What A Fool Believes

It recently occurred to me that some of the people who read this blog likely do not have a relationship with God.  It is equally likely that some readers call themselves Christians but have not ever really considered exactly what they believe or why.  I thought it might be helpful for me to share the thought process that led me to my faith.

When I was a child, the world and the universe were things that simply existed.  They needed no explanation, no consideration of their origins and meaning.  As I grew older I spent alot of time reading the set of encyclopedias at my grandparents' house and watching educational TV, typically the science and nature shows aimed at adults.  I learned how the big bang theory with it's definite beginning and subsequent universal expansion fits the available evidence quite nicely.  In biology, the idea of evolution was attractive to me at first, but the existence of certain inter-dependent organic systems (the symbiotic relationship between the Bullhorn Acacia and a particular species of ants is a good example) eventually made it seem unlikely to me that these organisms could come to be through an unguided, unintelligent process.

Once I came to the conclusion that the universe was created by something, I considered the type of being that would be capable of creation. This entity/force/whatever you want to call it would need some quite specific characteristics.  It would need to be intelligent, powerful and self-existent, otherwise it would simply displace the question of the ultimate origin of the universe.

Then, I learned of anthropology.  I found that most cultures throughout history have had some sort of religion.  Religion is often defined as man attempting to get in touch with a higher power; it seemed to me that anything that fit the criteria of "creator of the universe" would be something that man couldn't get to through mans own efforts; this being would have to contact us. This eventually led me to Christianity, which in its purest sense is concerned with God reaching to man.

Though I came to the decision to follow Christ, I still struggle with many facets of its practice.  We are devoted to a God who asks men to strive for a high (unfortunately unrealistic) moral standard but offers assistance and forgiveness when we inevitably fail.  This seems contradictory and inefficient, but I believe the purpose of this is to make men certain of the need to be saved.  As for hell, I freely admit I don't understand it or know what the nature of it is, but I am confident that the creator of the universe would not have gone through all the trouble to create intelligent beings only to condemn the vast majority of them to everlasting torment.  I am certain that God is completely just and will not condemn anyone to hell unless they deserve it.  No one will go to hell because of ignorance.  Everyone who has lived or ever will live will have the opportunity to accept or reject God.  Those who accept Him will be saved; those who do not will be condemned.  I don't claim to understand it, but I believe that this God I've been discussing has no reason to be capricious or cruel and many reasons to be just and merciful.

Now to the key problem with most religions, Christianity included.  Where is the proof?  I was recently discussing religion with an agnostic friend of mine, until we found ourselves at an impasse.  Without absolute proof, my friend was unwilling to accept that Christianity or any other religion had definite answers.  I am certain that as long as I am alive, I will continue to ask difficult questions and there will always be things that I do not understand.  The difference between my friend and I is that I was able to take a leap of faith and accept that God will care for me.  Not that there is anything special about me, the Bible is clear that faith is a gift from God.  I am extremely grateful for this gift and I intend to use whatever time God is gracious enough to give me on this Earth to serve His kingdom and spread His message.