Conciliatory Pondering and Attempting to Justify one’s Religious Faith
Posted: Friday, April 01, 2011
by Joel Hendon
http://hebronics.org/index.html
I have received many comments concerning my religious articles over the past years, some of which were downright nasty, others filled with semi-polite ridicule, and still others with respectful disagreements. The first two categories are from those who feel superior to me and much better informed than I. So, I simply add them to my prayers. But some, who may very well be superior to me in intellect, are cordial and express their differences with respect for my views. That is welcomed and highly appreciated. One commenter recently questioned my conclusions in the matter of religion thusly and I agreed to explain where and how I agreed or disagreed, and why. The Apostle Peter admonishes all Christians to:
Below you will find segments of the comment and followed by my response:
“Thanks for responding Joel, and I appreciate your sincerity of belief very much. I guess for me, as one who is probably not ever going to be convinced that any one particular cause is responsible for everything. That I have a duty also to attempt to explain our existence. Therefore, I have a responsibility not to destroy beliefs, but to illuminate them, so that they can be seen in their factual and non-factual realities. My particular difficulty with Judea-Christian belief lies in the essence of its results. Which have not been overly positive.”
I certainly can understand the final two sentences of that quote, and I agree that there have been numerous things which could be counted as negative in the activities of Jewish history as well as within those professing Christianity. But two factors come into play here. How much of that negativity were/are results of the direct teachings of the Bible? And, was some of the negative appearance as negative as it may have appeared?
When one is not convinced that the Holy Bible is the inspired word of an Almighty, All-wise Spirit God, It is extremely difficult to show reasons for some things which have occurred. But for those of us who are totally convinced that it is so, our arguments are of necessity, based on what is taught there in.
The doctrines of the Mosaical Law given unto the Jews were fully directed to make the Jews (descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) an exemplary people before the world. And had they adhered to those principles and commands, they would have had peace and plenty, but they did not. So the heathen nations were allowed to overrun and subject them. Virtually all of the negativity under that law was the result of disobedience and/or the lack of faith in God.
Results from the Christian body of “believers” are even poorly regarded only by the lack of strict obedience of the New Testament, the law of Christ. Much of the criticism of actions by historical Christianity, such as the so-called “Christian Crusades”, is nowhere sanctioned in the New Testament. These were “Christians” astray. A thorough study of Jesus life, his apostles and those of the first century church will show anyone that their teachings and activities were not harmful or violent. Only after the church of the Lord strayed into apostasy and became a persecutor of the true Christians, did violence occur and then, not from those who were being persecuted. Thousands of Christians were tortured and killed by the various Roman emperors and later by the apostate church, and all you can find of them shows they went to their death peacefully and unwaveringly. Violence and killing are not doctrines taught in the New Testament.
The awful fact is, that 95% (hyperbole and probably an exaggerated figure) of “Christians” have given the rest a bad name. The gist of my response here is that the religious teaching of Christianity is not harmful.
“The use of this belief has led to so many irreconcilable outcomes that its true message has been lost completely. Human beings simply do not possess the qualities necessary to understand it, nor employ it.”
The above statement would be more accurate if it began with: “The use of this un-belief.” Lack of study and a desire not to be subject to a superior being has resulted in irreconcilable outcomes.
“The contradictions can fill volumes of books.”
Not one contradiction has been proven...over hundreds of years of attempting to do so.
“No empirical evidence can be provided.”
Strong internal evidence plus strong external evidence, even though not empirical, exists for the truth and accuracy of the Bible. While no empirical evidence can be provided for the existence of the universe, matter, life, etc., from other sources.
It simply cannot be sustained over time. (??) Where then will it go? And what will end it? Christianity has been in effect for approximately 2,000 years is increasing heavily in a number of countries, especially India and a number of African nations.
The riddle of the Tower of Babel is of particular relevance. The world is that Tower, and it was as different then, as it is now. It will always be that way, and so, it is impossible for all of us to believe the same thing, isn't it?
It is a known fact that we will never all believe the same thing, yet it is not impossible. All biblical history and prophecies are replete with the fact that few have ever accepted the word of God and that few will ever accept it. That is, however, not justification.
The message of any philosophy or ideology should be directed at positive results. But this is not achieved because of something you believe. It is achieved through work, focus, understanding, trust, and cooperation. I'm certain you know of this Joel. Agreed, but it is also positive results when souls are converted to Christianity.
Can one good work wipe away a lifetime of sloth? Can one mistake wipe away a lifetime of achievement? Yes, and it happens everyday. That is a tragedy, because all of things in between, which were of equal value are never considered. Thus, the measure of man and woman is deduced to nothing more than a mere act. Granted. But he was put here to “live holy and without blame before Him in love.”
