Since joining Facebook and writing a blog everyday I have come into contact with a variety of people. By this I mean, people of varying faiths and convictions. Perhaps it is the anonymity of the computer but I have noticed people are more inclined to present their religious views or lack thereof. Perhaps it is nothing more than the expanded circle I now enjoy. It could be a change in society in general. Whatever the case may be I seem to have encountered quite a number of professed Atheists or a new term to me Humanist. The Atheists claim to believe in no deity whatsoever. Pretty straightforward they believe everything can be explained by man and science. They live and then they die. That's it. From what I have been led to understand a humanist does not believe in any God either but adheres to human nature as his guide. I am not qualified to speak about that and so reserve comment.
What I will address is the Atheist. The ones I have encountered vehemently deny the existence of any God. There is no divine intervention of any kind. Some are quite adamant that it is all hogwash and a fairy tale. I respect their right to say that, but wonder about the sincerity of that conviction. I suppose that it is in my nature to question any belief that strong. I mean,after all, I have doubts on occasion myself, in my convictions. It just doesn't seem rational to be so certain. It seems doubly foolish to even risk the ire of God should he indeed exist.
We all know that belief is a powerful tool. Faith can move a mountain. To the atheist I would offer this, consider the placebo effect. Studies have shown that placebos can have a dramatic and measurable effect upon a person. The placebo is a harmless inert substance, yet the belief that it is beneficial produces results. Why ? How can that be ? It happens because of belief. The person being administered the placebo believes it will cause a positive response and so it does. Why does it not work in every case ? Perhaps it is because the recipient does not believe. The placebo still exists however. Might it not be the same with God ? The significance of scripture is lost to the nonbeliever, but does scripture not say, " those who believe in me shall not perish, but have everlasting life. " ? Belief would seem to be the key. Of course belief is not without questions, that is as it should be. Faith is the component that sustains belief. You must place faith in your belief. Take the example of a placebo. I take the placebo, believing it will work because the doctor told me it would work, and I get results. Now that belief turns to faith. The results are measurable. I believe this placebo will continue to help me and so it does. The placebo has become a medicine due to belief.
Does the placebo exist ? Does the medicine exist ? Is it real ?
The only question remaining is does belief in God have beneficial results ? Much like the placebo effect I believe it varies from individual to individual. First we must acquire belief. If you believe God will be of benefit God will be. This belief will develop into faith. Faith will sustain belief. Is any of it real ? Does it make a difference ? I would have to say that Faith makes the difference. What is the proof of Faith ? Each of us must answer that for ourselves, it is a personal thing. Sadly, for some there is no proof strong enough and therefore they enjoy no benefits.
What I will address is the Atheist. The ones I have encountered vehemently deny the existence of any God. There is no divine intervention of any kind. Some are quite adamant that it is all hogwash and a fairy tale. I respect their right to say that, but wonder about the sincerity of that conviction. I suppose that it is in my nature to question any belief that strong. I mean,after all, I have doubts on occasion myself, in my convictions. It just doesn't seem rational to be so certain. It seems doubly foolish to even risk the ire of God should he indeed exist.
We all know that belief is a powerful tool. Faith can move a mountain. To the atheist I would offer this, consider the placebo effect. Studies have shown that placebos can have a dramatic and measurable effect upon a person. The placebo is a harmless inert substance, yet the belief that it is beneficial produces results. Why ? How can that be ? It happens because of belief. The person being administered the placebo believes it will cause a positive response and so it does. Why does it not work in every case ? Perhaps it is because the recipient does not believe. The placebo still exists however. Might it not be the same with God ? The significance of scripture is lost to the nonbeliever, but does scripture not say, " those who believe in me shall not perish, but have everlasting life. " ? Belief would seem to be the key. Of course belief is not without questions, that is as it should be. Faith is the component that sustains belief. You must place faith in your belief. Take the example of a placebo. I take the placebo, believing it will work because the doctor told me it would work, and I get results. Now that belief turns to faith. The results are measurable. I believe this placebo will continue to help me and so it does. The placebo has become a medicine due to belief.
Does the placebo exist ? Does the medicine exist ? Is it real ?
The only question remaining is does belief in God have beneficial results ? Much like the placebo effect I believe it varies from individual to individual. First we must acquire belief. If you believe God will be of benefit God will be. This belief will develop into faith. Faith will sustain belief. Is any of it real ? Does it make a difference ? I would have to say that Faith makes the difference. What is the proof of Faith ? Each of us must answer that for ourselves, it is a personal thing. Sadly, for some there is no proof strong enough and therefore they enjoy no benefits.
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