Adventures in Odyssey

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Welcome to Adventures in Odyssey.

Candy: Professor, Professor Carter.

Renee: I, I. You want to wait in here, Candy?

Candy: Yes, please.

Renee: Right.

Candy: The idea that we need to consider God before exploring new scientific possibilities is ridiculous.

Aiden: I don't agree. Morality has to be considered. Taking God out of science is dangerous. God is the whole reason we even have science and can understand it, or anything else for that matter.

Renee: Oh, please. I'm perfectly fine doing everything without God.

Aiden: I don't see how. Candy, if I was an atheist, I wouldn't want to do anything.

Candy: Oh, but you are an atheist, Lad.

Renee: No, I'm not. You know that, Renee.

Candy: Really? So you believe in Zeus, do you?

Aiden: Well, no.

Candy: How about Molech, or Baal, or Thor? Do you believe in them?

Aiden: Of course not.

Candy: Why?

Aiden: Because they don't exist.

Darcy: Isn't that what Candy says about your God?

Aiden: But that's different.

Darcy: Oh, is it? You're an atheist about most of the gods that humanity has ever believed in. Candy here just goes one God further with her disbelief. If you can do science and everything else without all those other gods, then maybe you can understand how she can do science without your God.

Candy: Yeah. What do you say to that?

Aiden: Well,

Renee: Now look, look, I'm not trying to trap you. Just get you to think. That's what this science and ethics course is all about. Now, that's all for today, everyone.

Candy: Oh, come on. There's no way that was three hours.

Renee: I'm afraid it was. Right, make sure you read Daniels for next week, please. Right, thank you.

Candy: The problem with this class is that it's too short.

Renee: I don't think there's a better compliment for a teacher. I usually hear just the opposite.

Candy: I mean it, Professor Carter. I love this class, especially the way you took down Aiden.

Renee: Now, now listen. First, it's Renee. I'm still a student teacher here at the college. Second, I'm not trying to take down anyone. Like I said, I'm, I'm just trying to get you to think.

Candy: Well, I want to think like you. You're my hero, Renee.

Renee: Oh, hero.

Darcy: You're wrong, Hugo.

Hugo: I'm wrong? Then answer my question, Darcy.

Darcy: It's such a silly question anyway.

Hugo: Is not.

Darcy: Is too.

Hugo: Is not.

Darcy: Is too.

Renee: Now, what's all this then?

Darcy: Hi, Renee. Hugo's not being nice. That's what.

Hugo: What's nice got to do with it? You just don't want to answer my question because you can't.

Darcy: No, because it isn't nice.

Renee: I suppose you tell me the question, Hugo.

Hugo: Darcy said God is everywhere. And I said, if he's everywhere, how come I can't see him?

Darcy: And I don't think it's nice of him to say that. Do you?

Renee: Well, now Darcy, I have to go with Hugo on this one. At least in part.

Hugo: Ha, told ya.

Darcy: Wait, she said in part. So, which part?

Renee: The part about nice not having anything to do with it. If God is everywhere, why can't we see him is actually a very good question.

Hugo: It is?

Renee: I, and a difficult one too.

Hugo: See?

Renee: But that doesn't mean it has no answer.

Hugo: Like what?

Renee: Well, well, I've heard Mr. Whittaker put it like this. Do you like to read, Hugo?

Hugo: Absolutely.

Renee: Oh, well, what's your favorite story?

Hugo: Treasure Island.

Renee: Oh, that's a good one. Do you remember who wrote it?

Hugo: Robbie, wait. Louis, no, Steve, somebody.

Darcy: Oh, brother. Robert Louis Stevenson.

Renee: Oh, very good, Darcy. Now, Hugo, do you remember any of the character's names?

Hugo: Long John Silver, Captain Flint, Jim Hawkins, Captain Smollett, and lots more.

Renee: Good. And what about Mr. Stevenson?

Hugo: Mr. Stevenson?

Renee: I, Robert Louis Stevenson. You didn't mention him.

Hugo: That's because he's not in the book.

Renee: But Robert Louis Stevenson did write Treasure Island, didn't he?

Hugo: Yes.

Renee: Ah, he's the whole reason the story even exists then, isn't he?

Hugo: Sure.

