Why I Believe

Even as a retired clergyman, I am both perplexed and frustrated when I hear of clerics who have abandoned their faith. Now there are reasons why this happens. Let's take a look at some of them. First of all we live in an increasingly secular culture. If not careful, even the clergy can be swept by the tide.

Secondly, we see considerable liberalism among mainline congregations, even denominations. This form of ideology at least tends to lean away from supernaturalism into humanism and a secular humanitarianism. Then there is the tendency to equalize all (or most) religions with an all roads lead to Rome (heaven) theology. Another probability is the illusion that a minority position is suspect (worldwide, Christians are a minority). And a last suggestion is that absolutes are suspect.

The Christian faith has been dogmatic. In fact, we seminarians were often introduced to a study of dogmatics. This is often summarized by the Apostle's Creed and other rather ancient (and to some, antiquated) creeds. The expression modernism doesn't appear as much today as yesterday but the idea remains. We see this in many forms ranging from modern translations (helpful) to a reduction of religious symbolism (not as helpful).

When I am confronted with disbelief nowadays among former believers, I do not have a patented, persuasive answer. Like many old time believers, I often have a senior moment. What do I say? Do I simply ignore it? Do I change the subject? Do I chuckle a little and mutter some memorized platitude?Do I act ministerially and preach a mini sermon (have you really heard many mini sermons?). Do I really want to offend inadvertently? Or can I use the moment to our mutual advantage which often takes more skill than luck?

I can go back to some fine admonitions like a soft answer turns away wrath. Or quote a hymn like I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able . . . These do help and our quiver is full of these gentle arrows which may or may not do any harm. So often it is too easy to say nothing, do nothing but rely on the hope that just being considerate and understanding is adequate (or at least a step in the right direction).

If a retired clergyman can be baffled like this, how much more so a bewildered lay person. For a start, here are a couple of suggestions. Christianity, which has a lot of varied believers and beliefs, also has some unique dimensions. One is its long heritage with roots in the Old Testament climaxing in the New. No other religion can claim this longevity. Another is the multitude of prophetic, almost uncanny, predictions of the coming Messiah (Savior). Its survival against overwhelming odds speaks forcibly. And the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus is not duplicated elsewhere. Its humanitarianism is undeniable. Finally, the changed lives of Joe Average, hardened criminals, enslaved victims and innocents alike are also among the reasons why I believe.

When accosted by a cynic or implored by a troubled soul, our belief will somehow find its way to the surface in its own time and way. That old timers do have a senior moment when it comes to what we believe and why, and how we should react when challenged, should not be shrugged off casually. Nor should we shove our beliefs down the throats of casual or haunting inquirers.

Whether you are parents bombarded with difficult questions, or an agnostic struggling for answers, or a troublesome neighbor or even a doubting cleric, you are not alone. Unfortunately, you can't hitchhike on the faith of someone else. My father was a minister but even his faith was insufficient for me. I had to settle for my own belief. And so do we all.

As a youth, I remember so vividly the choruses we sang: This world is not my home I'm just a passin' through, Do Lord, do Lord, oh do remember me, Jesus loves me this I know for the bible tells me so. Simplistic? Of course. Valuable? Indeed. Adequate? Maybe. Maybe not. For every belief there is a beginning, a starting place, some interruptions are likely, but eventually we either believe or we don't. Or won't. Lord, help my unbelief.