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Blind Faith

Is Christian Faith an Irrational Belief in God?

Nov 5, 2007

Can intelligent people today have faith in God? What exactly is faith? This article explains that faith is trust. And there is enough evidence to trust in God.

What is faith? How can one truly have faith in God? Can intelligent people today have faith in God? Is the Christian faith rational? Must people reject reason in order to have faith? What does the Bible say about finding faith in God? These are among many questions asked by people today in light of the modern age.

What Is Faith?

The book of Hebrews defines faith as the "substance of things hoped for" and the "evidence of things unseen." (Hebrews 11:1) What exactly does that mean?

Have you ever been skydiving? If so, you understand faith. You hope that the parachute will open, when it's time for it to open. Even though you've prepped and double-checked the chute, you don't know for sure that it will open, because you haven't yet seen it open. (Mabye you saw it open on previous jumps, but the jump you're presently taking is the one that matters most to you, and you won't see it open - until it does).

Faith is a decision to trust the parachute. And that is what faith is, no matter the example. It is a decision to trust.

What about "Blind Faith"?

Blind faith is when you have been given no rational or tangible reason to trust somebody or trust in something, and yet you do anyway. You simply decide to trust, even though you've seen no evidence to lead you to that decision.

With blind faith, there is either no evidence to speak of or there is a refusal to look at or consider any evidence that might be available. It is, quite simply, an irrational faith.

Does Christianity Call for Blind Faith?

Many people are under the false impression that Christianity rests completely on faith, and they associate such faith with "blind faith." In other words, many people say that Christianity in particular (or religion in general) is simply a matter of faith, and is wholly incompatible with science, history, logic, or common sense. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Here's a sampling of what the Bible says on the subject:

First, the book of Proverbs is replete with admonitions to increase in knowledge and wisdom.
The apostle Paul told the church at Thessalonica to "prove all things" and "hold fast [to] that which is good." (I Thessalonians 5:21) In other words, don't just believe things blindly.
The writer of Acts praises the Berean Christians for "searching the Scriptures" to verify that what the apostles were teaching them was consistent with the Old Testament laws and prophecies. (Acts 17:11) In fact, the Bereans were contrasted with the more gullible Thessalonians.
Finally, Paul told Timothy to "study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed..." (II Timothy 2:15) In other words, never stop learning.

Bottom line...God doesn't want mindless Christians claiming to follow Him. God expects people to think, which is why He gave people a brain.

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For more information, see the following:

"Reasons to Believe in God" by Brian Tubbs at Suite101 Protestantism

"How to Have Faith" by Brian Tubbs at Suite101 Protestantism

"Books for Christians in Doubt" by Brian Tubbs at Suite101 Protestantism

or try these books....

Examine the Evidence by Ralph O. Muncaster

No Doubt About it by Winfried Corduan

Is the New Testament Reliable? by Paul Barnett

Evidence That Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell

The copyright of the article Blind Faith in Protestantism is owned by Brian Tubbs. Permission to republish Blind Faith in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Comments

Nov 6, 2007 9:55 AM

Pink :

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In his latest article, Brian asks, 1 "Can intelligent people today have faith in God?". And, he follows with, 2 "Is the Christian faith rational?", 3 "Must people reject reason in order to have faith?", and,4 "What does the Bible say about finding faith in God?"
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Four appropriate questions to be asked.
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My opinions--for what they're worth:
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#1. Certainly--without a doubt.
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#2. That depends on what version one takes to heart. I wonder if Brian has any particular one in mind; COGIC, Reformed Baptist, RCA, GARB, Nazarene, Christian Scientism, Disciples of Christ, and or any of the many that are available.
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#3. No.
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#4. According to Ephesians 2:8, faith is a gift from god.
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I don't think I have ever met a biblicist christian that has any pure faith in god whatsoever and I have known hundreds. Instead, they put their faith in the Bible. Two distinctly and completely different foundations for faith.
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I would add that--before Fundamentalism's rise to power in the Protestant churches of America--many Christians put their pure faith in God; but, Fundamentalism has put a screeching halt to that. Today, it's the Bible or it's the road to Hell.
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Nov 6, 2007 11:28 AM

Brian Tubbs :

Pink, put aside the "Bible" and all the "Fundamentalist" rhetoric you've heard about that. Do you at least accept that the book of Acts is a fairly accurate narrative on the history of the early church? Please consider that question. And if you answer "yes" to it, then do you acknowledge that the early church (according to the book of Acts) "continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine"? And we are talking about the very, very EARLY church here.

Speaking as a historian (not necessarily a Christian), I have to accept the book of Acts as the earliest written record of the early Christian church. Accordingly, there's a credibility to it that can't be denied. And there's no reason why the writer of Acts would lie when he tells us that the early church was committed to DOCTRINE - specifically, the DOCTRINE of the apostles.