Renee: He created every detail in it, which means that part of him is in every detail, right?

Hugo: I guess so.

Renee: So, even though he's not a character in the story, you can still see him in every single line, word, and detail of the story. Correct?

Hugo: I never thought of it like that, but yeah.

Renee: Well, in the same way, if God created the world and the universe and everything in it, down to the tiniest detail,

Hugo: Then that means we can see God and everything he created all around.

Renee: That's right. Even though he's not a character in the world, just like Robert Louis Stevenson is not a character in Treasure Island.

Hugo: What do you say to that, Hugo? I, I have to go home now.

Renee: Oh, bye, Hugo. Come again soon.

Darcy: That was amazing.

Renee: Ah, it was just a bit of logic Mr. Whittaker taught me.

Darcy: I want to tell some other kids in my school about this. Is that okay?

Renee: Oh, I, if you can remember it. Sure.

Darcy: There's my dad. See you later.

Renee: Right, see you later.

Darcy: You're my hero, Renee.

Renee: Oh.

Mr. Whittaker: I am in the presence of a hero.

Renee: Oh, Mr. Whittaker. You heard that, did you?

Mr. Whittaker: I couldn't help but over here from the kitchen.

Renee: You know, that's the second time today someone called me a hero. One of my students said it to me after my science and ethics class.

Mr. Whittaker: And what was the circumstance of that bestowal?

Renee: Oh, well, I helped her out with an argument too. Sort of the reverse of this one, though.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, the reverse?

Renee: I, one of my Christian students was being a bit overbearing with one of my atheist students, so I offered an opposing view.

Mr. Whittaker: Hmm.

Renee: I help the Christian students when they need it too, just like I helped Darcy.

Mr. Whittaker: And nice job, by the way.

Renee: Oh, well, thank you.

Mr. Whittaker: Playing both sides of the net, huh?

Renee: Well, it's my job as a teacher to take a middle of the road approach.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, you know what they say about the middle of the road.

Renee: No, what?

Mr. Whittaker: It's a great place to get hit by a car.

Renee: Well, I'm just trying to get my students and the kids here to consider all sides of an argument. Get them to think. Something you told me, by the way.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, far be it from me to argue with a hero.

Renee: Never gonna live that down, am I? No.

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Renee: Right, now that's it for today. Refer for next week, everyone.

Candy: That was another great class, Professor, Renee.

Renee: Thank you, Candy. You know, you're getting much better at defending your arguments.

Candy: Just imitating you. Speaking of which, I wonder if you could do me a favor?

Renee: Well, depends on what it is.

Candy: I'm starting a social club on campus, and I'd like you to be the faculty advisor.

Renee: Oh, no, I don't think I can. I'm not a full-time faculty member.

Candy: Actually, I checked, and the rules say student teachers can be advisors.

Renee: Oh, really? Well then, so just what is this club?

Candy: It's called Athe Koinoia.

Renee: Oh, Greek, eh? Sounds impressive. I don't think those are classical fraternity letters, though.

Candy: Not exactly. Koinoia means society, and Athe is atheist.

Renee: Oh, so your club is the atheist society. Interesting. A bit one-sided, isn't it?

Candy: Are you kidding? This school has Christian clubs coming out of its ears. A lot of people have shown interest in this sort of club. I think it's needed to bring some balance here. Education is supposed to be about evaluating all possibilities, right?

Renee: I, one of the things...

Candy: I can't think of anyone who's better qualified or that I'd rather have as an advisor.

Renee: Flattery will get you everywhere.

Candy: Then you'll do it?

Renee: Of course. I'd be happy to.

Candy: I knew I could count on you.

Renee: Now, what all is involved?

Candy: We just have to submit the application and then meet with the board tomorrow. But that's a formality. They've never turned down a club application.

Renee: Sounds simple enough. Athe Koinoia, here we come.

Darcy: Hi, Renee. Mr. Whittaker.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, Darcy. Hello.

Renee: Now, what can I get you today, Hen?

Darcy: Actually, I wanted to give you something.

Renee: Oh.

Darcy: I wrote a paper about you for school.

Renee: Really? Well, what was the assignment?

Darcy: I had to write about someone I admire. My hero.

Renee: You picked me? But what about your dad?

