I was thinking last night about yesterdays post. Similar topic but I tried to be more concise. When Christians claim they know real, rock-solid truths, such as God is real, Jesus rose from the dead, or that some things are just plain wrong no matter what anyone thinks — in a world full of “your truth” and “my truth,” they may sound rather bold. “Isn’t that just wishful thinking?” you may wonder. In reality, Christians do not pull this out of thin air. They back up their beliefs with smart thinking, solid history, and a method of knowing that makes sense in daily life. Faith, according to thinkers like Alvin Plantinga, is more like trusting your gut when it matches with the evidence around you. Let’s breakdown faith, no PhD required.
Starting with Good Questions: Why Does Anything Make Sense at All?
You might wonder, “Where did all this come from?” Christians often begin by using simple logic to point to God. Take the idea behind the Kalam argument: Stuff doesn’t just appear out of nowhere, it needs a push. In order for the universe to begin (hello, Big Bang), something outside of it must have initiated it, and God is the ultimate initiator.
Think about what is right and wrong. We all know deep down that kicking puppies for fun is wrong, regardless of culture. C.S. Lewis emphasized this point: If there is a real standard for good and evil, it points to God, the boss of morality. Without Him, it is all opinions, and good luck in constructing a society on such a foundation.
Then there’s the mind-bender: Imagine the greatest possible being. If that being only existed in your head, you could dream up something even greater that actually shows up in the real world. So, God has to be real. These aren’t ironclad math proofs, but they’re like detective work. They make God the smartest bet for why the world isn’t total chaos.
Digging into History: The Resurrection Isn’t Just a Story
The nuts and bolts of philosophy are cool, but what about the nuts and bolts? Jesus’ return after death is not a fairytale. It’s actual history that you can study. Imagine this: a guy is crucified, his followers scatter like scared cats, then they risk everything to proclaim that He is alive. Why was this turnaround so successful?
Scholars like Gary Habermas boil it down to basics even doubters nod at: Jesus died on a Roman cross, His tomb was empty, and hundreds claimed to have seen Him alive afterward. It is evident from ancient writings in the Bible, as well as outside sources such as Jewish historian Josephus, that there was no body. Disciples willing to die for it? That screams something significant happened, not mass delusion or a stolen corpse.
In many ways, this is the same as piecing together a crime scene or reading about ancient battles. No time machine is needed; you trust the clues. For Christians, this history seals the deal: Jesus’ resurrection is as real as the American Revolution was.
Trusting Your Inner Compass: No Evidence Needed? Wait, What?
Alvin Plantinga, a philosopher, argues that we don’t always need a mountain of evidence to know God exists. Some beliefs are just… basic. Like, we trust our eyes because they work.
There is a belief that Plantinga calls a “properly basic.” Imagine your built-in God-radar firing up when you are in nature, guilt-struck just right, or you read a Bible verse that clicks. In a world made by God, these moments are reliable, just like your memories of breakfast. Arguments are helpful, but they are not the foundation.
Objectors might argue, “But what about believing in unicorns the same way?” Fair point, but God-belief fits our entire human story – wonder, morals, love – in a way that pink ponies do not. It is not lazy; it is honest about how we know things.
God’s Direct Line: The Bible Speaks for Itself
The Bible is seen by Christians as God’s straight talk—not fluffy feelings, but clear messages like “Love your neighbor” or “I am the way, truth, and life.” It contains details about Jesus that came true centuries before He appeared. As a result of it, addicts find freedom and families are reunified.
There is no doubt that you will test it against real life: Does prayer ever align with reality? Does it pass logic tests? For believers, the Holy Spirit makes it click, like a friend vouching for the truth.
So, What’s the Big Deal in Our Messy World?
There are other religions that make claims as well, but Christianity stands out since you can examine its history and logic for yourself. In a time when “fake news” is everywhere, this truth cuts through: Truth isn’t what feels good – it’s what matches reality. Knowing God is not arrogant; it is the best news ever. As Jesus said, truth sets you free. Until Next Time Courage and Blessings