This is the symbolism and consequences of such beliefs, as in heaven, or hell, or purgatory. It makes no sense whatsoever. For every good there is a bad, for every bad there is a good. They need each other, for one without the other has no meaning. This is what I want to wipe away. We are humans, frail and weak, and scared humans. That is the real substance of our existence. Certain beliefs take advantage of this vulnerability, and they should beware of how they tread. I'm just glad I'm able to say these things in this world of make believe rather than being burned at the stake.
Good and Bad are like beauty, in the eye of the beholder. The commenter gives a good philosophical description of humanity, yet it doesn’t negate the fact that we are here, something caused it and it was not accidental. Humanity are creatures of free moral agency. The circumstances in which were born has strong influence upon us, yet we still make our lives according to our own decisions and actions
One last small thing. Is it necessary to believe in a deity to be a good person? Are all those good, decent, people in the world who don't believe in a god, going to hell? There are hundreds of millions of people, or billions, who do not believe in the god of the Judea-Christian bible. Some are even better than those who believe in God, or Jesus. Where do they go? Hell, because they didn't know of god. Just a question.
There are indeed billions of good people who do not believe in the God of the bible. Do not ask me if they are going to hell. I am not God. But the bible says the following:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (Matthew 7:21-22 KJV)
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:33 KJV)
Man has a choice. It is up to each individual to choose to follow his own preferences in life or to submit to the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is great that we have such a choice. Some contend that it is a poor choice. Eternal life or eternal punishment. Our choice.
This Article has been viewed 237 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Another great article, Joel. I've enjoyed your articles over the years, unfortunately the years have done quite a bit to widen the chasm between what you and I believe to be true. I don't consider myself to be of superior intellect than you, but I sincerely hope that I'm in the category of people who have been cordial and have shown respect for you.
"By their fruit you will know them." has rung in my ears for years, and it's a bell which is not easily un-rung. I think you and I probably agree that Christianity as is commonly practiced greatly misses the mark. The problem is that what you consider backslidden and what I consider backslidden are at opposite ends of the spectrum, and each end looks at the other in disbelief. Indeed, you and I quote the same Scripture, but I guess we each think it means something different.
Thanks for the comment Bruce, you are probably right. I know that in whatever one is brought up, has a great influence on him, but I have tried hard to come to the best understanding I can of the Holy Scriptures. I don't doubt that I miss the mark in some instances, but I do believe God knows when one is doing the best he can and there is where grace comes in...I believe. I've always had the highest regard for you and Jean eventhough I know we don't always agree. You have always been considerate in your disagreements. You are right about the fact that I believe that Chrstianity as now practiced misses the mark. We will be rewarded if we faint not.
By the way, I no longer get notification of the comments from others. I didn't know of yours until I checked it just now. I have looked and I think I have the right square checked to receive them.
My husband's comment to scoffers and those who don't believe in Biblical Christianity are that we will all find out the truth some day. He also says that his beliefs have led him to live a good life with few regrets and if they are right he doesn't have much to loose - if he is right what do they have to lose? Eternity. Interesting thoughts. Keep on writing and praying that your readers will see the truth of His Word and respond. Time is short. Appreciate you, Brother!
Thank you, Marijo. I do appreciate your remarks. All we can do is the best we can and let the Lord handle our weaknesses.
Hi Joel. Very well done. I appreciate your passion for the compromised truth and validity of the word of God. It all boils down to truth. I agree in that I never tell anyone they are going to hell. I don't know their end. One of our fellow writers tried so hard to get me to say that based on my belief in the Bible as the word of God, that "they" were going to hell. I couldn't and wouldn't say that because I don't know their end - as long as we have breath we have a choice. And If I can come to faith, anyone can come to faith. Keep sharing the truth. Many of us writers who are Christians receive the same kind of comments you do. Some nasty, some respectful, and some that lead to great conversation. It's all worth it - as Paul some, some plant, others water, but God gives the increase. Blessings to you! Teresa
Hi Teresa, thanks muchly for the comment. I sincerely appreciate hearing from youYou are very welcome. Funny, I just posted an article similar to this concerning my on-going conversation with one of our fellow writers. Maybe you can weigh in with your wisdom and perspective. Blessings dear friend and brother in Christ.
Teresa, there are some people who have closed their minds against the existance of God, or think the Bible is a comic book, or Jesus was a fraud, etc. I do not mind answering sincere and honest questions. Two of your commenters have riddled the article with personal unsubstantiated remarks and there is no reason for me to get involved with them. I have had many rounds with Paul and I consider him my friend, but he is convinced of his little green men and not the God we worship.
Besides, you don't need help, you handle them well. God will help you.
We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.