Thursday Theology: Faith

"Fide, sed cui vide." Translation: "Trust, but be careful in whom."

Regardless of the claims of the materialists, any attempt to answer THE questions of life requires some level of faith in something. The questions lie beyond any attempt to solve the mysteries scientifically. What are these questions?

- Where did all this come from?
- Why do we have disorder and injustice all around us?
- Is there a remedy for the failings we observe around us?
- Where is all of this leading?

Any number of religions--including, I might add, the secular humanist faith--offers answers. So how do we discern who is on target?

While science cannot be conclusive in this arena, our powers of observation are still useful. We can take the claims of any belief system and see how well it marries up to the reality around us.

Contrary to popular belief, faith doesn't demand a blind leap into the unknown. It does require a willingness to go where Truth leads, even if it's a direction we'd rather not. That's why I get aggravated with people who accuse me, as a Christian, of wanting to believe some people will end up in hell. Nothing could be farther from the truth. But that outcome, chosen by some, is part of the overall package and nowhere in the Christian faith are we authorized to cherry pick the platitudes we like while rejecting the rest. Faith is not a buffet service.

So why place my faith in the Bible? Because, to borrow a phrase, it accurately diagnoses the 'human condition.' We don't want to admit it, but we're a screwed up people...and we know it, despite our denial. All of the striving, the ego, the self-centeredness, is represented in the lives of the men and women whose experiences are recorded. There is no spin, no attempt to puff anyone up. Heroes have feet of clay, and humble nobodies step forward in faith and change the world. Just like today. And despite those who point to nominal Christians who have done evil in the name of Christ, the 2,000-year history of lives changed for the better through these humble writings points to an influence more powerful than any guru, psychoanalysis, medication or 12-step program.

In our earnest desire to share what we know, though, even Christians can forget that a true faith is not something we naturally possess. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8) The human heart longs to find meaningful faith in something worthy of the trust, but more often than not settles for something far less: a romantic interest, a political party, a motivational speaker, even a well-meaning pastor. Only when God draws that longing into a connection with Himself can we be assured we are home at last.