It Is Called Faith

At some point in all our lives we come to the intersection of faith and reason.  For some of us we seem to come to this particular intersection many times as we travel through life.  Some approach the intersection from the direction of reason.  Still others from the direction of faith.

Often there is a confusion about the direction to go.  Those who come the direction of reason may feel drawn to faith but are still attempting to figure out how logically faith works in their life.  Which may send them continuing down the direction of reason.

Those who have faith can sometimes be confused by reason.  They either grew up in the church or have had a point in their life that faith entered and they come to this intersection and are confused.  Worse yet they begin to reason their faith and ask questions and instead of the body of Christ coming along side them and providing answers and encourage them they are discouraged.  Told not to question and just believe.  Which for most of us we have to admit that this will at times cause us to rebel and toss all faith aside and make the turn down reason.

The challenge that exits for people is that they can't see how reason fits into faith.  What is wrong with wanting to understand what one believes.  To explore and seek and to question.  Scripture tells us to seek, to search, to discover, to simply observe.  These are part of building a deeper faith.

When we question we may feel we are losing our faith.  We are made to feel at times we are less spiritual then someone else.  Sometimes we are attacked by those within the faith.  The saying is sometimes true with in the Christian community, "I have seen the enemy and it is us."  We should not look down on those who question their faith as less then us.  I know I have at times questioned what I believe.  I don't think this makes me a lesser Christian or minister.  I think it makes me stronger because then I know why and what and whom I believe.  It allows me to come along side others to help them along.

Recently I have had the opportunity to engage with some people who once were believers.  One was a minister.  In speaking to them the story remains the same.  I began questioning and when I did I was beat down by peers in the ministry or fellow Christians.  They usually say the same thing, "I was told how dare I question."  When we became saved our minds were not removed.

The questions are not wrong to have.  The doubt the disbelief at times.  Look at scripture we have Thomas who was known as the doubter.  He had to touch Jesus after his death.  Jesus showed him his hands, his feet and and him feel his side that was pierced.  Why would it be so wrong to seek answers to the questions we have today.  We are 2000 years removed from when Thomas asked so why would it be wrong for us to seek answers to our questions.

Here is the challenge in asking questions though, not all things can be rapped up in a neat little package that can be scientifically proven.  Reason cannot answer all questions that lie in the realm of faith.  Thus is the reason it is called faith.

There is much out there to prove that God exists that can be held up with reason, archeological data, science etc.  There are some things that just cannot be put into that context.  Jesus told Thomas that those who were not going to be able to see yet believe were going to be blessed.

The fact is this.  When you come to the intersection of faith and reason you will find what you are looking for.  If you want to prove that God is not real you will find the evidence to prove that and faith won't matter.  If you want to prove that God is real you will find both the reasonable evidence and the faith to bring that confirmation.  The truth is there if you are truly seeking the truth.

It is not a matter of giving up all reason in order to have faith nor is it giving up all faith to have reason.  Scripture says to seek.  So I encourage you today to do just that.  Seek while it is day for truth.  The reality is God will meet you at this intersection and guide you in the way.

We who claim to be Christians especially leaders of the faith need to stop condemning those who ask questions and begin helping them find the answers.  There may be times we have to admit that we just don't know.  The issue is the fact that if we allow others to question it makes us bring to the front our own doubts and questions.  That may be scary but you may just strengthen your faith while helping someone else not become disenfranchised.