THE ATHEIST'S CHALLENGE

Charles Bradlaugh was an outstanding atheist in England. Down in the slums was a great minister by the name of Hugh Price Hughes.  All London was aware of miracles of grace accomplished at his mission.

Charles Bradlaugh challenged Mr. Hughes to a debate on the validity of the claims of Christianity.  This challenge perked up the ears of all in London... what would Hughes do?  Charles Bradlough had such a sharp mind, quick wit, and persuasive personality that when he would get a minister up on stage in a public forum, he would just chew them and spit them out.

Mr. Hughes immediately accepted the debate and in doing so added one challenge of his own.  Hughes said. "I propose to you that we each bring some concrete evidences of the validity of our beliefs in the form of men and women who have been redeemed from the lives of sin and shame by the influence of our teaching. I will bring 100 such men and women and I challenge you to do the same.

"If you cannot bring 100, Mr. Bradlaugh, to match my 100, I will be satisfied if you will bring 50 such men and women who will stand and testify that they have been lifted up from lives of shame by the influence of your teachings. If you can't bring 50, then bring 20 people who will say, as my 100 will, that they have a great joy in a life of self respect as a result of your atheistic teachings. If you cannot bring 20, I will be satisfied if you bring 10.
"Nay, Mr. Bradlaugh, challenge you to bring one, just one man or woman who will make such a testimony regarding the uplifting of your atheistic teachings."

On the day of the proposed debate, the hall was filled capacity.  Dr. Hughes was there with his hundred people, but Charles Bradlough never showed up. You see, he could debate the preacher as long as they used verbal arguments; but when they began using lives, he knew he was defeated.

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Christianity transformed the oppressive Roman Empire into the first society in history that would proclaim and uphold the rights of men and women to live in freedom and liberty.¹