Is The Christian Faith Reasonable?
Few people reject the Gospel because they know the Gospel. Most reject it because they think they know it. Many accusations leveled at the Christian faith are based on misconceptions of the Gospel. Here are just a few:
It is exclusive (yes, it is)
It is irrational (no, it is not)
It is absolute (yes, it is)
It is close-minded (no, it is not)
A common misconception is the you need ‘blind faith’ but becoming a Christian does not require you to commit ‘intellectual suicide.’ Far from it. Rather than a mindless leap in the dark, the believer takes a rational step into the light. As we study the lessons of this module we will discover, rediscover and reinforce our faith and further our commitment to know what we believe and why. “By our own ignorance, we are confirming unbelievers in their unbelief.” Author Paul Little, ‘Know Why You Believe’
Remember Romans 12:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
A RATIONAL YOU
God created us as “…rational, self-conscious, self-determining creatures, intended by [our] creator for fellowship with Himself.” and Jesus emphasized the need for us ‘…to love God … with all your mind.’ Matthew 22:37 The Greek word is ‘intellect, reasoning, deep thought, imagination, mind and understanding.’ The Gospel is about training the mind toward a thinking that is centered on Jesus and aligned with God’s Word. We are not called to ‘just believe’ but to appeal to a faith that is ‘true and reasonable’ Acts 26:25 and be ready to explain the basis for our hope in Christ.
IS IT WRONG TO ASK WHY?
Jesus never rebuked the seeker who questioned Him. We should never assume that asking ‘why’ equals doubt in another believer. Responding with anything other than a scripturally based answer or an honest offer to discover it together is just a sign that you don’t know what you believe and why.
FAITH AND REASON
Titus 1:1-2 “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— 2 in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,”
Faith in God
Knowledge of the truth
Faith and sight are set in opposition to each other not faith and reason. Faith is reasonable because it trusts in the character and the promises of God.
LIMITATIONS TO REASON
There are some things the human mind simply cannot grasp. There is nothing equivalent in a blind person’s experience to the concept of color that can be used for comparison. It’s not just difficult to explain, it is impossible. These are the ‘mind-benders’ where reason fails us:
How can God have no beginning?
What was He doing before creation?
If God is timeless, how could He have chosen one particular point in eternity to create the universe?
And If time was created then, what does that particular point even mean?
What made God decide to create the universe when He did?
Here is where we have faith! “…being…certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
“God does not expect us to submit our faith to Him without reason, but the very limits of reason make faith a necessity.” 10 Augustine of Hippo, 4 th Century
Two things that surpass our reasoning capability:
The love of Christ – Ephesians 3:19
The peace of God – Philippians 4:7
There Spirit can grasp things that the mind can’t, but both are required for an understanding of God.
CRIPPLED REASONING
Any reasoning of scripture that is carnal, unspiritual or strictly intellectual is flawed. Ephesians 4:18 – point out the root problems:
A darkening of understanding because of separation from the life of God
An ignorance due to the hardened heart
Human reasoning has been tainted by sin so there is a need for the ‘renewing of the mind.’
READ 1 Corinthians 2:9-16 – What the mind can’t comprehend is revealed by the Spirit of God – it is enhancement to human understanding and without it our own reasoning is crippled. When God brings revelation of truth into the heart the mind can then grasp the nature of God.
Be blessed this week. Next week we will tackle another ‘hard’ question.
