Why I am a Christian

Introduction
    In every area of life we examine the facts and make a reasoned conclusion from them. At least this is the ideal, very often we are irrational and emotive, particularly when we are challenged concerning our basic beliefs and the way we live. The question of religion is naturally the subject which most provokes such responses, and I have certainly been guilty of them myself on numerous occasions.
    I am attempting to lay down on paper the basis reasoning which lead me to choosing to become a Christian, and causes me to remain one still. Christianity is an exclusive religion, in that it claims to offer the only way to salvation (‘I am the way the truth and the light, no one comes to the Father except through me’). By definition then, by choosing the Christian faith, I am rejecting all others. Many people today see such a view as narrow minded and bigoted, what right do I have to claim my beliefs are more valid than those of any other human being? Here I am in agreement, the fact that I hold a particular set of beliefs gives no additional weight to them, I do not claim to be cleverer, more insightful or better in any way that any other person. Therefore I do respect the beliefs of others, and do not hold that everyone who thinks differently to me is an ignorant infidel. However I do think the things I believe are true - that’s why I believe them! I also think that if anybody else saw and heard the things that led to my faith, they also could reasonably choose that faith - which is the very reason I am writing this piece. Moreover I am not claiming that all other religions contain no elements of truth - certainly, in different ways, most contain many points on which I would agree wholeheartedly. The point is, as I shall explain, only Jesus offers completely what we humans need. I am not claiming that those who follow other religions are necessarily evil and immoral - many are bright stars in comparison to me. Most importantly I do not believe that everyone who does not hold my beliefs is going straight to hell. The central characteristic of the God I believe in is love, so much so that he longs with every ounce of his being that each and every individual should dwell with him in glory. However, precisely because of his love, God has put the reins in our hands such that it is us who choose life or death. Therefore I believe that no one will be condemned to Hell through ignorance or lack of understanding - but once we do understand the gospel, the good news that Jesus brings, it is up to us to accept or reject it. What is more, the eternal life on offer does not begin after our physical death, but right here and now on Earth when we decide to follow Jesus. Jesus commanded his followers to ‘make disciples of all nations’, because he could not bear for any of us to live in fear and darkness for a moment longer. So although many people may never hear or understand the gospel during their lives on Earth, they will all, at the end, be given the opportunity to choose Jesus and eternal life. Some will  choose Jesus and some won’t, furthermore some of those who won't, might have, if only a Christian had been a good witness to them during their lifetime. But how much better for those who come to know Jesus on Earth, and need not live any longer in fear death, but rather experience 'life in all its fullness'.

The Problem of Suffering

    Any religion which claims the existence of an all powerful and good God is faced with the question - How can he allow evil and suffering? It would be untrue to say that I fully understand this problem, but I do think that Christianity sheds light on this question, indeed offers the only help I have ever heard, see what you think:
    The Bible traces suffering in this world back to us. God created us with the free will. He intended for us to be perfect and to live eternally in a loving relationship with Him and each other. However he did not create us as automatons, for an automaton can not love or experience love. Unfortunately we rejected God, the story of Adam & Eve explains this situation very clearly - and it is unimportant whether this story is history or parable, what is important is that it explains the position that we are all in at the moment. It is obvious that much of the suffering in this world is directly the result of human actions - when me murder, committee adultery, pollute the environment etc. we cause suffering. That does not entirely explain it because what about ‘natural’ disasters - floods, earthquakes and plagues which are independent of human action (except perhaps when caused by our mismanagement of the environment)? Well the point about The Fall, described in Genesis as Adam & Eve being thrown out of the Garden of Eden, is that our sin has tainted all creation - this world is the domain of the devil now.
    God doesn’t leave it there. On the cross, Jesus died not just to redeem individuals, but to redeem all creation and defeat the devil on his home ground. So the way is clear for ‘A new heaven and a new earth’ (Revelation.21) which will be perfect and without death or suffering - the  way God originally intended. The new creation will be set up when Jesus returns to Earth, the period until then is a time for us to spread this good news across the earth so that everyone who wants to, may be part of this new and perfect world. Moreover on the cross and in his 30-odd years on Earth, Jesus suffered as we suffer, and so when we suffer here and now, we know that God is not distant and uncaring, but He shares our pains (Interestingly, the Bible talks about suffering in an unexpectedly topsy-turvy way. While there are many beautiful passages about God's identification with and comfort for those suffering, there is also an emphasis on us choosing to share in Christ's sufferings, much greater than our own, which is seen as one of the greatest honours and joys) . In these end times, God has sent his Holy Spirit to dwell in us, giving us the power, if we dare to trust him for it, to take away some of the suffering in this world. Thus just as the Jesus did and the apostles did, we too can heal the sick, calm storms and even raise the dead: ‘The things I do, you will do also, and greater things than these’(John.14.12).

In the beginning

    My opinion regarding the book of Genesis, it’s accounts of creation, the Garden of Eden, the Flood and so on is that they may be historical fact or parable, but it really isn’t important which. As I have said before the only thing about them which has relevance to me today is the way they answer the ‘why’ questions, not the ‘how’ questions. It may be interesting, but it certainly isn’t important to my daily life how exactly God created the universe, man and me, but what is of very immediate importance is why he did so, why the world is so messed up and what, if any, purpose my life has. Genesis gives answers which make a great deal of sense of these questions. Beyond that it really doesn’t matter to me whether God created the universe 8 billion years ago in a big bang and the diversity of life by macro-evolution, or whether as described in Genesis. Perhaps the two are even compatible [for example, the Hebrew work usually translated as 'day' actually mean only 'a period of time']. But basically, God could only describe creation using the language and ideas or the ancient Hebrews. The maths and concepts which we use to describe the physical world had yet to be invented, and the present scientific account of creation (and the consensus may shift to another model sometime in the next millenium) would have been hard for people to understand until the late 20th century. Instead Genesis does a brilliant job of explaining the ‘why’ questions in ways equally accessible to a Hebrew 4000 years ago and space-aged man. I know committed Christians who strongly believe Genesis is historical and others who equally passionately believe in our present scientific theories of the past. I respect both types and take an uncommitted position myself - lets wait and see!

My Testimony
Is Jesus God? - assess the evidence