mikereflects.com
Questions that challenge the good of religion in general or that compare Christianity with other Religions or challenge that we need God at all.
‘God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets...and now he has spoken to us through his Son (Heb1v1,2.’
L2/2 Doesn't religion do more harm than good (e.g. Crusades, Inquisition)?
L2/4 Does it not depend on where you were born and what you were brought up believing?
L2/1 Shouldn't we make our own minds up about things, and maybe mix and match from different religions and philosophies, rather than pretending that one religion has all the answers and never questioning those answers?
There are two sides to this question, first it asks whether we should use our critical faculties to assess the validity of any religion and then it asks if we can mix beliefs from different religions to suit our own preferences. I would need to assess whether or not the questioner is seeking after truth and whether she/he believes there is an objective truth to be discovered. I will also need to try and assess how competent the questioner is in understanding any particular religions, so I might start by asking them which religions they had in mind.
‘Yes we should make up our own minds on the truth of any religion we are faced with and as a Christian I have done that. True faith is not blind! It requires us to use our critical faculties and then to act on our own conclusions – so any religion should be critically examined and not blindly followed. I agree it is unreasonable to expect that the followers of any one particular religion or philosophy to have a monopoly on truth. People from different backgrounds are likely to have helpful ways of understanding reality that we can listen to and learn from even if we disagree with their underlying philosophy.
‘Following any religion requires the person to make a conscience decision to decide to live their life by the teachings of that religion. Being a Christian for example is about having faith in God and in what God has done for us in and through the life of Jesus Christ. This Christian faith I am speaking of comes by first assessing the truth of Jesus claims and then trusting God is speaking through that truth and then acting on that trust and finally by faithfully continuing to build up that relationship with God that Jesus promised us.
‘As to whether or not anyone should mix and match truths from a variety of religions, it may sound plausible, but if you really think about it, it would be unworkable and no main stream religion would consider it. Each religion should stand or fall on its own merits and if we are really looking to God to show us the truth, isn’t it likely we will discover which religion is the most coherent? For example you might consider the coherence of each of the faiths of Islam and Christianity:
Islam. In order to bring you into favour with God and earn eternal life: 1] publically declare the Muslim creed, 2] follow the example of Muhammad (as set out in the Hadith) and 3] obey the precepts of Islam (as written in the Koran).
Christianity. In order to enter into and then grow in a mature and eternal relationship with God: 1] turn to God in thankfulness for the forgiveness of your sins (through Jesus sacrifice), 2] commit to following the example of Jesus Christ in the strength God promises through his Spirit in you (as set out in the New Testament), 3]be faithful in following the way of God’s Spirit of love in fellowship with other believers.
‘If you concluded that one or other of these faiths is the most coherent and is the truth that will help you achieve your objective, then what sense would it make to try and mix and match the two religions? If someone tried to do that I think somewhere along the way they would probably fail. It is because of what I believe God has done in my life based on what the bible teaches that I don’t need to mix and match other religions.
L2/2 Doesn't religion do more harm than good (e.g. Crusades, Inquisition?)
It would seem that in quoting bad examples of Christian practice, the questioner is likely to be from a Christian cultural background and using historic bad example as an excuse not to consider Christianity seriously.
‘All religions have had their darker moments and we should not sweep any bad record under the carpet (whether that comes from a Christian quarter or any other religious quarter), but please note that so called religious actions are often motivated by more than religion. They normally include personal, tribal or political forces which may well be in conflict with real faith. It is human nature that is aggressive, often cruel, bigoted and small minded, whereas most religions aim to raise people above their basic nature: it is usually people who misinterpret their religion to suit their own ends who cause harm.
‘Desmond Tutu said, "Religion is like a knife: morally neutral." In other words, religion in itself has no moral significance; it is only the way in which it is used that makes it good or bad. By the same token, it could be claimed that sex does more harm than good, or that money does more harm than good, but nobody suggests abolishing sex or money! The more powerful something is, the greater the potential for good and harm. Those three great forces, sex, money and religion, are the most destructive forces in the world, but they are also the most productive and creative. We also need to emphasise the heaps of unselfish benefit given to our world that is inspired by faith.
