Ok, I'm concerned and a bit agravated, forgive me if that shows in the length or tone of my post here. I only hope for consideration and attention (possibly conviction), that it might offer some kind of insight or, failing that, just allow me to vent.
In the past few days I have seen nearly seven strong Christians shy away from Biblical evidences in favor of faith and I think I need to talk about it, not directed at persons, but certainly open to view. To do so I'll just break this into a few parts. I hope they are worth your time.
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Defining terms-
Faith: Belief (by way of choice) in something that cannot (or has not) been proven.
Proof: Something that removes all doubt (and choice) as to the factual nature of a matter.
Evidence: Something that leads to a conclusion, but does not speak of whether the conclusion is a proof or not.
So "evidence" can and does exist apart from the scary idea of proof which people tend to think removes faith, a concept I agree with. But why is evidence such a bad word to many Christians? Why shy away from them as so many seem to do when evidence and proof are so very different? Why draw that line in the sand when you already in fact hold reasons for your faith, which we all do? (Personal evidences.) I can think of at least three reasons that could possibly hold water in the minds of Christians. (That doesn’t mean I know them all, but these are what I can think of.)
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1.Science and Philosophy, "the bullies": Well it is no shock that the term science carries a great deal of weight in our society. So much so that millions gather behind it's flimsy walls. It is also no shock that the term philosophy carries a good bit of weight in a slightly different aspect. Both are weapons used against us every day, slinging "evidences" labeled as "proofs" while the unschooled masses huddle behind them chanting and cheering. (It really bugs me as you can see.) We were practically raised in such an environment and it isn't getting better. Is it a shock then that I might say we have been bullied on a very personal level by this setup? I think not, even if we don't want to admit it. So think back to your school days and those bullies that roamed the halls. Being older now, more mature, why were you afraid? Why did you avoid it when you could? At the time it made sense, they were a powerhouse and you were not, or so it felt. How about now? Is the view different as an adult, not under their thumb anymore? It is for me. I can see that I had nothing to fear. Had I stood up and fought I would have likely been hurt, but I would have stood and for the right thing. Maybe I wasn't strong enough to take them on, but I could have been kinder/smarter towards it or I could have bulked up by putting effort into it. The point being that cowering to bullies and allowing the evil to overtake the good, by falling to intimidation is a mistake and as adults we aught to know that. Don't be overwhelmed, you're not the only one learning to fight these bullies and you're not going to get hurt, or if you do it will be a proud wound you bare. We are not in high school anymore, this intimidation is not an excuse for our aversions.
2.What if...?: The question may arise to a believer who confronts the idea of evidences, "what if I don't find them (evidences) or even worse, what if I find solid opposition?" I ask how deep your trust is if you are unwilling to face your beliefs and of all beliefs, one in a perfect God. I mean by it's own wording a perfect God who wants you to believe isn't going to leave you lacking for reason. Believe me here if you can, I have stepped out on this particular ledge many times and while my heart skipped a few beats I found that my faiths foundation is quite secure today. No sword of man has ever come close and I say that with upheld hands. Their has never been a trouble presented or a question posed that went unanswered. True, all are evidences and not proofs so in the end the choice (faith) remains in the hands of the discerning, but evidences are so very strong for God and all He has done. Our fears, unfounded as they may be about this, are not a good show of loyalty or trust I think. Fear not, seek with a loyal heart and He will not fail you, but instead strengthen you.
3.A "whole" faith: I have heard lots mention the idea of a "child’s faith" as a fallback of sorts, because they didn't want to investigate further. The reasons for such a halt might have been fear or just as easily it might be that their interests are more geared to prayer or outreach. That much is not for me to comment on as each has a focus and I am not one to judge one mans gift as less than another. What I will comment on however is that this is a bad fallback to use. The faith of a child is not one that does not seek answers, but instead believes without question, holding hope and trust and love. This is an acceptable faith up until we see that we are to be ready at any given moment to account for our faith and stand for what is right. A person without answers cannot and a mature faith is one that contains (among other things) a reason. Did Jesus and the disciples combat stupid ideas that approached the people of that time? Certainly, as did the patriarchs before them. Did they have to understand the problem and the solution? Yep, and in depth.
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