Christian?
Blaise Pascal once said, “People almost invariably arrive at their beliefs not on the basis of proof but on the basis of what they find attractive.” Does this sound like most Christians today in the U.S.? I think it does. Not only for Christians but practically all religions, even philosophies. It seems like people believe in what they constantly are being told and program to think. So, why are you a Christian?
Why is it that you follow Christianity and not another belief? Have you truly examine all religions of the world to be certain that you have the true religion? Perhaps all religions are wrong and Atheism is the correct philosophy to take?
Most people’s answer of why they believe in what they believe in fall under one of three categories or possibly two out of the three or even all three. Very few people would fall under the fourth category and actually have reasonable if not excellent evidence to support why they believe what they do.
The first category of why people believe what they believe falls under Sociological reasons. These reasons can be influenced by their parents, friends, their communities or society; the culture can impact their decision. Many people make their beliefs on what kind of pressure is pushing them in their direction. For example someone raised as a Catholic during their entire life may very well end up a Catholic. You have a high percentage if you are raised in the Middle East like in Saudi Arabia to believe in Islam.
The second category is Psychological reasons. These reasons can be influenced by an identity, a meaning, a hope, a purpose, and a peace of mind or even some level of comfort. For example different races may join racial groups to have some kind of identity or purpose. You may join a church because it seems to have a true meaning like Mormonism or you may join a church because it has better music and comfortable seats.
The third category is Religious reasons. These reasons can be influenced by the Pastor or Priest, a Guru, a Rabbi, a Church, an Imam, or even the Scriptures. For example it has been said the Billy Graham was one of the most influential preaches of the 20th century. Many that made a decision by his preaching later were still lost and never truly came to Christ. Bill Graham even testifies to this. You may go to a mega-church just like Joel Osteen’s because it seems like the church is growing so it must be a good reason to go.
Being a Christian or having any other type of belief based on Sociological, Psychological, and Religious reasons is not very good reason to go by. In fact it could be very dangerous. For instance if you believe in Buddhism and if Christianity is true. You will certainly go to Hell and the decision you made during the short time on earth will have eternal consequences. You may even be caught up in false Gospel that may damn you even among a Christian circle.
The fourth category is Philosophical reasons. These reasons can be based on consistency, coherence, completeness or the best explanation of all the evidence. These reasons can be searched out by seeking truth. For example why is Islam wrong? Why is Christianity the true religion? Is there anything unique about it? What differences does it have with all the other religions? Is there any historical facts? And many more questions can be raised of why you are a Christian or why you believe what you believe.
It is always good to have good solid evidence to support your belief; it could be very dangerous and may have eternal consequences if you’re wrong. Simply giving Sociological, Psychological, and Religious reasons for your belief does not support why you should believe in what you believe.
Book Recommendations
World Religions by Warren Matthews
Introduction to World Religions by Christopher Partridge
True Christianity by Emanuel Swedenborg
Jay,
Well done! I have been a Christian since 1978, my senior year in High School. My father was an atheist and my mothers faith was more Sociological. Because of a move, my family had discontinued any journey of faith around 1972. Ironically, this was one of the best things that could have happened for me. Coming to faith in this environment caused me to weigh the evidence for or against Xianity. My search led me to Christian faith as opposed to others and into full time teaching ministry. As I have worked with thousands of Christians over the past 32 years, I think you are dead on with your answer to the question “Why are you a Christian?” Your thoughts need to be heard!
Mike