‘In order to do good rather than harm, a powerful force must be brought under control and used intentionally for good. Jesus came to offer a way to direct our energies and control our passions for good rather than for evil. But simply signing up to a statement of belief is not sufficient to live a good life. Following Jesus is a challenge that must be taken up every day, and cannot be achieved without his help that he offers through the Holy Spirit.
‘In the Blair/Hitchen debate on this subject in Toronto delivered to a mainly secular audience a pole was taken before and after the debate and resulted in a 4% swing to Blair (i.e. in favour of the notion ‘Religion does more good than harm’) and the debate was not limited to the Christian religion’.
L2/Q3 & Q.4 How can Christians say they worship the one true God when other religions say the same thing? Does it not depend on where you were born and what you were brought up believing?
This question is more likely to be from a nominal Christian. It begs the question as to how we might know what the ‘one true God’ would be like. Each believer (of any religion) thinks they worship the true God in the way they understand their god wants to be worshipped. Clearly not all these gods can be the true God since some are of radically different character, but some may be quite similar in character (e.g. Judaism, Christianity and Islam): thus some religions will be clearly false whereas others may be nearer to the truth. In answering the question we will need to show humility as well as present evidence to support our claim.
‘The dependency on where you were born and your upbringing has a huge influence on the belief system that you develop through your parentage, schooling, government policy, dominant religion in the area and culture. So, if you ask why I am a Christian rather than a Muslim, part of the answer is that I was born in Britain (a traditionally Christian country) rather than in Saudi Arabia (a traditionally Muslim country). However being born into a Christian family or growing up in a Christian community doesn't make one a Christian; culture and race do not create a relationship with God. Becoming a Christian for example does not just happen; it involves the person making a conscious decision to repent from their sins, to believe the Christian message about Jesus being God’s way for us to come to eternal life with God and then to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to God.
So in order to try and objectively decide which religion is worshipping the one true God, you might consider assessing the character of the god each religion portrays and decide which character likely rings truest. Not many people do this, but when they do, it often transpires that they change their religion. For example the Christian Saint Paul was born a Jew and became a very devout Jew and persecuted Christians, but when God in Jesus dramatically met with him on the Damascus road, he became a Christian and later acknowledged that his Judaism had been like a schoolmaster preparing him for the coming of Christ into his life. You may want to counter this with examples of nominal Christians who have converted to another faith, however the point I am making here is that some religions may be worshipping the one God, but not in a way that is best or truest. Each religion depends on the insight of its founder and if that insight is pure, one would expect the character of God to show through in the founder’s life.
So you might also like to assess which founder of a religion demonstrates the clearest example to you of God’s character. For example the Muslim Hadith quotes the prophet Muhammad as stating he personally would ask for God’s forgiveness 99 times every day. Now clearly when the Prophet was telling his followers that he confessed his sins 99 times a day, he was setting them a good example. It showed that he was humble, a positive quality instructed in the Koran and Bible which is applicable then and now! The Muslim Holy Koran acknowledges Jesus as the sinless prophet and by this the ‘word of Allah’ is not merely claiming that Jesus was sinless when ‘he gave us his Gospel’ (as Muslims claim for the prophet Muhammad when he uttered the Koran), but it is claiming that Jesus was sinless his whole life through.
The Holy Koran also very clearly states that ‘God is merciful!’ The Muslim records tell us that the Prophet Muhammad did not always forgive his enemies and that for example in accordance with a specific (time related) Koranic instruction, he slaughtered those Jews whom he claimed had betrayed his cause. But it must be said the Prophet generally taught and exemplified another Koranic instruction (in Surah 3) that Jews and Christians as people of the Book (OT & NT respectively) should be respected equally with Muslims.
On the other hand Jesus Christ is the only founder of a religion who taught and lived a life showing love and mercy even to his enemies and the New Testament records that he died praying for God to forgive those who crucified him. In his steps the first Christian martyr Steven also died praying for God’s forgiveness on those who killed him. This shows that Jesus and Steven both displayed something of God’s character of mercy as they forgave even those who murdered them.
