Religion On A Platter

"Now these [Jews] were better disposed and more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they were entirely ready and accepted and welcomed the message [[a]concerning the attainment through Christ of eternal salvation in the kingdom of God] with inclination of mind and eagerness, searching and examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so"

- Romans 17:11, Amplifeld Bible

Many Christians can easily be encouraged of being, in this complex world , God's special people who through faith in Jesus Christ are destined for Heaven. It's something we can hope for; a community, even a nation redeemed from spiritual death and sin.

On one corner of modern Christendom however, lies those who are still struggling with their beliefs. Questions and doubts all pondering on the actual goodness of God, if He even exists in the first place. When you come across believers in such situations, it may never be a better time than now to consider how we receive our faith.

It seems to me that people are ever more ready to put their trust in God and spiritual salvation when times are getting hard on them and the feeling of emptiness linger within. While these are fairly good responses, it's interesting to notice that the strongest of Chrisitans usually hail from a group of former atheist and / or ex-followers of particular religions / sects, or so I think. Famous personalities like C.S Lewis is one such example.

Now reflect just how readily you once put trust in a belief you may not even spend time finding out and at once accept it as true. Faith? Certainly. What kind of faith then?

If we do not study the truth with such intensity the Jews in Berea display, we are actually inclined to believe too many things, too many that you have to start wondering what proves and justifies it all. In a convenience oriented society, we are bound to take in whatever's given without running through the QC.

Of course, researching for truth means that most of the time, you come into contact with issues that takes you out of the comfort zone. How you would react if it means reading through at least a chapter of The God Delusion?

Perhaps such suggestion can be triggers for controversies. Even condemned as heretical ideas to undermine the flock. Sure, it's safety to keep God's children from hearing alternate viewpoints and 'unchristian' beliefs. Cos all we want them to read in the end is just only the Bible, right? Then expecting them to be able to deal with an inevitable hostile age where non believers will try viciously to tear down whatever remains of their faith?

How.... how do you expect them to survive spiritually without knowing what the world believes?

The Apostle Paul is exposed to a world of various philosophies as he addresses the Areopagus at Athens (Roman 17:16-34). In the kind of dangerous days we live today, venturing outside the four walls of the church may seem the only way of survival.

It may be the only way to strengthen your faith.