4 of 12 Christian Basics: Reason and Faith

Although the phrase, “Just take it on faith” seems to suggest there is a gap between reasoning and faith, biblical faith does not support the idea. On the contrary, biblical theology is reasonable, although not always obvious.

One reason Christians believe in Jesus is because it is reasonable to do so. “Test everything, hold to that which is true,” the Apostle Paul said (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The idea of testing in order to discover the truth is a distinctively Christian and Judaic (Daniel 1:8-15) idea. Although skeptics, from the first century until now, have mocked the idea of Christ’s resurrection from the dead (Acts 17:32-34), nonetheless the outrageous idea that Jesus came back from the dead holds up under careful scrutiny. (See my book, Is Jesus Real?.)

Jesus did not expect his followers to take his Lordship on blind faith. “The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me,” he said (John 10:25). He then went on, “but you do not believe because you are not my sheep.” Jesus presented overwhelming evidence that he was Lord, and there is even more evidence today. However, reason alone is not enough to convince everyone. A person’s attitude of openness also is essential. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13). A good person can look right at something and not see it (Luke 24:13-35).

So, although the Christian faith is reasonable, reason alone is not enough to bring a person to faith. Divine interaction is part of the process.

You can see the entire study on the 12 basics of Christian theology here.

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