Christians claim that further evidence of God’s acceptance of Jesus teaching and the effectiveness of his self-sacrifice on the cross is the historical event of the Resurrection of Jesus on which the entire Christian faith stands or falls (1 Corinthians 15:17).) Christians are persuaded that the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus is sufficiently compelling to be considered an historical fact. The historical evidence for Christ’s resurrection has been investigated (see, for example, Frank Morison’s book ‘Who Moved the Stone?;’ this demonstrates that his close followers did not fabricate their testimony, but that they were persuaded contrary to their expectations that the unbelievable had actually happened (in a manner that neither they nor modern science could or can explain). The fact that the recorded eye witness testimony is somewhat patchy and contains slight variations is compliant with the norm for establishing the truth of any historical event. By contrast, other religions either do not rest on historical claims at all or else their historical claims are based on unverifiable records.
When Christians claim to worship the only true God, it does not mean that they themselves are right about everything. It also does not mean that Christians are better than non-Christians or those who follow other religions. Christianity teaches that both Christians and non-Christians “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom 3:23) and need to be forgiven. This can only happen because of the God’s grace towards us: there is nothing we can do to earn salvation and nobody deserves it. But God offers us the way through Jesus Christ. Christian worship should result in Christians becoming Christ-like in their character and in them demonstrating God’s love and care for people especially those less fortunate than themselves.
Perhaps Christians should merely claim that God’s truth is most clearly seen in the person of Jesus Christ, that Jesus has shown us how to truly worship God and that a life lived in the strength that God gives through faith in Jesus Christ is the best life worth living. My faith is based on God’s love and generosity demonstrated to me through Jesus Christ. So I don’t think it is a question of who is worshipping the only true God, but more a question of how the only true God wants to be worshipped. I believe that Jesus Christ has shown us that.
L2/5 How can you say the Bible is accurate as it has been translated by man and who says that they have not made up some of the stories in it?
One Answer
Nature of the Bible
This is a complex question. The Bible is not a single book but is a library of books written by different people, for different people, for different reasons, in different styles and genres, over a period of 1500 years, in three different languages. Therefore, what it means to say the Bible is ‘accurate’ varies according to which parts of the Bible you are talking about. The Bible does not claim to be dictated by God to humanity, but is rather a record of God’s dealings with and revelations given to particular individuals.
Teaching & Advice
Much of the Bible contains teaching and advice on how to behave. Advice cannot be ‘accurate’ or ‘inaccurate’, simply good or bad advice. Regardless of whether it was written by the people who are traditionally believed to have written it, or whether the events described actually happened, you can still consider the advice. Although much of its advice goes against what we naturally do and how we instinctively behave, I would suggest that it accords with what, in our better moments, we would all agree to be good judgement. Who will say that hating others is better than loving them, that forgiveness is worse than revenge? Who will say that it is good to be unfaithful and deceitful and hot-tempered and greedy? Although we all have tendencies to act wrongly, we know that it is better to act well. I suggest that the Bible’s advice on how to behave, and its suggestions for how to achieve it, are sound advice. But you must read it and try it out to be sure.
Emotions & Reactions
Other parts of the Bible probe deep emotions, and seek answers for some of the most pressing questions we face in life, such as how to respond to evil and suffering, how to cope with bereavement or betrayal, how to deal with injustice done against us, and the sense of powerlessness and violation that brings with it. Again, such responses cannot be ‘accurate’ or ‘inaccurate’. They are simply the responses that various people over time have found to be helpful. It also includes responses that were found to be less helpful. Reflecting on both the positive and the negative responses from the past can help us to respond positively ourselves.
Historical Events and Stories
A third aspect of the Bible’s teaching (and this seems to be what the questioner has principally in mind) is its discussion of historical events. It is true to say that most of the history the Bible describes cannot be verified, because the Bible is the only source we have to describe the events in question. However, with regard to the events that can be checked against other sources, the Bible is found to be a very reliable historical source. Even historians who do not believe in the claims of Christianity regard the Bible (as a historical source) as being amongst the most reliable sources from the time. If it is reliable in the things we can check, it is reasonable to assume that it is reliable in the things we can’t check. Moreover, whenever the Bible disagrees with another source, many people automatically assume that the Bible writer is lying, or mistaken, or making a story up. However, is it not at least equally possible that the other writer is the one in error? It is unreasonable to reject a source that has proved reliable simply on a preconceived idea that ‘it must be made up’.