It is my belief that the Bible today reflects the doctrine of the apostles. I realize that you may not share that confidence in the Bible. Okay, but I hope you can AT LEAST see that the early church considered doctrines and beliefs to be important - not just an existential, highly personalized journey of faith.

Nov 6, 2007 11:53 AM

Pink :

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I have never been one to discount the Bible off hand.
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But, that has nothing to do with my comments on your article in which I definitely stated that every biblicist christian I know or know of, does not put their faith in God; but, they put their faith in the Bible. Two completely and distinctly separate foundations for faith. You cannot claim you put your faith in the God of The Bible claiming that to be your foundational faith. Such a claim only verifies that your faith is in the Bible and not in God as separate from the Bible. Persons that start out with their faith in God are soon convinced to switch their faith to be in the Bible. That's organized religion for you.
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That is my point--and it isn't that I do not hold the Bible to be of extreme importance as an historical book with great wisdom and of great impact on humanity's understandings of God.
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Nov 6, 2007 1:13 PM

Brian Tubbs :

Do you acknowledge that the early church was committed to doctrine? Please answer that.

In response to your point, I've been through two periods of intense soul-searching in my life. (I'd like to think that I'm always going through some soul-searching, but two periods really stick out). One of those periods involved this question.

Growing up, I saw God completely and totally through the lens of the Bible - and more specifically, what I was TAUGHT the Bible means. So, when that perspective was challenged (not only externally, but also INTERNALLY), it shook me to the core.

I emerged from that period, with the recognition that the Bible derives its authority from GOD - NOT the other way around. Which is, I think, what you're getting at.

Of course, I still put more confidence IN the Bible than you appear to, although I certainly understand you're not dismissing the Bible outright.

In answer to your point....my faith is based on God and my relationship with Him -- BUT it is informed by the Bible.

Nov 6, 2007 3:36 PM

Pink :

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Brian sez, "In answer to your point....my faith is based on God and my relationship with Him -- BUT it is informed by the Bible."
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That's too bad. The promise is that God will give you a deposit and that the deposit will inform you. Apparently, you are afraid to go into the deep water?
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You opened your post with, Do you acknowledge that the early church was committed to doctrine? Please answer that.
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I don't truly know the detailed answer to that question; but, I think the early church was ALL about doctrine. Accepting the doctrine was how people got to stay alive in many cases. And, as the church progress, things got worse and worse--until the Enlightenment, I guess.
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Nov 6, 2007 6:13 PM

redback :

I'm not hung up on 'blind faith' being a derogatory term within Christianity. The more we know, the less need for faith...is a truism, right? But this is often confused with 'the more we THINK we know..."

It seems to me the Christian faith seeks a "total" faith...nigh impossible if I understand the Bible on imperfection. What means 'que sera sera' when it comes to a person believing they'll make it to church today? Very, very few blind people are totally blind. So, blind faith suggests shades of grey to me. And applies equally to believer and non believer. Aint nothing wrong with optimism or daring-do despite the odds? God did invent adrenaline, right?

I think we can display reckless faith at times and faith despite the facts at other times. Having misplaced faith is better than no faith?

It seems to me that a "little" belief in the God of the Bible can lead to exponential leaps of faith. The Bible facilitates or 'informs' (consistently?) as exampled by suite101 dialogue. :)

While there seems some concession or lip service the Bible and God are 2 separate entities, it seems harder to argue the Christian God without total dependence/faith in the Bible. But given the core faith, maybe tis a logical or rational way to do business.

I think there are other rational and logical ways to do business but tis the 3C within. :)

Nov 6, 2007 7:38 PM

Brian Tubbs :

Your concept of biblical authority (the doctrine of it, that is), Pink, is based on your bad experiences within the fundamentalist Baptist movement. That's how it seems anyway.

I think we need to go back into history to recover what the Bible was intended to be. It was a written record of the teachings of the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles. In Jesus' case, it was also a record of his death, burial, and resurrection - along with some highlights of his earthly ministry.

It is authoritative because of its CONTENT. The Bible represents (to us) the preservation of apostolic doctrine.

Nov 7, 2007 4:30 AM

Pink :

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I think the Bible is valid as a subject text for discussion and the development of ideas. But, not as the foundation of absolute truth. I believe it is valid to question it in every respect.
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Instead, it has become a standard for defining who is and who is not a legitimate person with whom to have what is known as fellowship.
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Nov 7, 2007 8:40 AM

Migisi :

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Instead, it has become a standard for defining who is and who is not a legitimate person with whom to have what is known as fellowship. 
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Would I even WANT to have fellowship with such a person who uses ~any~ sacred text to justify bigotry? I think not.

