Why do you believe in God?
The question stopped me in my tracks. I’m naturally a seeker and a questioner so I’m accustomed to reconciling the internal consistency of my faith, but such interactions occur with other believers. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered this foundational question.
Our interchange was respectful, devoid of the dismissive name-calling or ideological rhetoric that so frequently characterizes such discussions. We weren’t arguing, and neither attempted to “convert” the other. Two men with diametrically opposing perspectives probed for understanding and common ground from which to explore divergent conclusions about the universe and our role in it.
The effort proved surprisingly frustrating for me. I have close relationships with a number of non-believers, but our conversations apparently reflect an unspoken agreement concerning acceptable subject matter. Our friendships include a mutual understanding and respect for differing points of view.
I’ve also encountered those intent on ridiculing a faith they clearly don’t understand and don’t want to investigate. I’m comfortable with simply refusing to engage that sort of unproductive, disrespectful attitude.
But this was different; the question was honest and reflected a sincere desire for an understandable explanation. Why do you believe in God?
I couldn’t dismiss it as a silly question, because it isn’t silly at all. I couldn’t respond with an inspirational platitude that apparently dodged the question. And I couldn’t offer objective evidence to support my faith—that’s why it’s called “faith.”
I fear that I succumbed to my habit of answering quickly, as though delay implied doubt. I felt that I should have a clear response to such a basic question, and I probably tried to fill the void with too many words. I hope my babbling didn’t communicate any lack of respect for the question.
We’re called to spread the gospel and tell others the good news. We shouldn’t argue with people who refuse to listen, but we ought to respond in love to sincere attempts to understand. God’s not afraid of hard questions.
Upon further reflection, I think I have an answer, though I’m not certain my response will satisfy or even make sense to my new friend. I’m curious about your ideas.
Why do you believe in God?
Rich Dixon is an author and motivational speaker. His first book is: RELENTLESS GRACE: God’s Invitation To Give Hope Another Chance.
Learn more about the story of Relentless Grace at: www.relentlessgrace.com
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Dean: I did leave out my response, for now, on purpose. I wanted to see what others had to say first.
You’re right–we need to listen and open dialogue with those who hold different views. The example–Jesus didn’t spend time only with the folks who agreed with Him.
(“…left it OUT on purpose…”)
Rich, I’m interested in knowing what your response was! You left it our on purpose, eh?
I see what you mean, Ryan, but I agree with Rich on his response. The line of reasoning you started out with isn’t completely solid. It’s rather like saying, “Since we’ve believed for so long that black holes have such intense gravity that they pull in light, isn’t it time to start looking at other possible reasons they’re black?”
That may be an oversimplification, because you do mention emprirical evidence (and you surely left a lot unsaid for the sake of brevity). I did my best to choose something that is highly likely to exist as we know it, but is disputed.
I have a book that I’ve read quite a bit, for a very long time (relatively speaking). I’ve compared it to observable phenomena and life in general, and I’ve compared it to other religious writings. I’ve gone through suspension of belief. I’ve looked at the possibility of culture and worldview being my source of belief. And here I am again, years later, fully confident that it’s not only based on some sort of feeling, but it’s entirely logical to believe that the God of the Bible is the Being that the Bible (the book I mentioned) accurately describes.
Very much appreciated the tone and spirit with which you presented your comment, Ryan! I hope I’m not being abrasive in response…
Thoughtful post, Rich! I think one of the biggest negative issues with Christ-followers is our inability to simply listen to what other people are saying or asking. I don’t believe people are as argumentative as we’ve convinced ourselves that they are. Instead of listening, we often immediately go into a defensive “survival mode.”
We’re also typically (and unfortunately) programmed to parrot what we’ve been taught without personally investigating or studying very much of it.
Religion and the belief in god has been around for so long, don’t you think it’s time to start considering new ideas or possibilities. It wouldn’t be wise to convince people that your 100% sure that god exists when their is no empirical evidence backing that up. Though it could be possible, other ideas should be considered too. Personally I believe agnosticism would be the best choice as far as religion goes and being logical.
Ryan,
My search is for truth, not the next new thing. Clinging to an idea because of tradition impedes progress, but it’s also irrational to reject an idea on the basis that it’s been around for a long time. Objective truth doesn’t depend on old or new.
I’d never try to “convince” anyone else that I can emperically prove God’s existence; I don’t believe that’s possible–that’s why it’s called “faith.” But I believe we are spiritual beings and that there’s more to reality than what we see and touch.
Have you ever fallen madly, head-over-heels in love with another person? I have, and though I could never emperically validate the experience I have absolutely no doubt of its objective reality.
I don’t compare faith in eternal God to the transitory experience of falling in and out of love. I offer the analogy simple to demonstrate that we experience realities beyond what we scientifically observe, measure, and document.
I appreciate your insights.