It should also be noted that, even though it often discusses historical events, the history is not normally the most important point that is being made. Even in our own day, people often tell historical stories in order to make some other point. If they are doing this, we do not expect them to tell us every detail about the historical event in question, or to tell it in exactly the order it happened, or to give an objective and unbiased account. We do not regard the person as making the story up simply because they have selected only the bits to tell that are relevant to the point they are making, as long as the things they do tell us are true. The same should be allowed for biblical writers too.
However the Bible is also full of stories (not necessarily historical) with a purpose: the purpose is not to deceive but always to convey a truth. The record of historical events often contains many stories or parables to convey a message to explain complex concepts.
Metaphysical claims
Then there is the question of the accuracy of the Bible’s metaphysical claims, for example, about the existence of God, and the sinful nature of human beings, our need for salvation, and the future expectation of heaven and hell. Obviously it is very difficult to prove these notions one way or the other. However, if, in the other areas the Bible has been found to be a source of wise advice, a source of helpful comfort in distress and an good historical source (more reliable than most other contemporary sources), then surely it is reasonable to give it the benefit of the doubt with regard to its metaphysical claims. The Bible very accurately diagnoses the human condition, noting our tendency to do wrong, and our helplessness to improve ourselves. It notes our sense of justice, our hope of reward but fear of punishment for our wrong actions. If God exists (as can be argued for strongly), it seems reasonable to suppose that he is good, that he wishes us to be good, and therefore that he wants to help us to be good – hence it is likely that he would send a saviour and redeemer to save us from the devastating consequences of our own sinful natures.
Texts and original manuscripts
Another answer
If by accurate you mean, ‘Is it the text the same as originally written or has it been altered since?’ I can only point you to the evidence that we do have. The archaeological discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has yielded much evidence to show that the text we have today is reasonably accurate.
For example take the Old Testament prophesies concerning the coming of God’s Christ which are contained in the book of Isaiah and were written several hundred years before Jesus was born. The prophesies were originally written in Hebrew text, but we know from Jewish history that the book was translated by the Jews into Greek in about 300 years before Jesus was born when Alexander the Great conquered the Middle East. We have has copies of both the Greek and Hebrew texts preserved for us over the centuries by the Jews. Are there discrepancies between these two texts? Yes there are minor differences, but the prophesies are substantially the same.
But you might ask how do we know that the text of Isaiah that is in the Bible wasn’t actually changed by Christians after Jesus was born, so that they appear to precisely foretell his coming, the manner of his death and what would be so important about him. Well the Dead Sea scrolls were held and copied by a group of devout non-Christian Jews called the Essenes and the early first century manuscripts are Jewish with the possible exception of a very few fragments of possible New Testament texts that were found in one outlaying cave. Certainly a complete a copy of the Greek version of the book of Isaiah is totally Jewish and predates Christianity. Not only does this manuscript show that the text we have in our Bibles is accurate, but the manuscript proves that Christian have not altered any of the content. Our translations reflect the ancient Hebrew and Greek manuscripts that are still in existence.
Whether or not the words we have quoted in the NT as coming directly from Jesus mouth, are accurate we can’t say, however they are highly likely to reflect what Jesus first disciples remembered him saying as well as those inspirational understandings that God’s Spirit gave them following the Jesus resurrection.
Translations & cultures
The questioner also suggests that errors have crept into the Bible through the translation from the original languages into modern languages. However, we have reliable manuscripts giving us confidence as to 99% of the original texts, and many different scholars have worked on providing the best translations. Yes, there are a small number of passages that are obscure and possibly corrupted, and there are a number of misunderstandings that have crept in when people read it in a different language, time, place and culture from that in which it was written. However, since we have the original texts and many scholars have studied these closely, it is clear that the basic message of the Bible has been accurately understood and can be checked by anyone who is not convinced.
