Faith, Reason, Truth

Faith and Reason are twin lenses through which we can look at the fascinating world in which we live.  They are equally important filters through which we can pour the never ending stream of information which is available to us in a quest to shake out the nuggets which are Truth.

The person of Faith should not ignore Reason.  If one believes in God as Creator, he should recognize that God gave man a mind quite purposely, expecting him to use it.  Not pouring information through the filter of Reason results in a shapeless mass of disjointed emotion, totally impractical for surviving the world.

The person of Reason should not ignore Faith.  Believing in order, logic and science is all well and good, but it has limitations.  Much of what is beautiful and connects with our spirits is not easily explained by Reason alone.  A sunset or a symphony can be explained in scientific terms, but how and why do we appreciate their beauty?  Not pouring information through the filter of Faith results in a rigid structure not suited for real life.

Exercising Faith and Reason together allows a rich and never-ending appreciation for all that swirls around us.  It allows us to grasp what is trustworthy and solid out of chaos and information overload.  It is man’s only shot at finding Truth.

A Season for Reason

Apparently a billboard sponsored by atheists reads, "You know it's a myth...this season, celebrate reason."
Seriously????  This statement is not a logical and well-reasoned argument.  It is an appeal to the emotions. No one wants to be duped into believing a myth.  That would be stupid, and no one wants to look stupid!


One of the things that really makes my blood boil is when atheists imply that their beliefs are a product of logic and intelligence, which is absent in persons of faith.  If they are so logical, why don't they put one of their "well-reasoned" arguments on the billboard?  They have no way to prove that the Christmas story is a myth.  Their promotion is clever, but it doesn't exactly reek of intelligence.


This season, I will celebrate reason.
It is reasonable to believe that intelligence is derived from intelligence.  Man was made in the image of God.
It is reasonable to believe that the orderly universe in which we live was the plan of an intelligent being and not a random accident.
It is reasonable to believe that man is creative, because he is the product of a Creator.
It is reasonable to believe that giving man a choice means that some will choose to do what is wrong.
It is reasonable to believe that a God who is personal and cares about man on a personal level would have a plan to lift man out of the mire he creates for himself.
It is reasonable to believe that the best way to communicate with man would be to become one.
It is reasonable to believe that only a perfect man could die for the misdeeds of another.
It is reasonable to believe that Jesus existed....that He was a real person.  (If he is a myth, he is the most powerful myth in all of human history.)
It is reasonable to believe that the man Jesus, being also God, can bridge the gap between God and man.


I celebrate the birth of God's son....deity temporarily clothed in humanity.
I celebrate His life of good deeds and kindness...an example to follow.
I celebrate His sacrificial death which purchases my redemption.
I celebrate the comfort of a personal relationship....I am His child.
I celebrate the fact that I do not have to segregate my intellect from my beliefs.


I grieve for people who don't recognize that it is NOT their intellect that prevents them from believing.  It is the inability to admit their need and the fear that they might have to change their behavior.


"For unto you is born this day, a Savior."
CELEBRATE!