that way and I am not saying it is wrong. I guess I am trying to say that the way you come across in your posts, you are bound to get responses because you will offend someone in some way or another. I guess this is someone that is running a website that is based on blogs, but I do not believe that Christ came to this Earth as the form of a man to offend other men, but only to plant that seed you always hear about. I believe he simply let people know about him and his Father. Then again, we all have our own way of worshipping and I am not trying to judge on how we worship differently. I simply wanted to post my opinion of religion and the other posts of this blog.

I am a 19 year old college kid in middle of a big city. It is very easy to just go along with the partying and drinking of the normal college kid these days. I guess you could say I am not a normal college kid in this sense, but I am also not saying that I am perfect. These stories are a great encouragement to me to keep my faith and I am glad you have posted it.

Thank you.

Dear Neal

I hope you know that the "holier than thou" statement in my last post, was not directed at you personally, but was meant "in general". On the contrary, I find you to be quite refreshing! Expecially for a 19 year old college student.

I'm sure you've already found out that living a "Christ like" existence, is very hard, especially in that particular setting. I'm sure you've already found also, that you belong to a small club!

Living by the standard you've chosen will not make you popular, but God see's you, and that's all that matters. God didn't put us here to be popular, he put us here to serve him.

Stories such as the athiest professor are uplifting and make those who love God want to cheer! I can't testify with any certainty, as to how valid the story really is, it does have what appears to be "overkill" in places, such as, the professor running out of the room etc . . .

What I can tell you with certainty is, if you put your "personal" relationship with God, above the rules, laws and other things that are basically meant to impress other Christians, God will have you live your own stories, that will be equally uplifting, if not more so.

People commonly misquote Acts 10:34 "God is no respecter of persons", however, it has been my personal experience that God does indeed favor those who love him! Acts 10:34 simply meant that salvation is for everyone, not just the Jews.

A good example is, the story of David. David was no saint! (so to speak) David screwed up often, murder, lust adultery etc... But God favored him! Every time David messed up, he would call out to God, and God would rescue him. "every time"

Why? Because David loved him so much, on a personal level. (personal relationship) God called David "A man after my own heart".

Neal, keep on your present course! Don't compromise your values, morals or beliefs. Fight the good fight! Your stories are yet to be written.

God Bless

First of all, I fully believe in the Creator God of this Universe, so keep that in mind as you read this post. I'll tell you why I despise stories like this! Other than the fact that it isn't true...They try to "prove" with physical things that God is real! Now...at any given moment, there are innocent children being molested and murdered....many terrible things are going on all over the world. I know that God is aware of all these things, and He has a purpose for (((Allowing))) them to happen! I won't get in to that purpose now, but I also know that while He allows these kinds of things to occur, He certainly isn't going to keep a piece of chalk from shattering on the floor to win over some atheist, or a bunch of gullible students who sit and listen to him bellow!! Quit trying to prove God to the people with untrue stories and let the WORDS OF GOD speak for themselves! God doesn't need man to "verify" Him with fables!

Hi Dan,

I didn't find the original story very interesting, but I've loved reading the discussion that followed! I haven't found any of your responses to be any more harsh than those you were responding to. I suppose the thing that you and I agree on is that we both hate the argument that Christians aren't entitled to argue their case for Christianity when attacked by a non-believer. I find it annoying when a non-believer wants to hold me accountable for this, but I find it most disturbing that so many Christians have bought into it... Christians are not supposed to be meek, mild mannered people unwilling to offer their own defense in an argument, UNLESS by doing so they are winning someone to the cross. Our mission is one of revealing the Truth to the world in order to win more people to Christ, by whatever means necessary. Often that means we must offer a defense of Truth for Christ.

I don't actually have time to get into the debate at the moment... I really just wanted to say that I enjoyed your post and I hope to come by and read more soon. Thanks!