The Bible won't 100% accurate to the original due to the very nature of translation. There are many factors that need to be considered for translation of any text. For example you need to ensure you have a clear understanding of the culture of the time, what was happening historically and how language was used and written. I'm sure there are many other factors also to be considered. All these elements need to be taken into consideration. We also need to understand those same elements of the language we are translating to, so those readers can relate to the message being conveyed.
Translations are improving more and more as we have better understanding of the factors influencing translations and reducing the impact of our own culture and prejudice while translating. We are also utilising original text more effectively and not updating previous translations that may have included many flaws.
To close we need to understand the Bible is written by man, but man was inspired by God to write it. Where there are elements of the Bible that describe things we do not understand yet, we have to have faith that it must be right. It is important challenge and interrogate what you read, but there comes a time when you must make your conclusion on what you think and move on. It is better to work with what we know rather than spend endless time chasing your tail!
L2/6 Isn't prayer/worship a waste of time? If you really want to make a difference, you should spend the time helping people.
One answer:
To be able to help others effectively people have to be set free from any personal baggage and hang-ups and then motivated to serve others unconditionally. Such people do make a real difference in the world and they often hold a deep Christian faith. If you were to ask such people how it is they can serve others unconditionally and without personal baggage they will tell you that their motivation is maintained because of their focus on God’s love for all people and that to keep focused they need to attend to prayer and worship. Clearly this requires balance. All worship and no action is a travesty of faith, but all service and no prayer burns individuals out.
This criticism would be more convincing if there were any evidence that those who do not pray or worship spend correspondingly greater amounts of time helping others. In fact, not only is this not the case, but in general those who do spend time in prayer and worship give more of their time as well to helping others.
Another answer:
This criticism would be more convincing if there were any evidence that those who do not pray or worship spend correspondingly greater amounts of time helping others. In fact, not only is this not the case, but in general those who do spend time in prayer and worship give more of their time as well to helping others. As a Christian I do not find this a surprise. If the Bible is to be believed, and in my experience and that of many others, if we neglect prayer and worship of God then we will quickly lose our motivation and our effectiveness to help others. God made us for relationship with himself, and from that relationship we also grow in love for others. Jesus indicated that the twin commands ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength’ and ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ go hand in hand – if we neglect either of them then the other is likely to suffer as well.
Moreover, although I don’t think this claim could be proved or disproved either way, I believe that prayer provides the power to help others more effectively. If I work by my own efforts, without prayer, I may labour to no effect. If I commit my work to God then I believe he blesses the work to make it more productive and effective. Psalm 127:1 says that “unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labour in vain.”
Finally, the purpose of prayer and worship is not only to help me to help others; it has other benefits too. It also encourages me to live well, to think and reflect on my life, to understand myself and others, to build community with fellow-worshippers, to develop my own perseverance, patience, resilience and endurance and encourage others in theirs. It provides focus time for planning and preparing for the future. All of these are things that are often lost in our frenetic 24/7 culture and many people wish they had more time and opportunity for these things. (In fact, many non-religious people in our society practise prayer or meditation in some form on a regular basis, demonstrating that it clearly is seen as having benefit for the individual regardless of its Christian significance.)
L2/7 Isn’t giving money to churches/mission a waste of money? If you really want to make a difference, you should give the money to organisations that actually make a real difference
One answer:
As with the objection above, this criticism would be more effective if it were shown that those who do not give to Christian work give correspondingly more to secular charities. In fact, on average Christians give substantially more than non-religious people (on average) not only to Christian work but also to secular charities! However we must also raise the question of what ‘makes a real difference’ in the world. As a Christian, I believe that humans have not only physical and social needs but also spiritual needs. Meeting the spiritual needs often enables those people to be better at meeting their own physical and social needs more effectively but, even aside from that, if I believe (as I do) that a person’s deepest need is for a relationship with Jesus and for salvation from sin then it would be entirely inconsistent for me to neglect giving money to support Christian work. This cannot be said to be a waste of money but, on the contrary, is the best investment that could be made.
