We Are All Believers and Unbelievers

Belief and unbelief are not mutually exclusive states of being. They coexist within each of us, shaping our perceptions, actions, and interactions with the world around us. Belief is often thought of as a binary concept: you either believe, or you don't. However, a person might be a devout believer in God and Jesus yet question specific church doctrines or practices. Another person might emphasize reason and science yet admit a spiritual reality exists. The Skeptic exists in every person. They just experience differing levels of skepticism with regard to differing aspects of life.

The Role of Doubt

Doubt is often seen as the antithesis of belief, but it is, in fact, an integral part of it. Doubt forces us to question, to seek deeper understanding, and to refine our beliefs. It is through doubt that our beliefs gain strength and resilience. When we confront and grapple with our uncertainties, we emerge with a more profound and authentic sense of belief. 

Embracing the Paradox

We often categorize people as either believers or unbelievers, creating divisions that overlook our shared humanity. In reality, we all engage with belief and unbelief in various ways. Recognizing this common ground can foster empathy and understanding, bridging gaps between different worldviews. The paradox of being both a believer and an unbeliever is not something to be resolved but embraced. In embracing this complexity, we become more attuned to the profound mysteries of existence, and hopefully, more compassionate towards others. This duality, of being both believers and unbelievers, is a natural part of being human.

What is Faith?

Every faith is a worldview, a lens through which we interpret reality. At the core of every faith are fundamental questions that must be addressed to construct a coherent worldview. These questions include:

•            Origins and Identity: Who am I? Who or what created me?

•            Meaning and Purpose: Why am I here? Do I have value? Do I matter?

•            Morality: Is there a moral standard I am morally obligated to adhere to?

•            Destiny: What happens to me when I die?

When examining any worldview, it is crucial to determine whether it corresponds to the reality of existence, whether it is logically consistent in its thinking and propositions, and whether it is experientially relevant, i.e., does it work? Does it make a difference? Does it transform the individual?

Understanding Faith and Belief

A distinction must be made between faith and belief. One can intellectually believe in something without placing one’s trust in it or committing to it. In the Bible, it says even the demons believe in God, but they do not trust God nor are they willing to commit to Him. Faith is not just intellectually assenting to a particular proposition; it is placing one’s trust in a person or system of thought and committing to it.

Consider the story of Charles Blondin, a famous tightrope walker. On one occasion, Blondin traversed his tightrope with a wheelbarrow of rocks, and the crowd went wild with applause. Blondin then asked the crowd if they believed he could safely transport a person in that wheelbarrow. Many said yes. However, when Blondin asked one enthusiastic supporter to get into the wheelbarrow, the young man declined. Faith, in this context, would be getting into the wheelbarrow (requires ultimate trust and commitment).

Is Faith Blind?

Atheists and agnostics often claim that faith is blind and equates to belief without evidence. This misconception overlooks the depth of the Christian faith, which is supported by scientific, philosophical, mathematical, metaphysical, theological, aesthetic, ethical, and historical arguments and evidence. Many of the arguments raised by theists remain unaddressed. The Christian worldview, for instance, displays solid correspondence to the reality of what we see in the universe, and in ourselves, it is logically coherent, and experientially relevant.

It is true that reason and evidence alone do not lead to 100% certainty. There is a final leap of faith that must be made. John Polkinghorne, a physicist and Christian, determined that, based on evidence and reason, there is a 97% probability that Jesus resurrected from the dead. The leap of faith covers the remaining 3%. If you refuse to commit unless you have 100% certainty, then you will never commit to anything or anyone (including one’s spouse). As Thomas Merton, a Catholic monk, stated, “We do not first see and then act, but we first act, then we see. That is why the man who waits to see clearly [demands 100% certainty], before he will believe, never begins the journey.” You will not discover the truth of Christianity until you try it on.

With regard to trying Christianity on, Christian Apologist Joe Vitale speaks about buying a suit. There are two steps in buying a suit.  First, we look at the measurements. If the measurements are totally off, we wouldn’t bother trying it on. However, if the measurements are right, then it makes sense to try it on to see if it actually fits. Now consider the “measurements” are like all the observations and evidence we have (scientific, philosophical, mathematical, metaphysical, theological, aesthetic, ethical and historical) concerning our universe, our world and ourselves.  If the “measurements” were totally off, it would make no sense trying on Christianity, but given there is a strong cumulative case for God and Jesus, given that the “measurements” align with what see in the world, then the last step is to try Christianity on.  That is the leap of faith, not a blind leap, but a leap based on evidence and observations. It is only in trying it on, in directly experiencing it, that you will discover the truth of Christianity.

Faith, Reason, and the Infinite Horizon

Faith is not the enemy of reason; it is its cutting edge. It is faith that takes you to the Infinite Horizon. Evidence and reason would only take Christopher Columbus so far, but if he truly believed that the route to China really existed, then he had to get in the boat and set sail for the “infinite horizon” (that which he could not be absolute certain of). As John Ortberg said, “If you want to walk on water, you’ve got to get out of the boat.” Ortberg refers to the biblical story where Jesus walks on water toward the apostles in a boat. Peter says to Jesus, “Command me to come to you.” Jesus says, “Come,” and Peter steps out of the boat and begins to walk on water. It was Peter’s faith (trust and commitment) in Jesus that enabled him, for a very brief time, to experience the “Infinite Horizon.” Evidence and reason will not take you there; only real faith can do that. Faith, then, is a commitment to trust beyond the limits of absolute certainty.