Expert: Rev. Stuart Woodward - 7/14/2004

Question
Hi,

I am a struggling Christian trying to believe in God, but I need help. Why should I believe in God?

I am sincerely grateful for any help you are able to provide.

-Matt Bachman

Answer
Hello Matt,
Thank you for your question. It is simple one to ask but probably merits a more lengthy answer than can be managed in this brief format. First it is pure logic that soemthig must always have existed. If you start with nothing it is impossible for something to begin to exist. Therefore something must always have existed. Christians believe that something to be God. Also belief in God's existence seems to be a basic instinct within humans. Every civilisation has believed in God in one form or another, the only exception being atheistic comunism which was shortlived and saw the Christian church grow in secret right in its midst. Paul tells us in Romans 1 & 2 that what we need to know about God is clear from the created order. Certainly creation is damaged by the impact of human rebellion but its rich variety, colour and beauty can still be discerned. Above all we see God in His son Jesus. It makes sense to me that if God exists He is so far beyond us (all powerful, all knowing etc) that the idea of us discovering all about Him is nonsense. We can only know about Him if He chooses to reveal Himself to us in ways we can begin to understand. So He reveals Himself in creation but most of all by coming as a man, Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus takes some explaining if there is no God, not least the miracles and most of all the resurrection (for which there is overwhelming evidence). If there is no God it is hard to account for the church. How could a bunch of frightened believers be responsible for the spread of the church around the world. There has been nothing like it in history. Finally I would point to the evidence of morality. Where does mankind get its sense of right and wrong from? If there is no God we have to suggest that we are all conditioned by our experiences but the reality of conscience can't be explained that easily. The instinctive idea of right and wrong comes from the image of God that humans still bear, albeit in a marred state. Also if we are really just an accidental collision and development of chemicals what is the relevance of morality? It can't have any. There can be no right or wrong, only what society decides on a whim or out of self preservation. I can't believe that - it is far less a a stretch of faith to believe in God! Finally, finally there is the gift of the Holy Spirit given to those who turn in faith to Jesus Christ. I know we have our ups and downs as Christians but I have to say that I know this God because I have encountered Him and my life has been changed as a result. I admit this is a subjective argument but it makes all the difference to me.
I hope my comments are of some help to you.
Stuart Woodward