Why Some People Stop Believing

I recently watched a documentary about clergy people who are apostate, who formerly had faith but no longer believe in the supernatural aspect of Christianity - which of course means they no longer believe in God. Some continued to perform their clergy jobs in secret or defiance, others joined humanist or atheist movements, and some missed the fellowship of church life and started Sunday gatherings like church services without reference to God or the Bible. I watched this wary of deception, but curious about what caused their loss of faith.
One idea expressed was this: "If there is a loving God, why would He allow this ________________  (fill in blank with something awful witnessed or experienced) to happen? Since [awful things] happen, I don't believe in God." Their thinking had led them to judge God, rather than the other way around. Some chose a humanist view, believing in the value of fallible but visible humans, while God was blamed or dismissed for not stopping evil as if this were an evil in itself, or proof of non-existence.
I admit that when fears and horrors arise, it can be hard to sense that God is present or responding to prayer. And yet, I've never read a scripture that says "everything will be perfect on earth all the time, and by the good fortune of everyone there, you will know God exists." This is not heaven, it is earth! Rather than disproving God's existence, these actually prove EXACTLY what the Bible talks about - that sin exists. We are warned that man is sinful, and that other unseen evil forces are also at work here encouraging this.
I believe that God has the power to stop whatever He wants to. He created it all, and it is within His ability to end or control it all, or parts of it. Many times, for example, God intervenes and people are guided to safety*, or obstacles stop sinful acts from being carried out.
Other times He does not intervene, and far be it from me to presume to answer why. It could be that a greater good we don't know or appreciate will result from the event, or perhaps that God has built in certain bodily responses during trauma or dying that prevent it from being unbearable and unending, despite being frightening to witness.
I hope fear and disappointment never derail my faith (or yours). I hope that we pray often enough in good times that God's blessings strengthen our faith, so that when challenging times come the gratitude in our spirit does not give up to the doubts in our mind.

* Matthew 2:13 NIV [ The Escape to Egypt ] "When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

Psalm 14:1 NIV [ For the director of music. Of David. ] "The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good."

It Happens In Thousands of Livingrooms!

"If you only had one week to live, and could write something guaranteed to impact 1000 people, what would you write?" This question was posed at a writers' workshop I attended, and this was my response: "I would write about Bible Study groups, and why I like them so much". As an introvert they really suit my style, and here is why:

• I like to learn, and as the name implies these studies focus in-depth on topics or sections of the Bible. Excellent study guides and videos are also available for leaders and members which encourage participation and consistency.
• Study groups are often small, which makes it comfortable to interact and share. It's fun to hear spiritual insights from others.
• It's encouraging to hear others pray aloud and pray with them. I learn from this too.
• Often groups meet in homes, which can strengthen friendships.
• Whether a collection is taken is up to the group, and many do not.
• There's always something new to study regardless how long a group meets, whether for a season or years.
• I find it easier to invite a friend to a small group than to a large church service. 
• For a change of pace, invite someone to share their testimony as a speaker.
• Bible studies are a way to find wisdom, solve problems, gain insight, and feel loved by God and others.

I don't know whether this will impact 1000 people - and sadly not everyone is free to gather this way - but I would love it if blessings I've received from such groups would be multiplied to others. Plus, these small gatherings greatly resemble the way Jesus' followers met with Him and continued to spread the word.

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. - Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 NIV

What Everyone Knows About, But Nobody Can Do.

Have Christians got exclusive knowledge about right and wrong? I think even a quick look at other religions and philosophies (even atheism) would suggest that we all share many beliefs about moral behaviour. Studies show that even babies react when they witness unfair or hurtful actions. So if all people have a knowledge of right and wrong, what difference does Christianity make? There are many answers to that, but here is just one.