Hi,

I am a former atheist and new don't know what i believe. I would find this tale to be much more enlighting if it were true. i was shown a miracle not long ago that made me reconsider everything i have have thought. i have had people trying to convince me either way and the story doesn't help. it's just a story. okay maybe it's inspirational or entertaining yes it is. but as proof or fact as you satated so many times above it shows none because it isn't true. now if any one can show me proof of either side, any side i will gladly take it into consideration. i stumbled upon this in my search for truth and when i believe something i believe it willfully and strongly. so being confused has me going nuts. all this i guess is just a roundabout way of saying this conversation has been pointless. maybe it makes you think, debate, and question but no where have i seen an actual arguement here based on fact. just arguements about fact and that can be debated on forever. so why have a pointless arguement. throw someone off by throwing in a fact such as if you drop chalk it shatters or that if it rolls off your shoe it doesn't. give me something that is solid, something based on fact, not about it.

Ok the old fart that first commented on here is ****ing retarded. The story never mentions USC at all so he is ****ing gay. Second of all, the author says it could or could not be true, so don't get your dumb **** panties in a ******* knot. Dirty (censored) piece of s***.

well.....

i spent a long time reading all these comments and i must say, wow! so many debating going on here some foul language and for what? i know you are all just stating your opinion. so then why must you try to argue with the person who commented before you?? if you have a comment about this story,whether you like it or you dont, then just say that and let it be! i'm not trying to tell you what to do but if you disagree with what someone says then keep it to yourself. we are all entitled to our own opinion.

i first read this story when i was at church with my friend. we were trying to come up with a skit to do in front of the church and my friend told me of a fwd she got from a friend. we are now in the process of acting it out. i think it has a good message,whether it be true or not. now note, this is my opinion. i feel that this story tells us to stand up for God no matter what obstacles stand in our way.

i have to go now but i leave here with my opinion.
God bless

Before I express my opinion about the story...

Lol...that last comment by "Angry Kid" was hysterical. How profound! How classy!

Seriously, though, is "Angry Kid" some uneducated person who can only express them self with the uncouth sexual slang of a thirteen year-old? Or should we all cut the "Angry Kid" some slack and assume that they ARE some uneducated and disrespectful 13 y/o "KID"?

With that, I say to the "Angry Kid": Please go and learn some manners and grow up a little before trying to discuss something as sensitive as religion. And before you decide to retaliate to me, keep the golden rule in mind: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Since you were so willing to be so blatantly RUDE to someone who has every right to express their opinion on here, you are now likewise open to the same harsh attacks by anyone and everyone else.

Anyway, onto the subject of this article:

First, though, please keep in mind that these are merely my personal thoughts. I mean no disrespect of any kind to anyone who chooses to believe the story, as everyone has the right to their opinions and feelings. :-)

........
While the story of the Atheist professor may or may not be true, I still can't help but wonder: if it IS true, then...

WHO was the professor?

What University did he teach at?

Who was the Christian, and what denomination was he?

....Why are there NO names of ANY kind, or any other proof to back up this claim? If it's true, then we would want the proof to give credibility and strength to the "story"... otherwise, it would be completely pointless to those who would like to see some kind of backing on such a large claim.

......Also, anyone ever think about CHANCE? After so many times of dropping the chalk, isn't is scientifically possible that it was BOUND to fail to break at some point or another?

I highly doubt that a true Atheist would give up after one time of the chalk not breaking.

I personally don't believe the story is true; however, being a born again believer(no specific denomination, I just know I am saved through Christ's blood!) I enjoyed this story and the message that it brings. And to Marty's post about the "innocent children being molested and murdered....many terrible things are going on all over the world." and how God "certainly isn't going to keep a piece of chalk from shattering on the floor to win over some atheist, or a bunch of gullible students who sit and listen to him bellow!!" Well I know that there is a lot going on in the world but if it's in His will then he most certainly can keep a piece of chalk from shattering. He turned water into whine didn't he? He was using it as a teaching to the unbelievers and believers alike. So even if this story was a falsey, doesn't mean it can't or wont happen as a lesson from God to His people about standing up for Him.

This is a true story and all that believe it is not must be an atheist. For those are christians, know that this is truly true. And to end this with a rhyme I bid you ado.

f**k yall bitches