So last time I talked about people's tendency to believe. Discussing this with a friend who claims to be an atheist, my friend said that while we might have a tendency to believe (in God), it would be better to only trust in what we can indisputably prove to be true.
An interesting point, I thought, and worthy of further discussion. The problem with such this position is, however, that in reality we all make decisions that are based on more than 'just what we can prove' all the time. A big example is getting married, of course. Do we do scientific tests on our partner to prove they are (and will remain lifelong) compatible before the wedding day? Well my wife had a scorecard for me (!), but it was hardly scientific.
No, our epistemology (what we accept as truth) is actually a somewhat fuzzy and variable thing, even for quite ardent rationalists. We all make decisions based on a range of factors, many of which we can't possibly know all the outcomes of. Was that breakfast cereal good for me this morning, or is it in fact increasing my risk of cancer?
So in witnessing to people who want to try and run only on the 'rational' tram-tracks, it makes sense to not request that they check their brains at the door of the Gospel Hall, but to work with them to use their brains to understand the broader spectrum within which their understanding of truth in fact works.
Who knows? Maybe they may then discover their understanding has room for God after all.
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This notion of only believing what we can prove to be true simply is not possible.
ReplyDeleteFor instance, the current debate on nuclear power. Some sides can prove to be true the nuclear power is entirely beneficial and sustainable for our future, that the positives far out weigh the negatives and that it will not be a dangerous addition to our communities. The other side can prove to be true that nuclear power is destructive, dangerous, unsustainable and negative for our communities. Both have absolute evidence to support their beliefs and both can try and persuade you. It then is down to you the individual to decide one way or the other.
So faith in Jesus has to be something more than this...