Darcy: He's a soldier. A real hero.

Darcy: I've already written about him. This time, I picked you. Oh, here.

Renee: Oh, I don't know what to say.

Darcy: You can read it out loud if you want.

Renee: Oh, well. Alright. Right. Renee D. Carter is my hero because she's beautiful inside and out. She is smart, kind, caring, and very pretty. Oh, me, why. She calls me Hen and Lamb and other fun names because she's from Scotland, and that's what they do there. She helps me every day, and she helps other kids too. But the main reason Renee is my hero is that she is a strong...

Darcy: What's wrong? It's my writing, isn't it? I know it's hard to read sometimes. Let me see.

Renee: No, no, no, no, no. I can read it.

Mr. Whittaker: Go, go ahead, Renee.

Renee: She is a strong Christian who encourages my faith in God. One way Renee is smart is that she knows all about computers and machines. She makes adventures in the Imagination Station that teach lessons about life and faith. That's why Renee D. Carter is my hero.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, that was excellent, Darcy.

Darcy: Thanks. Renee, do you like it?

Renee: Oh, I love it. I do. Oh, it's wonderful. And I see, you got an A+ on it.

Darcy: Yeah.

Renee: But, I have something to tell you, and it may not be easy to hear.

Darcy: What is it?

Renee: I'm not a Christian, Darcy.

Darcy: You're not?

Renee: No.

Darcy: Okay.

Renee: That, that's it?

Darcy: If you say you're not, then I have to believe you. Only...

Renee: Only what?

Darcy: Are you sure you're not a Christian? I mean, you act like one and you talk like one, and you made all those epical programs in the Imagination Station?

Renee: Epical? Oh, you mean ethical programs.

Darcy: Yeah. And you know the Bible really well. Maybe you're a Christian and you just don't know it.

Renee: That's a lovely thing to say, but I think I'd know a thing like that. I, I know the Bible. Well, I think everyone should. It's one of the greatest pieces of literature in the history of the world. And I believe everyone should try to live ethically too. Makes the world a better place. That's why I created those programs. But I also think I can do all that without being a Christian.

Darcy: So, if you're not a Christian, what are you? Do you believe in God at all?

Renee: Well, that's a good question, and to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure what I am. I think the best way to put it is, I'm searching. And as far as believing in God is concerned, I'm definitely open to the possibility. Oh, I'm sorry if I've disappointed you, Hen. I just didn't want you to go on thinking something about me that wasn't true.

Darcy: It's okay. Can I still admire you?

Renee: Do you still want to?

Darcy: Sure. For all those other reasons. Everyone admires you. Tell her, Mr. Whittaker. Do you admire Renee?

Mr. Whittaker: I do indeed, Darcy.

Renee: Oh, Mr. Whittaker.

Mr. Whittaker: She's always on time. She keeps the freezer well-stocked, and she's the best counter wiper-downer I've ever had.

Renee: Oh, thanks a lot, Mr. Whittaker.

Candy: I'm so nervous. I've never appeared in front of a board before.

Renee: They're just people, Candy, like you and me. Besides, you said yourself this is only a formality.

Candy: I know, I know. I'll be okay once we get going. What's the hold up, anyway? Why can't we go in?

Renee: They're waiting for one last board member. Now listen, we still have a few minutes before we're supposed to start. Why don't you get a drink of water?

Candy: Yeah, good idea.

Renee: It'll help you calm down.

Mr. Whittaker: Hi, Renee.

Renee: Mr. Whittaker. What are you doing here?

Mr. Whittaker: I came to hear about the club you want to start, Athe Koinoia, right?

Renee: I, but I didn't know these meetings were open to the public.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, actually, yes. I believe they always have been. But even if they weren't, it wouldn't matter. I'm a Campbell College board member.

Renee: What?

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, I've been one for years. I thought you knew.

Renee: No, I most certainly did not.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, shall we go in? I'm very much looking forward to hearing all about your proposed atheist society here at the college.

Chris: Want to contact us about the episodes you're hearing? Visit our website at adventuresinodyssey.com, or talk to someone at Focus on the Family. Call 1-800-A-FAMILY, with a parent's permission, of course. We always love hearing from you.

