FAQ’s Of The Christian Faith نموونە

Does God exist?  

It takes a lot of ‘faith’ to believe in the non-existence of God! 

A young man once asked: ‘What are the reasons you would give for the existence of God?’ As I took a moment to respond, this kind person apologised for asking a difficult question. Assuring him that it wasn’t a great challenge, I asked: ‘What kind of evidence would satisfy you about God’s existence?’

It was the young man’s turn to be silent and reflective as he pondered on the kind of data that would convince him. He then observed: ‘my classmates and I are given to scientific investigation and do not accept anything on grounds of faith alone’. I was pleased to announce to him that the Bible commends scrutiny and invites seekers and believers to make an informed choice and not act on blind, irresponsible faith. (Job 38: 3) 

Besides, one often misses the fact that the human mind is finite. In spite of all the developments in science and technology, there is hardly anyone who knows everything about themselves – let alone gain mastery over cosmic mysteries! The limits of the scientific pursuit are better known today than a century ago. 

And that is not all. How can a finite human being establish the absence of the Infinite One? It would take infinite knowledge to deny the Infinite One. But someone might still argue: ‘absence of evidence is the evidence of absence’. This is fallacious thinking as one is assuming a particular kind of evidence. Just because one hasn’t seen aliens does not lead the atheist to conclude of their non-existence. 

In Romans 1: Paul writes: “…what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse”. (Romans 1: 18, 19). God reveals Himself not just through Scripture, but through nature. 

Contrary to a popular myth that Christian faith is a leap in the dark, Oxford professor John Lennox observes: “Faith is not a leap in the dark; it’s the exact opposite. It’s a commitment based on evidence… It is irrational to reduce all faith to blind faith and then subject it to ridicule. That provides a very anti-intellectual and convenient way of avoiding intelligent discussion.” 

The Bible reiterates this theme: “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”. (Jeremiah 29:13). The surprise element in this confirmation of God’s existence lies in a personal commitment to knowing God. 

When someone asked Billy Graham once – ‘Does God exist?’ he replied, “Yes, I spoke to Him this morning”. 

PRAYER

God, help me to move from knowing about You to knowing You.