Up, Down and All Around

Logic or Faith

If there's anything I've learned from all the Christmas-related church activities of the past weekend, it's the fact that I am very much responsible for my inability to deepen and strengthen my faith beyond a certain point.

When I see other people believe so strongly and fervently in God, and who live their lives accordingly, I find myself feeling both envious and appalled: envious that they can be filled with so much faith; and yet appalled that they can accept so quickly a doctrine that I find difficult to believe blindly. Frankly, there are times when I almost feel like a fraud when I'm with them.

Recently, I came across a verse that made an impression. I remember taking note of it but haven't had time to really reflect on it until this Sunday, when it was mentioned once again at church.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate." [I Corinthians 1:18-19]

Man, did that cause a light bulb to come on. All along, I've been insisting that faith has to have a logical explanation. I've been devoting so much time and energy into intellectualizing the Christian experience, that in the process, I've managed to stunt my own growth.

Maybe the key is to stop thinking of faith as something to be understood, scrutizined, or analyzed. Certainly all my attempts to wrestle with faith from a logical point of view have only led to frustration. Instead, it may be more fruitful to look upon faith as something that is to be experienced. Maybe it's time to let the heart lead the mind for a change.

Tags: Personal, Religion

Posted by CF at 1:40 AM