Reply to Why do people stay religious?

Forum Index » Religion

Reply to "Why do people stay religious?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I don't think anyone actually believes. If they did, they would be afraid to do anything sinful. I think that shows that everyone has doubts about its truthfulness.[/quote]

This statement is presented as though it undermines Christianity, when, in reality, Christianity is clear that Christians doubt. To take a few examples top of mind:

• the Apostle Thomas (a saint) is known as doubting Thomas.

• Jesus quantified the quantum of faith needed to command a mountain into the sea as that of a “mustard seed.”

• the Gospels repeatedly show Christ’s compassion on those who make clear the limits of their faith. For example, in Mark, Jesus healed the son of a man told Jesus that he believed but asked Jesus to “help [him] overcome [his] disbelief.” Likewise, in Luke, when Jesus told the disciples that they must (again, and again, and again) forgive those who sin against them, their response was to ask Christ to increase their faith.

Many theologians (particularly in the Calvinist tradition) have actually posited that humans are basically incapable of belief except to the extent that God through His grace enables them to believe.

All that said, you’re right that, for those who believe, knowledge of God is an awesome and in some respects uncomfortable thing. “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,” as they say. Amen to that. [/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics