Expert: Eric Christy - 4/13/2005

Question
I am assisting my friend, Marelyn, with an Apologetics assignment due on the 29th of April. Her teacher assigned a group of three to prep a debate presentation in answer to the following questions:

1. Is the belief in God a reasonable statement?

2. How is belief in God different than belief in mythical creatures?

The questions are written just as the teacher presented them. I am more interested in your feedback on question '2'. Would you have any recommended websites, in addition to your personal answer?

Thanks,

Carlos

Answer
Greetings Carlos,

Let's deal with both questions.

1). Is the belief in God a reasonable statement?

First off, belief is something one does when one cannot physically prove their position.  So, in that respect, belief in God is reasonable.  The believer (of whatever religion) believes in their deity though they cannot prove that what they believe is the truth.  As long as the believer does not claim that their belief is the truth, then having that belief is fine.  I believe in God and in Jesus Christ as my savior, but I do not claim it is the truth because then someone would say to me "If you claim to have the truth, show me the proof", which I cannot do.  I can, however, demonstrate the liklihood that a God, that is a Creator, is required for the universe and especially for life on earth.  But that still is not proof, but only circumstancial evidence, though it is strong circumstantial evidence.

2). How is belief in God different than belief in mythical creatures?

The belief in God (if based in some established religion) is a formal declaration of basic principles regarding their deity's nature, and his/her requirements for humanity.  In Christianity, the core beliefs are strongly established, while offshoot variations also abound.  But the core beliefs are unchanging.  Same with Judaism and Islam.  Belief in mythical creatures does not have as well as developed core beliefs.  One person's gargoyle is not another's.  One person's faery is not another's.  Essentially, the belief in God is a well worked-out phenomenon of human creativity linked to the divine.  This coupled with supernatural experience (which I have had) requires that even the die-hard atheist re-evaluate their thinking on whether a God exists.

Essentially, deep in the core of all human beings resides a questioning mind wondering whether God exists, and if so, what is He like, and if He exists, what does He think of me and what does He require of me and does He love me.  God is honored by every thought a human has which asks these questions.  And if that human continues to ask, they will get an answer.

What are your thoughts?

Sincerely,

Eric