Candy: Everyone is an atheist about most gods, even Christians. We just want a club that makes a clean sweep about all gods and not believe in any of them.

President Ellingwood: And you feel that there are enough like-minded students here at Campbell College to support such a society?

Candy: Yes, President Ellingwood, I do. Maybe there won't be as many people in it as there are in the tons of religious clubs on campus. At least not at first. But that doesn't mean we shouldn't have a club that supports our way of looking at things. We have the right to exist, just like they do.

President Ellingwood: Of course. Well, we've heard from everyone on the board except the one person I thought we'd hear from the most on this particular proposal. Mr. Whittaker, you've been conspicuously silent.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, well, I'm just listening, President Ellingwood. I do have a few things I'd like to add, though.

President Ellingwood: I thought you might. Please.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, first, I want to commend Candy for a well-thought-out presentation. You have obviously been taught well.

Candy: Thank you. I have.

Mr. Whittaker: The only flaw in your presentation is the one God further argument.

Candy: What flaw?

Mr. Whittaker: Well, the argument hinges on the idea that there is very little difference between one God and no God, that the difference is so small, it's irrelevant. Correct?

Candy: Yes.

Mr. Whittaker: But in some things, the difference between one and none matters a lot, though, doesn't it? I mean, for example, if you stole a car, would the judge find you innocent if you said there's really no significant difference between stealing one car and no cars?

Candy: Well, Renee, a little help here?

Renee: That's the kind of subject that will be a staple of the discussions in Athe Koinoia, Mr. Whittaker. The deeper issues, which is why this club is needed.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, fair enough, fair enough. I'd actually like to participate in some of those discussions myself. I'm curious about your society's bylaws, though, Candy.

Candy: Bylaws?

Mr. Whittaker: Yes, all clubs are required to have a charter with bylaws of how it will be run and requirements for membership. For instance, will atheism be mandatory for all members of Athe Koinoia?

Candy: No, we'll welcome anyone who wants to learn the truth.

Mr. Whittaker: The truth. Well, that's good. How about the society's officers, president, secretary, treasurer, and so on? Will they be required to be atheists?

Candy: Well, yeah. Just like the officers of the Christian clubs are required to be Christians.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, I see. So, you don't want the president or any of the important positions in the society to be someone who is, well, say, unsure of what they believe?

Candy: No.

Mr. Whittaker: Or searching?

Candy: No.

Mr. Whittaker: Or even open to the possibility that God exists?

Candy: Absolutely not.

Mr. Whittaker: They all need to be committed atheists.

Candy: Yes, 100% committed atheists.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, thank you. That's all I wanted to ask, President Ellingwood.

President Ellingwood: Thank you, Mr. Whittaker. Well, if there's nothing further, then we...

Renee: President Ellingwood, I'd like to say something.

President Ellingwood: Of course, Renee, go ahead.

Renee: First, I believe Athe Koinoia will be an important and necessary addition to Campbell College's social club scene and to the college itself. I urge, in the strongest way possible, the board to approve it immediately and unanimously. But that said, I've come to realize that I cannot, in all good conscience, be A. K.'s faculty advisor.

Candy: What?

Renee: I respectfully withdraw my name from the application and sincerely hope this action will not in any way prejudice your vote. That's all.

Candy: Renee, you may have just torpedoed the club.

Renee: No, I don't think so.

Candy: You told me you would be our advisor.

Renee: I know, I know, but I can't.

Candy: Why not?

Renee: Because the person Mr. Whittaker described, unsure, searching, open to the possibility, is me.

Candy: You've got to be kidding.

Renee: I'm sorry, Candy, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to mislead you.

Candy: A lot of good that does now. If they voted down in there, it'll be your fault.

Renee: No, no, listen. Listen.

Candy: To think I once called you my hero.

Renee: Candy, Candy.

Mr. Whittaker: Are you all right, Renee?

Renee: I can't believe you did that to me, Mr. Whittaker.

Mr. Whittaker: Renee.

Renee: You were right about the middle of the road being a good place to get hit by a car. I just never thought you'd be the one driving it. Excuse me.

Renee: Right, okay.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, I thought I heard you in here. Programming the Imagination Station as usual?