Despite their knowledge about right and wrong, people often act unethically in order to get by, or to gain an advantage. No one except Jesus avoided this. However, Christian faith can improve the ability to carry out moral decisions. How does this happen? Well, "...faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). We grow to believe that God will take care of our needs, safety, and purpose, which enables us to live with less fear*. And each time we experience God's provision of these things, our faith is reinforced. This enables Christians to rely more on God and less on themselves over time, and as a result to act with less fear and selfishness than they did before. 

*So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV

Rx For A Better Life

Karl Marx once said of religion, "It is the opium of the people. The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is required for their real happiness. The demand to give up the illusion about its condition is the demand to give up a condition which needs illusions." (in "Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right"). 
This seemed to suggest religion is an empty way to calm the emotions and numb the pain like an opiate would, giving an illusory hope of future well-being, and inward ideas that help overlook actual problems.
Calm feelings, peace amidst trials, and hope may indeed accompany spiritual beliefs, but I question this general view about religion for a few reasons;

• First, not all believers are oppressed or economically distressed. Some current (and historical) believers have prospered and lived comfortably.*
• It's notable that oppressive governments tend to persecute rather than promote Christianity. Clearly, they don't believe it creates compliant, sedated individuals who are easy to control, as the term 'opiate' would imply.
• Inward ideas about religion don't always calm the emotions. Some people put a lot at risk when they venture to become a Christian, and may face added persecution.
• Lastly, the idea overlooks actual changes wisdom can bring about. A few really good decisions can alter one's course in life. People who put wisdom into practice experience actual changes, not just abstract ideas that make them hopeful**.

If there really was a pill that could deliver character as Christianity does, people would line the streets to get it! When Christians show character during tough times, it is not because they are in denial about the suffering. It's because they persevere in their faith in spite of it, and this strengthens their relationship with God.***

* Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him. 13 The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy. Genesis 26:12-13 NIV 

** Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. Ecclesiastes 7:12 NIV

*** 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 NIV

Saving Private Ryan

Saving Private Ryan is a graphic and intense war movie* about a mission to save a soldier in Normandy during World War II because he is the last survivor of 4 brothers, the other 3 killed in action.
Many of those sent to save him are also killed on the mission to return her last son to the grieving mother.
This film makes me think of the responsibility each of us has to reach each others' families. Often our loved ones don't listen to us about Christianity, but if each of us shares the good news in our own way, the families of those around us might be rescued. I hope someone will reach my brother in time!

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.” (Matthew 13:57 NIV)

*Released in 1998 by Dreamworks and Paramount Pictures

Green and Growing

It's a plant the height of a seedling, but with thick stems and large leaves. In the past it grew lanky, so I cut off the healthy parts, rooted and replanted them. The old growth was discarded along with the crusted old pot, and a new glass one gave it a modern fresh look. 

I usually think of pruning as getting rid of new irregular shoots, but sometimes I keep that part and start over because it's where growth is more vigorous and the leaves most healthy. 

I think people usually have healthy areas of their lives to focus on when a fresh start is needed too. We may trim back to our original roots, or eliminate old growth in favour of a thriving, new direction.

Isaiah 20:21-22
²¹ 21 Then all your people will be righteous and they will possess the land forever.
They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor.
²² 22 The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation.
I am the Lord; in its time I will do this swiftly.”

Living in the "Later"

One of my personality traits is that I look ahead: I like to plan and look forward to things. In fact, I am happiest looking forward, and seem to forget recent events almost as soon as they happen. I remember them if reminded, but don't spend much time reflecting unless something is wrong that I want to figure out.

It's not that I don't enjoy the present, but the mental activity of planning is like solving a puzzle, or painting a picture. It involves a creativity that I enjoy.

Truth be told, it is often based on past experiences that I imagine future possibilities. But also it is based on scriptures and promises in the Bible of things I may not yet have experienced. One of my favorite books is Ecclesiastes because it contains so much information about what is worth planning for, and what ambitions lead to meaningless results.

^{Ecclesiastes 2:26} To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God.

