Faith

Statements I’ve heard … ‘I believe because I have faith.’ CHOICE? GIFT? ‘I don’t believe in the resurrection of Jesus, that takes blind faith.’ Leap? ‘If the existence of God was more obvious there would be no need for faith.’ Virtue?

Part 1

Richard Dawkins “Christianity, just as much as Islam, teaches children that unquestioned faith is a virtue. You don’t have to make the case for what you believe.” The God Delusion. Page. 346

The Gospel of Luke Luke 1 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eye witnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

The Gospel of John John 20 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

The Acts of the Apostles After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days … Acts 2 ‘Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. .... and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead ….’

The Acts of the Apostles They came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. 17.1-4 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the market-place day by day with those who happened to be there. 17.16-17 Corinth. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 18.4 Ephesus. Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. But some of them became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way. So Paul left them. He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 19.8-9

1 Peter 3.15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect …

Faith: unquestioning acceptance? reasonable trust?

Part 2

Richard Dawkins “Faith is an evil precisely because it requires no justification and brooks no argument. Teaching children that unquestioned faith is a virtue primes them – given certain other ingredients that are not hard to come by – to grow up into potentially lethal weapons for future jihads or crusades. …. If children were taught to question and think through their beliefs, instead of being taught the superior virtue of faith without question, it is a good bet that there would be no suicide bombers.” The God Delusion. Page .347-348

When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Matthew 28 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted.

The Importance of Doubt “The key to wisdom is this – constant and frequent questioning … for by doubting we are led to question, and by questioning we arrive at the truth.” Peter Abelard 12th Century Theologian/Philosopher

The Importance of Doubt Doubt is honest and realistic Doubt leads to learning and growth Doubt encourages curiosity and listening Doubt creates humility Doubt might save us from mistakes Doubt defeats dogmatism and bigotry Doubt prevents extremism

How can a faith community encourage committed faith while also embracing healthy doubt? By a passionate commitment to truth … God is truth. All truth is God’s truth. Truth matters more than dogma, tradition, doctrine, personal preference. There is no end to the quest for truth. It is a life-long journey. This is difficult! “It seemed to me certain, and I still think so today, that one can never wrestle enough with God if one does so out of pure regard for the truth. Christ likes us to prefer truth to him because, before being Christ, he is truth. If one turns aside from him to go toward the truth, one will not go far before falling into his arms. ” Simone Weil