Renee: I, I need to fix a glitch in my Jonah adventure. The whale keeps spitting the kids out of its blowhole.

Mr. Whittaker: Yes, some of them have mentioned that. It's a fun ride, but not really accurate to the story.

Renee: And we're all about accuracy around here.

Mr. Whittaker: Yes, we are. Look, I know you're upset with me because you think I ambushed you at that meeting.

Renee: Not think you did. You did. You used my own words against me.

Mr. Whittaker: Yes, the words you told Darcy just yesterday downstairs, and the ones you apparently didn't tell Candy until the meeting today. I didn't ambush you, Renee. You ambushed yourself.

Renee: I. So, I suppose congratulations are in order.

Mr. Whittaker: For what?

Renee: For shutting down the atheist society before it even got started.

Mr. Whittaker: Well, actually, Athe Koinoia was approved. Professor Harris agreed to be the faculty advisor, and the vote was unanimous.

Renee: Really?

Mr. Whittaker: Candy said the society was for those who wanted to know the truth. You said discussion about deep issues would be a staple of the society. Why would I vote against that?

Renee: Even if the discussions led to a truth that's different from your truth?

Mr. Whittaker: There's only one truth, Renee. And whether you believe it or not, that truth is Jesus. I am committed to that truth. I think you are too. You may need a nudge in the right direction now and then, like all of us. But I do believe commitment to the truth matters to you.

Renee: Well, at any rate, Athe Koinoia's approval should make Candy happy. If it does, I won't see it. She dropped my class after the meeting.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, I'm sorry for her. She's gonna miss out on some great teaching.

Renee: What a difference a day makes, eh? Yesterday, I was a hero to two girls. Today, I'm not a hero to anyone.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, I don't know about that. Darcy still admires you. Being a hero is overrated anyway. But having the courage of your convictions, that's impressive.

Renee: Even though I need to be nudged now and then.

Mr. Whittaker: Even though.

Renee: You know, it's strange. If I had to guess, I'd have said Darcy would be more upset at me than Candy. But turns out it was just the opposite.

Mr. Whittaker: With all due respect, I think that's because Darcy belongs to a hero who's even bigger than you. The one true hero who will never let her down.

Renee: Jesus?

Mr. Whittaker: No, me.

Renee: Yes.

Mr. Whittaker: Jesus, of course.

Darcy: Mr. Whittaker. Where is everybody?

Mr. Whittaker: In the Bible room, Darcy.

Renee: What can we do for you, Hen?

Darcy: Do you like barbecue?

Renee: Oh, I, very much.

Darcy: Good. Because there's this thing called Hospitality House for military families where they meet every weekend. This Saturday, we're having barbecue, and I wanted you to come.

Renee: Oh, I'd be honored.

Darcy: You too, Mr. Whittaker.

Mr. Whittaker: Oh, it sounds wonderful, Darcy.

Darcy: Great. And also, um,

Renee: Also what?

Darcy: Well, there's always a bunch of kids there, and I know you're not a Christian, but could you tell them that thing you told Hugo? About God being like the writer of a book? I tried to remember how it goes, but I got it all messed up. And you do it so great.

Renee: Oh, I'd be happy to.

Darcy: Yay! You're my hero.

Renee: How about if I just be Renee?

Darcy: Okay.

Chris: In Colossians chapter 3, Paul encourages believers to live in a way that reflects that Christ is in us. Paul goes on to tell Christians to let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. It's that peace that allows us to react well to others, even if we don't agree with them. When Darcy learned that her hero Renee had doubts and questions about God, she didn't turn her back on her or criticize her for searching. What a difference from Candy's reaction to Renee. As Christians, we should focus less on non-believers' flaws and more on helping point them to the truth. Darcy's response to Renee left the door wide open for future conversations about what it means to believe in God. Adventures in Odyssey is a presentation of Focus on the Family. My Hero Renee was written by Nathan Hubler and Phil Oller, and directed by Phil Oller, with sound designed by Luke Gnao and Nathan Jones, and music by John Campbell. Our executive producer was Dave Arnold. Our cast included Mia Lin Benguenon, Alicia Lyston, Bryce Pappenbrook, Andre Stoica, Mark Taylor, Caitlyn Thorburn, and Archer Fatono. And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.