The Reason for God

1. Christianity offers a unique perspective on life's biggest questions

If there is no God, then everything in and about us is the product of blind impersonal forces.

Meaning and purpose. Christianity provides a framework for understanding life's most profound questions about origin, meaning, morality, and destiny. It offers a coherent worldview that explains human experiences of love, beauty, justice, and morality. Unlike secular materialism, which sees the universe as random and purposeless, Christianity posits a personal Creator who imbues life with inherent value and significance.

Identity and worth. The Christian narrative asserts that humans are created in God's image, giving each person intrinsic dignity and worth. This contrasts with purely naturalistic views that reduce humans to mere biological machines. Christianity also offers a unique solution to the human struggle for identity and self-worth, grounding these not in accomplishments or social status, but in God's unconditional love.

Hope and destiny. While secular worldviews often lead to nihilism or despair in the face of death and suffering, Christianity offers hope beyond this life. It presents a vision of ultimate justice, redemption, and eternal life that gives meaning to present struggles and motivates ethical living.

2. The problem of evil doesn't disprove God's existence

There is no way to avoid this conundrum. We all live as if it is better to seek peace instead of war, to tell the truth instead of lying, to care and nurture rather than to destroy.

Logical fallacy. The existence of evil and suffering does not logically disprove God's existence. This argument assumes that if we can't see a good reason for suffering, there isn't one – a fallacy of personal incredulity. Our limited perspective doesn't allow us to conclusively rule out possible reasons a good God might allow temporary suffering for greater purposes.

Moral foundation. Paradoxically, the problem of evil actually points to God's existence. Our sense of injustice and outrage at suffering presupposes an objective moral standard, which is difficult to account for in a purely materialistic universe. The very fact that we recognize evil as evil suggests a transcendent moral law and Lawgiver.

Redemptive perspective. Christianity doesn't deny the reality of evil and suffering but offers a unique perspective on it. It presents a God who doesn't remain aloof but enters into human suffering through Jesus Christ. The Christian worldview sees present suffering as temporary and potentially redemptive, working towards an ultimate restoration of all things.

3. True freedom comes from God, not from self-centered autonomy

We are not in control of our lives. We are all living for something and we are controlled by that, the true lord of our lives.

Illusion of autonomy. Modern culture often equates freedom with complete autonomy and self-determination. However, this leads to a paradox: the more we pursue absolute freedom, the more enslaved we become to our own desires and impulses. True freedom, Christianity argues, is not the absence of constraints but finding the right constraints that align with our created purpose.

Identity and purpose. Christian teaching asserts that we find our true identity and purpose in relationship with God, not in self-creation. This perspective frees us from the crushing burden of having to define and justify our own existence. It offers a stable foundation for identity that isn't contingent on shifting circumstances or others' approval.

Liberating love. The Christian concept of freedom is rooted in God's love. It's not about doing whatever we want, but about becoming the people we were created to be. This view of freedom leads to self-giving love and service to others, rather than self-centered living. Paradoxically, it's in "losing our life" for God and others that we truly find it.

4. Christianity's historical impact is complex but ultimately positive

Christianity's basic message differs at root with the assumptions of traditional religion. The founders of every other major religion essentially came as teachers, not as saviors.

Balanced assessment. While Christianity has been misused to justify oppression and violence, an honest historical assessment reveals its overwhelmingly positive impact. Christian beliefs have been the foundation for human rights, democracy, education, scientific inquiry, social reform, and humanitarian efforts on a massive scale.

Self-correcting mechanism. Unlike many ideologies, Christianity contains within itself the resources for self-critique and reform. The Bible's teachings have often been the basis for challenging corrupt religious institutions and practices. Examples include:

• The abolition movement
• The civil rights movement
• Anti-apartheid activism
• Resistance to totalitarian regimes

Cultural adaptability. Christianity has demonstrated a unique ability to translate across cultures without losing its core message. This has allowed it to take root in diverse societies, often preserving and elevating local cultures rather than destroying them. The faith's emphasis on the equal dignity of all people has been a powerful force for social change and uplift of marginalized groups.

5. The concept of hell reflects God's justice and human free will

If you make a god that never disagrees with you, you're worshipping an idealized version of yourself.

Justice and love. The doctrine of hell, while difficult, reflects both God's justice and love. A good God must oppose evil, and love requires allowing genuine free will. Hell is not God's desire but the logical consequence of persistent rejection of God, the source of all goodness.

