Subscription Lists

In writing Rumors of Another World, Philip Yancey attempts to answer a basic question of man’s existence concerning the here-and-now and the hereafter. “Does faith delude us into seeing a world that doesn’t exist, or does it reveal the existence of a world we can’t see without it?”1 He concludes that living a life of faith does not – contrary to popular opinion – constitute a rejection of reason, that in fact we have a reasonable faith that when fully understood, takes in all the circumstances of our lives; enabling us to ask the right questions while recognizing the appropriate answers.

It is no accident then that a great number of the early men of reason and science were Christians who believed the quest for knowledge and understanding of the universe began and ended with the God who created that universe in all its complexity and splendor; He being discovered in part, in and through creation. “The heavens (or universe) declares the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.” Psalm 19:1-3

Paul asserts that, “We live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7 (See also 1 Corinthians 13:12) Enlarging then on that statement by explaining, “…faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1 (See also 2 Corinthians 4:18) Further asserting that, “…without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 (See also Proverbs 2:1-4)

Jesus himself responded to people’s needs by declaring, “According to your faith will it be done to you.” Matthew 9:29 Adding, “…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed …nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20 Maybe an equally pertinent question then would be: Does faith cloud the issues of our day or allow us to open our minds to see with senses other than our eyes?

Andree Seu, Senior Writer for World Magazine, makes these observations in an article encouraging Christians to use, ‘All Your Mind.’ “Joseph found his betrothed to be with child – and not by him. Being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, (he) resolved to divorce her quietly rather than throw the book at her. (Matthew 1:19) Here was a thinker… who wrestled within the parameters of righteousness and found one way more excellent than another.”

“Father Abraham, there was another thinker. He ‘considered his own body, which was as good as dead.’ Then he thought about the promise of God ‘that he should become the father of many nations.’ Then he thought about God’s track record for keeping his word, and Abraham emerged from that mental exercise deciding to trust in God.” (Romans 4) (Although he admittedly blundered in attempting to help God out by impregnating Hagar.)

“Mary ‘pondered’ (Luke 2:19), and Daniel ‘sought to understand’ (Daniel 8:15), and the Psalmist cried ‘search me.’ (Psalm 139:23) None of them thought it unscriptural to be analytical, or a usurpation of the Holy Spirit’s role to engage their faculty of reason. The Lord was in the process.”

“If the Pharisees had known what it meant to love the Lord ‘with all your mind’ (Mark 12:3) and not reduce righteousness to rote rules (James 2:14); they might have understood why mercy is better than sacrifice (Matthew 12:7), and why money donated to the Temples does not absolve you of your obligations to your parents (Matthew 15:1-9), and why people hanging around Jesus don’t feel like fasting.” (Mark 2:18-22, see also 2 Peter 1:5-8)

She goes on to assert that, “…I believe the Christian life is by faith in order that it be by engagement of ‘all your mind.’ (Romans 14:5); as we ‘take every thought captive.’” (2 Corinthians 10:5)2 For we are admonished to, “stand firm in the faith…” (1 Corinthians 16:13) and the gospel that reveals the, “righteousness that is by faith… in Christ Jesus…” Romans 1:17 & 3:22 God beseeching us through Isaiah to, “Come now, let us reason together,…” (Is. 1:18); sometimes accomplished by seeking out quiet times in which to listen for God’s voice speaking to us, at other times realized in the company of others. (Psalm 46:10) A tactic Jesus employed throughout his ministry (Mark 4:10 & 34, Luke 10:23), as he and his disciples went off by themselves to debate, reason, explain and encourage one another through times of doubt and confusion (Matthew 16:5-12 & 13-19) as well as excitement and purpose. (Mark 4:3-33 & 14:32-42; Luke 9:8-20; John 6:25-59 & 60-66; John 10:1-13) His profound revelations – often through the simplest of parables – were not necessarily meant for the casual observer or arrogant challenge but for those seeking honest answers to legitimate questions. For if we divorce ourselves from the reality of the world around us, that will serve only to isolate us from the very people who need us most; failing to be fully cognizant of the issues we face daily likewise only serving to make us appear disengaged and ill-informed, if not stupid – bringing ridicule not only to us but on our Lord as well.

We are instructed to, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” – doing so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15); which we have the confidence to do only when we are secure in the knowledge of our Lord and well-versed concerning the dilemmas we are attempting to address. In fact, when informed of a number of expectations of the Christian life that seemed beyond reason and attainability, the apostles implored Christ not to increase their knowledge, but to “Increase our faith!” Luke 17:5 May we be one with them in mind and spirit!

1Rumors of Another World, Zondervan Publishing

2Appearing in the February 11,2006 edition of World Magazine

"Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life" from Tom Kelley

Choking can be Hazardous to Your Eternal Health