A certain deaf church “pastor,” named Justin Vollmar, recently made the news when he announced that he no longer believed in God or the Bible. Of course, atheists immediately saluted him for his courage, honesty and objectivity and they enthusiastically welcomed him into their “enlightened” ranks. After working with Independent Fundamental Baptist and Southern Baptist churches, Vollmar began his own online ministry. After receiving a degree from Liberty University’s seminary, Vollmar concluded that “the Bible was not the word of God,” that “supernatural miracles did not happen,” and that “Jesus Christ was a mythical figure who did not rise from the dead.” He was “de-converted” and became an atheist. His mission is now to help Christians “break free from their traditions and superstitions.”
Upon reading this deaf ex-pastor’s story, I immediately thought of several areas of contrast between him and the Bible’s story about the blind man of John 9. This chapter describes how Jesus restored sight to a man who was born blind. It also describes the various reactions and interactions of various people relating to the miraculous event.
1. As I stated above, the deaf “pastor” denies that miracles ever happened. However, the blind man of John 9 believed quite strongly in miracles, for he personally experienced a miracle and his eye-witness testimony about the event is preserved in John’s inspired writings. When questioned about how his sight was restored, the blind man (repeatedly) explained to various people how that “a man named Jesus anointed his eyes with clay,” had him “wash in the pool of Siloam,” and after that he “received his sight” (John 9:11, 15). The deaf man needs to read the story of the blind man!
2. The deaf “pastor” said that Jesus was a mythological figure. And though the blind man of John 9 did not initially know the identity of his healer, the blind man was soon convinced that it was Jesus, the “Son of God” (John 9:35-38), and he worshipped Him as such. The blind man of John 9 honored Christ: the deaf man “pastor” dishonors both Christ and His word.
3. The deaf “pastor” also complained in his article about religious division, and how some Christians refer to other churches as “false churches.” The blind man of John 9 was hounded by the false religious group known as the “Pharisees” (John 9:15-34). These Pharisees were critical of Jesus and His disciples, and they worked diligently to poison the minds of the common people against the way of Christ. Rather than become disillusioned by this religious friction, the blind man of John 9 sought to learn the truth. He did not allow religious division to discourage him. Conversely, the deaf “pastor” allowed religious differences to negatively impact his faith. This was a terrible mistake on his part. The deaf man should have followed the example of the blind man. He should have allowed these differences to spur him into a deeper investigation into divine truth. Like the blind man, he should have then stood upon the truth that he discovered and renounced all errors and human creeds (such as the Pharisaical belief that humans are born sinners, John 9:34).
4. Though I have addressed it last in my response, one of the first complaints that was registered by the deaf “pastor” was that he did not think that it was fair for him to be paid considerably less than the older preacher at the church where he first preached. Perhaps the deaf “pastor” was jealous or resentful of the older man? Perhaps he overestimated his own worth and ability? Perhaps he doesn’t understand the concept of training and apprenticeship, which is common in all vocations and human endeavors. Regardless of the reason, the deaf “pastor” clearly has an attitude problem. This deaf man should have read the story of the blind man in John 9, for the blind man demonstrated no self-pity over his condition, nor is there any indication that he resented those who were more fortunate than he was. He simply believed and practiced the truth. Interestingly, the deaf “pastor” is now both deaf and blind, for Jesus said that “sin remains” in unbelievers who arrogantly claim to “see” (John 9:41).
Tim Haile