Cold-Case Christianity: A Homicide Detective Investigates the Claims of the GospelSample

The Value of Evidence

Like other nonbelievers, I used to think of faith as the opposite of reason. In this characterization of the dichotomy, I believed atheists were reasonable “freethinkers” while believers were simple, mindless drones who blindly followed the unreasonable teaching of their leadership.

But if you think about it, faith is actually the opposite of unbelief, not reason. As I began to read through the Bible as a skeptic, I came to understand that the biblical definition of faith is a well-placed and reasonable inference based on evidence.

I wasn’t raised in the Christian culture, and I think I have an unusually high amount of respect for evidence. Perhaps this is why this definition of faith comes easily to me. I now understand it’s possible for reasonable people to examine the evidence and conclude that Christianity is true. While my skeptical friends may not agree on how the evidence related to the claims of Scripture should be interpreted, I want them to understand I’ve arrived at my conclusions reasonably.

As I speak around the country, I often encounter committed Christians who are hesitant to embrace an evidential faith. In many Christian circles, faith that requires evidential support is seen as weak and inferior. For many, blind faith (a faith that simply trusts without question) is the truest, most sincere, and most valuable form of faith we can offer God.

Yet Jesus seemed to have a high regard for evidence. In John 14:11, He told those watching Him to examine “the evidence of the miracles” if they did not believe what He said about His identity. Even after the resurrection, Jesus stayed with His disciples for an additional forty days and provided them with “many convincing proofs” He was resurrected and was who He claimed to be (Acts 1:2-3).

Jesus understood the role and value of evidence. It’s time for all of us, as Christians, to develop a reasonable, evidential faith.

Prayer: Lord, help me not to be afraid to sift through the facts You have laid out in Your Word, seeking to understand truth better.