Self-chosen separation. Hell is best understood not as a torture chamber but as the natural culmination of a life lived in opposition to God. C.S. Lewis described it as a state where people are "locked into" their own self-centeredness. Key aspects include:

• Ongoing rejection of God
• Progressive loss of humanity
• Self-imposed isolation

Affirming human dignity. Paradoxically, the doctrine of hell affirms human dignity by taking our choices seriously. It recognizes that love cannot be coerced and that humans have the capacity to make ultimate decisions about their destiny. The alternative – God overriding human will – would reduce humans to puppets.

6. Science and faith are compatible, not contradictory

Many people think that faith is believing something despite the evidence. But in fact, it is the evidence that should lead us to faith.

False dichotomy. The supposed conflict between science and faith is largely a modern myth. Historically, Christian theology provided the philosophical foundations that made modern science possible. Many of the greatest scientists in history were devout believers who saw their work as exploring God's creation.

Complementary approaches. Science and faith address different aspects of reality and can be seen as complementary rather than conflicting. Science deals with how the physical world works, while faith addresses questions of meaning, purpose, and value that science alone cannot answer. Key points:

• Science can't prove or disprove God's existence
• Many scientists are believers
• Christian doctrine is compatible with evolutionary science

Intellectual integrity. Christianity encourages honest intellectual inquiry and doesn't ask believers to check their brains at the door. It has a long tradition of engaging with philosophy and science. The faith can stand up to rigorous examination and has intellectual resources to address challenging questions.

7. The resurrection of Jesus is historically plausible and transformative

If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said?

Historical evidence. The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a matter of blind faith but has significant historical evidence supporting it. Key factors include:

• Early, eyewitness accounts
• The transformation of the disciples
• The rapid spread of Christianity in a hostile environment
• The empty tomb

Explanatory power. The resurrection best explains the historical data surrounding the origins of Christianity. Alternative explanations (e.g., hallucinations, legend) fail to account for all the evidence and the radical transformation of Jesus' followers.

Life-changing implications. If true, the resurrection validates Jesus' claims about his identity and mission. It demonstrates God's power over death and offers hope for personal transformation and ultimate justice. The resurrection is not just a historical claim but an invitation to a new way of living in light of God's victory over evil and death.

8. Christianity provides a coherent worldview and moral foundation

We have an indelible sense that the perpetrators have incurred a debt that must be dealt with.

Integrated understanding. Christianity offers a comprehensive worldview that integrates beliefs about origins, purpose, morality, and destiny. It provides a coherent framework for understanding human nature, the problem of evil, and the possibility of redemption.

Moral grounding. The Christian worldview provides a solid foundation for objective moral values and duties. It explains why we have a sense of right and wrong and offers a basis for human rights and dignity. Key aspects:

• Humans created in God's image
• Moral law reflecting God's character
• Ultimate accountability

Practical wisdom. Beyond abstract philosophy, Christianity offers practical wisdom for living. Its teachings on forgiveness, love for enemies, humility, and self-sacrifice provide a path to personal growth and healthy relationships. The Christian worldview also motivates social engagement and care for the vulnerable.

9. The gospel offers a radical solution to human brokenness

Christianity is not religion or irreligion. It is something else altogether.

Diagnosis of the human condition. Christianity offers a unique diagnosis of the human problem: not just ignorance or bad behavior, but a fundamental self-centeredness and alienation from God. This "sin" affects every aspect of human life and society.

Grace, not self-effort. Unlike other religions that offer moral guidance or techniques for self-improvement, Christianity presents salvation as a gift of God's grace. Key points:

• We can't earn God's favor through good works
• Jesus' death pays the penalty for sin
• Transformation comes through faith, not self-effort

Holistic restoration. The gospel promises not just forgiveness of sins but a complete renewal of human nature. It addresses both individual transformation and the eventual restoration of all creation. This hope motivates believers to work for personal and social change in the present.

10. Christian faith leads to personal and societal transformation

To be a Christian today is to become part of that same operation, with the expectation of suffering and hardship and the joyful assurance of eventual success.

Personal renewal. Genuine Christian faith leads to a profound transformation of character, motivations, and behavior. This change is not merely external conformity to rules but an inner renewal driven by God's love. Aspects include:

• New identity in Christ
• Freedom from guilt and fear
• Capacity for self-giving love

Cultural engagement. Christianity calls believers to be active participants in society, working for the common good. This engagement is motivated not by self-interest or the pursuit of power, but by love for God and neighbor. Areas of impact include:

• Care for the poor and marginalized
• Pursuit of justice
• Stewardship of creation
• Promotion of human flourishing

Hope for the future. The Christian vision of God's kingdom provides hope and motivation for long-term cultural renewal. Believers work towards positive change in the present while recognizing that ultimate perfection awaits God's final restoration of all things.

Last updated: October 14, 2024