Nov 7, 2007 11:38 AM

Pink :

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Would I even WANT to have fellowship with such a person who uses ~any~ sacred text to justify bigotry? I think not.
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I appreciate your response. And, I think the key word in what you are reacting to is "fellowship". To them, it means total agreement in understanding of doctrine and what it means to have membership in such an exclusive group.
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I don't care for that either. And, that is precisely why I do not attend any of their churches which are the hotbeds of their dogmatism.
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Other than that, they are as human as the rest of us. And, some of them are pretty nice folk.
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But, I'm not so sure of Brother Jones. Are you? (Pinky nudges Migisi in the ribs with a big wink.)
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:)

Nov 7, 2007 3:01 PM

Pink :

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qTiYA1WiY8
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What a role model and inspiration!!
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Nov 7, 2007 3:32 PM

Migisi :

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What a role model and inspiration!!
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You're not kidding. Both of them... DAD too! No wonder Dad looks tired. He works the night shift ~and~ goes to school and band practice/games with his boy. Patrick was born to a saint!
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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blind_musicians
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Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder did well. Bet Patrick will too. He sure can play piano!

Nov 14, 2007 10:24 AM

Brian Tubbs :

Migisi, if I were to answer your question on the face of it, I would agree with you. Of course, we shouldn't endorse or join in common cause with anyone who uses a religious text to "justify bigotry." But, I don't believe the Bible does that. Nope, that's too weak. Strike "I believe." The Bible does NOT justify bigotry...period.

Nov 14, 2007 10:27 AM

Pink :

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In fact, the bible condemns bigotry.
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Nov 14, 2007 11:17 AM

Migisi :

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Don't your mean "Jesus condemns bigotry"? The Bible is full of bigotry, intolerance, etc., hense its use to promote the same.
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Nov 14, 2007 11:24 AM

Pink :

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Not only is it full of it, it also promotes it.
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But, it does condemn it--I'm sure of that.
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Nov 14, 2007 12:40 PM

Migisi :

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But, it does condemn it--I'm sure of that.
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Gives a mixed message, ay? Yep.

Nov 14, 2007 2:38 PM

Brian Tubbs :

The Bible contains bigotry in the same sense that it contains sin. Read the Bible and you will see examples of sin - all kinds of sin. But the message of the Bible - the teachings of the Bible - is completely 100 percent opposed to bigotry.

Now, Migisi adds the word "intolerance." Yes, the Bible is "intolerant" of sin. For example, the Bible condemns adultery. Does this mean that the Bible is bigoted toward adulterers? The Bible condemn stealing. Does this mean that God is bigoted toward thieves?

To condemn an action or behavior does not automatically equate to bigotry. To say that it does is foolishness.

Nov 14, 2007 2:54 PM

Pink :

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The bible condemns persons for the sins of their ancestors.
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If I'm not mistaken, bigotry is speaking on behalf of God. Does the bible claim in any place that it is the Word of God?
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How is it, that the bible gets to be honored as the Revealed Word of God? And, doesn't that, in itself, lay the foundation for bigotry?
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Nov 15, 2007 1:39 PM

Migisi :

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...the teachings of the Bible - is completely 100 percent opposed to bigotry.
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Sexism, racism, slavery, relgious bigotry... it's all in the book.
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We've discussed all these before. I'm really not interested in cutting/pasting the verses of proof, nor quoting prominent Christian preachers who use them to spew bigotry today.
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If you want to do that, carry on without me.

Nov 15, 2007 1:46 PM

Brian Tubbs :

It all comes down to two important questions...

1) Is God real?

2) Is the Bible inspired by God?

If the answer to the above questions - either one - is NO, then it's easy to make the charge that the Bible teaches "bigotry."

But....

If God is real and if He does stand as the authority behind the Bible, then the charge of bigotry collapses.

It's that simple.

Nov 15, 2007 2:42 PM

Migisi :

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1) Is God real?
Don't know. Can't prove one way or t'other.
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2) Is the Bible inspired by God?
No. Men were.
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is NO, then it's easy to make the charge that the Bible teaches "bigotry."
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I'm glad we agree.
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If God is real and if He does stand as the authority behind the Bible, then the charge of bigotry collapses.
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How so? Bigotry is bigotry, no matter what authority stands behind it.

Nov 15, 2007 5:04 PM

Brian Tubbs :

According to dictionary.com, bigotry is the "stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own."

If God is real and the Bible is ultimately His handiwork (having inspired the biblical authors), then I suppose you could say God is a "bigot," because He doesn't tolerate other gods or sin. But, good luck, making that one stick.

If God is unreal, then the Bible and Christianity itself are manufactured by people - in which case, they conjured up a religious system designed to stifle others. And they are more open to the charge of bigotry.

Migisi, since you see Christianity as the creation of people (and not God), then I understand why you see the Bible as full of bigotry. I understand, but of course do not agree.

Nov 15, 2007 5:07 PM

Pink :

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Where did I read that bigotry is the practice of speaking on behalf of God?
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