Big Church, Little Church

I have this idea that proper Christians drive minivans to church every Sunday with their families. Or are seniors with grown families, who mingle looking for newcomers to welcome into the fold. Churched youngsters marry early so as not to 'burn with passion', and they take on adult responsibilities early by starting a family. And that worship means singing, period.
Where do these stereotypes come from? Of course I fit none of them, and secretly feel ashamed for this. Divorced with no children, remarried, no success to speak of, and - wait, I do drive an SUV. Perhaps worst of all, I don't attend 'regular' church. I attend small group Bible studies and a Christian writers' group, study Christian books, watch occasional Christian TV shows, and socialize with Christian friends. I tried so hard to fit in at church, but I don't like to sing and dread mingling after the service. I like sermons, but most services are held in the morning before I feel alert enough to socialize.
So does this make me a bad Christian? I have unfortunately read books that suggest so. However, the Bible is not one of them. Sure I have failures in my life, but failing to meet or connect with Christians is not among them, even if it is not in a large, crowded setting.

²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 (NIV)

A Three Letter Word for Discernment: "And"

I once asked a neighbour, who happened to be a pastor, about how to discern false religions that refer to the Bible. He said to be wary of those who claim to follow the Bible AND also 'something else', such as another book or leader. I have since seen examples of religions that believe they encompass the Bible's teachings along with other texts they believe supersede it. That small word "and" can help one discern these false religions.

John 14:6 (NIV) Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

A Bitter Taste

It seems like Christianity has fallen out of favour with many people. Although we enjoy the fruits of a Christian heritage in Canada, it seems like some take our privileges for granted. Is it because we no longer sense our need for God? It could be, but I also notice that people who speak strongly against religion were often soured by a personal incident that happened to them (or to a parent). It's a tragic misunderstanding, because although they have a legitimate grievance it is not against God or Christianity, but against that person* or institution who represented religion to them at the time when they were more open. 


*Luke 17:2 (NIV) "It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin."

What You Were Made For

Heaven, what a lovely topic to consider. C.S. Lewis points out that the uniqueness of each individual will enable them to appreciate specific aspects of God like no one else. He writes, "if all experienced God in the same way and returned Him an identical worship, the song of the Church triumphant would have no symphony, it would be like an orchestra in which all the instruments played the same note." In describing our innate desire for heaven he writes, "All your life an unattainable ecstasy has hovered just beyond the grasp of your consciousness." "... God will look to every soul like its first love because He is its first love. Your place in heaven will seem to be made for you and you alone, because you were made for it - made for it stitch by stitch as a glove is made for a hand." "Beyond all possibility of doubt you would say 'Here at last is the thing I was made for.'"*

"You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you." Nehemiah 9:6 b NIV


* Quotes from 'Heaven' in "The Problem of Pain" by C.S. Lewis, pgs. 640 and 641 in The Complete C.S. Lewis Signature Classics

"Most Christians Are ..."

Christian stereotypes are not very flattering. Like most stereotypes, they are fixed and oversimplified - I wouldn't want to be like 'them' either, (although I might actually fit some of the stereotypes!) The view of Christians as 'hypocrites' also seems to reflect a belief that Christians should live up to the morals that all people inherently understand. I seldom hear other religions held to this standard, Christianity seems to be the one people believe should result in moral behaviour. I agree, although I think the comparisons to make are how an individual was before, compared to how they have changed - and they themselves are the only people qualified to judge this. (Some begin their journey further down the moral ladder than others!)* But be assured, becoming a Christian won't make you change into someone you would dislike.


* Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (James 1:21 NIV)

Not A Set Of Rules

One stereotype about Christianity seems to be that it involves rules, as though it were a dictatorship of sorts to which one must - or will unwittingly - conform. The imposition of such rules is called legalism, and is distasteful when any religion promotes it. Truth and rules are two different things. A truth will be true, whether one believes it to be or not, whereas a rule is typically a manmade regulation*. Religions and philosophies often believe they have identified truths, which they willingly seek to live by to improve their lives.


^*20 Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: ²¹ “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. ²³Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. (Colossians 2:20-23)