Apologetics: Part 2

CIRCULAR REASONING
So have you every dealt with a child that asked you question after question, seemingly to no end? "Why is the sky blue?". Because God made it blue. "Why did God make it blue?" uhh because I said so, now go eat your cookies.

Even a child understands that there are questions beyond what his or her parents can provide for them. For alot of lifes questions, it is the same way... for questions A, B, and C.. arguments D, E, and F are given. But of course G, H, and I have to be given to explain the validity of D, E, and F. We have figured out enormous amounts of answers in between but through human logic and knowledge, there is no finality to the deep questions of the soul. This is probably the biggest disconnect when arguing about the validity and existence of God. Atheist argue that Christians use this type of circular reasoning to debate the existence of God.. to debate the validity of Christ. Meaning, the arguments we make to defend the Bible, the Resurrection, Christ etc.. also have to be defended. For example, we'll say that we know Jesus was born of a virgin, just as it was prophecied in the Old Testament, therefore pointing to His divine nature. Well, who says Jesus was born of a virgin, and therefore of divine nature? Who even says that the Old Testament is accurate? Though Christians look towards the bible for confirmation to many of our questions, the atheist cannot accept the bible as valid and self-authenticating. Deeper and deeper you can go but at some point, we realize the finite nature of our knowledge both individually, and collectively as a human race.

To assume that we could know in our finite states the fullness of God, His absolute existence included, would diminish who God is... it would diminish His glory not yet fully revealed. To decide to follow God based on complete understanding and logic negates the need for faith, a necessary avenue as the book of Ephesians states. God has already set the terms, and we as a people cannot demand our own. We cannot make prerequisites and assume that God would accomodate us if He were real. Doing so would suggest a search for a God who is not really God.. someone who isn't the almighty, someone who isnt the Creator of this universe, and someone who isnt the alpha and omega... the One who truly stands alone. Either God is truly God, Holy, Almighty, Glorious, Merciful, and Gracious, having laid out a way to commune with Him for all eternity... Or we choose to believe in God if only He runs the universe as we see fit, as we see logical.. knowing fully that our own knowledge is miniscule relative to this universe. To me the greatest evidence for God is myself. I know my deepest darkest weaknesses, sins, and insecurites. I see plainly the evidence of how incomplete I am, and that shows me that I'am not the God of this life. And when arguing with a non-believer or an atheist, it doesnt take long to see the insecurities and the defensiveness/callousness that they too possess. They have decided that they are on their own in this universe and that there is no greater hope or purpose beyond what this world provides them. From a Christian prospective, it is the greatest form of arrogance and pride. Yet at the same time, from the atheists perspective, it is a decision of logic and ration.

A reformed, redeemed Christian should see plenty of fruits, and evidences throughout their life to confirm their faith and strengthen their beliefs. Their life is a living testimony of the Goodness and Faithfulness of a loving and living God. Or so it should be, through thick and thin. Are we a delusional group and unable to accept reality? Have Christians done more wrong than good in the name of Christ as many non-believers will say? Again, all of those questions have no absolute answers based on earthly evidence. We are still left with who we are, and God is still where He is as Sovereign King. And in the end, I know that even if I am wrong about my faith, I will have lost nothing. It will have filled my life with purpose and a sense of belonging.. and even if I become the dirt of the earth and nothing more, I will have gained nothing else by denying God. However, I also know that if God is who He says He is, and Jesus is to come again, I cannot even IMAGINE in the slightest, the Glorious kingdom that awaits me... and in the end I truly gain everything.