Another answer:
I completely disagree with this view that prayer and worship is a waste of time. Jesus is a perfect model of how much more can be achieved due to allocating as much time as possible to prayer and worship. It will actually enable you to achieve so much more helping people. I have also seen in today's culture those who spend time in Prayer and Worship are much more effective in what they do. God really does value this and enables clarity of thought and wisdom so when you do start the day you have a clear head.
Yet another answer:
It has been and continues to be the fact that churches and missions that have led the way in making a difference in the world by feeding the hungry standing against injustice and providing medical staff and hospitals in underdeveloped parts of the world. For example one of the many Christian inspired charities is Tear Fund which is supported by Christians and non0christian alike and undertakes compassion and help to the poor and destitute on a worldwide scale. Whenever it is possible they work with local people and enable them with suitable resources to help and serve the needy in their communities. This is unconditional and often more effective than secular organisations such as the UN or particular government aid which often has strings attached.
L2/8 Why do I need God - I live a good life and don’t harm anybody and help the poor and don’t steal or murder?
Salvation does not depend on good works but leads to them. Anybody can do good works and be a good person, but that alone won’t give you the hope of eternal life. The Bible tells us that works alone will not get us to heaven. We need to find God’s way of helping us come into an honest relationship with him and others. We do need to believe the Jesus died for us and turn away from our sins and live our lives in the way God calls us to by accepting the help God offers us. Then we can rejoice in that eternal prospect of being with God forever. There are no shortcuts or alternatives.
(Ephesians 2 v. 8 & 9 says “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this not from yourselves, it is the Gift of God, not by works so that no-one can boast. Titus 3 v 5 says “He has saved us not because of righteous things we have done but because of his mercy.)
There are many non-Christians that do a lot of good things and there is nothing wrong with that but they can’t rely on those works getting them to heaven one day. (John 3 v 18 “but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only son.)
Would you not agree that life experience shows us that all humanity is marred? We all have selfish and destructive tendencies as well as altruistic and good intentions. So we need the grace that comes from being connected to the source of all existence, i.e. God, in order to fulfil our true potential as human beings.
Jesus expounds this most clearly in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). In my own experience I have found that Jesus teaching there is true. For example, murder is just an extreme outworking of anger, cursing and looking down on someone. Jesus asks us to ask ourselves, are we ever angry with others? Or, do we despise others in our hearts. Does this not ultimately cause harm to us, them and others around us? Sure, perhaps we may not have committed adultery or cheated on a partner, but Jesus asks us whether we think lustfully about the opposite sex or wish we had the courage to enjoy illicit sex, or regret the ‘trap’ of our current relationship (or lack of one)?
Jesus calls us to a more fulfilled life with deep and meaningful relationships. Sure, we maybe honest when it really counts, but would we lie in court (or twist the facts to make ourselves look better). Jesus calls us to have a day-to-day habit of honesty and trustworthiness, and to forsake all deceitful living, back-stabbing and bitterness.
It is not good enough simply to stick within the law, if our hearts are constantly intent on getting one over on others. The reason for the vast majority of problems in the world is not the people who break the law, but the people who keep the letter of the law while ignoring its spirit. Poverty, injustice and suffering the world over, and ultimately even violent conflicts, are not (normally) the result of people deliberately mistreating or abusing others, but are the result of people looking out for their own interests rather than those of others. They are the result of people not trusting others, because they have treated them in a disrespectful, underhanded or duplicitous way in the past and expect them to respond in kind.
“Nobody’s perfect,” you might say. But that’s the point. The big problems in the world come not from a small number of wicked people, but from a large number of imperfect people… of whom you are one. Do you want to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem? Then you need to be perfect. Can you make yourself perfect? You know full well that the answer is no. But Jesus offers us a way to strive to be better and better each day, to change our heart attitudes so that we can head towards perfection. If you can truly say that you are doing this without any assistance from God, then well and good. But in my experience, I have yet to come across a person who was truly seeking to live selflessly (let alone succeeding in that aim) who was not doing so from a religious perspective, and usually a Christian one.