we all the know the answer to this question within our hearts, but how do we explain to the un-believers?
D'art-
Have you ever known, say, a muslim or a hindu who had an incredibly deep, passionate faith in their religion (I have known many). Obviously, from your point of view they are mistaken. But if their powerful, profound faith can be mistaken, how can you be certain that your own powerful, profound faith is not mistaken?
-Dave
This was a question asked me in another forum. I've given two answers.
1. Living in a closet, I cannot say that I have. However, I do not deny that there are such people. Why do I believe their faith is mistaken and mine is not? Because my religion is one in which God saves man, not man saves himself.
he responds:
1. That's essentially what Muslims believe, too.
2. It's a non-argument. You're saying that your faith is correct because X is a theological precept of your faith. Well, a Hindu's faith tells him something else, just as strongly. How do you answer a Brahmin who tells you that his religion is correct because it is one which recognizes the cycle of birth and rebirth, and shows how all beings can ultimately achieve moksha by correctly living out their dharma over all their lifetimes? (I've seen Hindu 'fundamentalists' make exactly that argument, which the same one you just made except for which theological precept is offered).
-Dave
I respond:
How could I not believe in a God that has given me the stregnth to overcome my sinful desires? Who has given me a new heart to think differently that I once did. My life is not one of the model Christian if you will. I've got my deep dark side, and God alone delivered me of it.
none the less, your argument is an interesting one; one I have not often been asked. I have yet to develope a good apologetic against it, if one even exists. I see that will be something I'll be working on.
I am coming to ask how you all deal with this question. I pray the Lord will deliver me the answer through his word or through my fellow Christians.
D'art-
Have you ever known, say, a muslim or a hindu who had an incredibly deep, passionate faith in their religion (I have known many). Obviously, from your point of view they are mistaken. But if their powerful, profound faith can be mistaken, how can you be certain that your own powerful, profound faith is not mistaken?
-Dave
This was a question asked me in another forum. I've given two answers.
1. Living in a closet, I cannot say that I have. However, I do not deny that there are such people. Why do I believe their faith is mistaken and mine is not? Because my religion is one in which God saves man, not man saves himself.
he responds:
1. That's essentially what Muslims believe, too.
2. It's a non-argument. You're saying that your faith is correct because X is a theological precept of your faith. Well, a Hindu's faith tells him something else, just as strongly. How do you answer a Brahmin who tells you that his religion is correct because it is one which recognizes the cycle of birth and rebirth, and shows how all beings can ultimately achieve moksha by correctly living out their dharma over all their lifetimes? (I've seen Hindu 'fundamentalists' make exactly that argument, which the same one you just made except for which theological precept is offered).
-Dave
I respond:
How could I not believe in a God that has given me the stregnth to overcome my sinful desires? Who has given me a new heart to think differently that I once did. My life is not one of the model Christian if you will. I've got my deep dark side, and God alone delivered me of it.
none the less, your argument is an interesting one; one I have not often been asked. I have yet to develope a good apologetic against it, if one even exists. I see that will be something I'll be working on.
I am coming to ask how you all deal with this question. I pray the Lord will deliver me the answer through his word or through my fellow Christians.
