Saturday 28 June 2008

Being a rather reflective person i occasionally find myself going over the reasons why I'm a Christian.However, this is not to say I've lost my faith, it is more along the lines of giving reasons for the hope we have in Christ. But before i give those reasons it is important to highlight what has prompted this line of questioning, and it is not all that hard to find. Postmodernism has long since provided a challenge to the exclusivity claims of Christianity, but what seems to be more prominent is a form of Modernism (a reaction to Postmodernism) which comes from the naturalistic scientific community. Their basic tenant seems to be that all things have a perfectly rational explanation, and those who don't, or in other words need an element of faith can only be looked upon as wish fulfillment or a refusal to face reality.So this raises the question why I have a Christian faith instead taking a reductionalistic worldview based on the data that seems to be so apparent? Well, it is hard to explain the basis for one's worldview in just one short blog entry. However, there is one particular slant i would like to take on this, and it's something that I've been thinking about alot lately, that is what makes us human. In my opinion, the one thing that makes us truly human is relationship, particularly our ability to love and relate to friends and family. As a result of this ability to love others we sometimes sacrifice our own happiness or comfort for the benefit of those we love. But there is no rational explanation for this, we do loving acts because we want to and because we are in touch with a greater good. Therefore, one of the most important parts of being human cannot be explained rationally, and surely cannot be dismissed because it is a prominent part of all of our lives whether we believe in God or not. The Metaphysical (what cannot be explained) is one of the greatest challenges to the reductionalist worldview.

2 comments:

backslidingbob said...

Ruductionism is wonderful intelectual currency. But once certain people have 'won' the argument, what do they have?
No meaning, purpose or joy.
Yes the concept of divine creation with meaning and eternal purpose is fanciful. But it is the only thing that gives life any real meaning and, for me, the only source of genuine joy.

Unknown said...

Dear Skeptic,
I like the last part, it's very profound!
love, love, love, love, love
It's true that the most important question that we must ask ourselves is, "Am I showing love to others?" I believe that as God's children this is our main testimony. Sometimes, we might ask, "How about me?" Take heart as one missionary says, "As you take care of the things that are important to God, He will take care of the things that are important to you."
Be hopeful...
For God promised that He will never disappoint us:)