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For any proposition of truth, P: If

1. Taking a certain cognitive stance toward P (for example, believing it, rejecting it, or withholding judgement) would require rejecting or doubting a vast number of your beliefs,

2. You have no independent positive reason to reject or doubt all those other beliefs, and

3. You have no compelling reason to take up that cognitive stance toward P,

then it is more rational for you not to take that cognitive stance toward P.

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This is why I DON'T accept Open View Theism. (This is why others can honestly ACCEPT open view theism, too!) This is why I DO believe in Christian theism. Basically all this says is that if you have a view of life in which many of your beliefs and experiences are grounded, you've should have some DARN good reasons for reliquishing it. A really good reason for a paradigm shift.

See, with me, certain things can only truly be explained, first of all, by at LEAST the existence of being outside of myself. I just don't believe that I've been psychotic enough to consistently talk to myself and psychologically induce the physical things that have happened to me , since getting with Christ. Next, given the context of my experiences, I have good reason to believe that it was actually the Risen Christ that I experienced. Could I be wrong? Heck, yeah. (Why do you think I mention the possibility of God just playing jokes. I once thought about the possible existence of a deity that just goes around in different religions, given "undeniable" religious expereriences)
HOWEVER, even reading the ideas of people like James and Hick, I, as of yet, have not seen compelling reasons about WHY my experience should not be attributed to the Risen Christ. Thus, I am still a Christian. Do I doubt? Oh, yes. But it is at this point where I exercise the ability of commitment. I've realized that that's what it comes to. In other words, the best thing that I can do is to operate as a rational being as much as I can and COMMIT myself fully to what I believe. I basically say that I will hold this belief to be "true" until I am given sufficient reason otherwise. I am open to that and have often thought of what criteria would cause me to seriously rethink my faith.

My thoughts:

1. NOTHING is certain. But some things are undeniable. Go from there, being as rationally and existentially honest as possible.

2. As with all attempts at aesthetic realization (the moral, the good, the true, the beautiful), we may not EVER reach the totality of ultimate truth. But that does not excuse us from not trying to operate such that we increase our capacity and knowledge of it.

3. Be open. You are ALWAYS wrong SOMEWHERE.

4. Live authentically, whatever you believe (heh, the existentialist speaks...) If you are wrong on your previous thought, at least you LIVED it. Can we pathetic/wonderful humans ask for more, ultimately, even if a God doesn't exist?

Curious, I humbly suggest that, if you think this would help you, do this type of analysis on yourself, especially the principle of belief conservation. Remember, certainty is an illusion. Being true to yourself and commitment, as a rational being, is where it's at in my view.



Love God. Love People. Love Truth. Dedicate your all to that which you love.

Edited by - Mephi2K on 07/23/2001 12:19:36 PM

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Confession time. And I think Modes will agree with me here, somewhat. Do you know the BIGGEST reason that I believe that Christianity is true? What keeps me anchored in my faith, though sometimes I honestly feel that it'd be easier to be an atheist? My perceived experiences with the Risen Christ.

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Is that EXPERIENCE I hear you talking about Meph? It sounds wonderful!

Tom

"The will to prepare to win is greater than the will to win." Bobby Knight

Edited by - TGB on 07/23/2001 12:51:33 PM

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That way you can be a deeply committed Christian and go from Curious to Curiouser and Curiouser (as Alice was so found of saying in Wonderland ). And the more Curiouser you become, the closer you are to being a really good theologian (as opposed to all those theologians so bent on going from Curious to Conclusion to downright Crustiness ). At least that’s how I see it. (But don’t take my word for it…my thinking has been known to deviate from The Norm ).

Welcome to Wonderland,
pia†desideria

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• Creation - We experience the awesome power of God through all he has created.


• History - We can come to know the greatness of God through his actions in history, written throughout the pages of the Bible.


• His Son, Jesus Christ - We learn of God's true character through his Son,--and our savior--Jesus Christ.


• Circumstances - God expresses himself to us in the most personal way through his actions in and around our lives.

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Curious,
The answer for me has been a rather simple but long process. Throughout my highschool and early college years, I railed against my Christianity and tried desperately to disprove the validity of Christianity. This struggle led me to Bethel and to the Bible department. Rather than disproving that Christianity was genuine, God proved to me that he was an all powerful, constant force in my life and that Christ was the basis for my salvation.
At 32, I can look back on my life and pinpoint specific moments when God brought about specific things that protected me from committing some very serious sins, protected me from harm, prompted me to do things that furthered his plan in my life and brought people and other things in my life just when I needed them the most. Christ has impacted me in my personal life, my career of choice and even what church I attend.
Another thing that completely convinces me of the fact that Christianity is genuine is that I have observed the lives of others and how their lives have completely changed. These are people who were involved with drugs, other addictions and behaviors who are completely different and sold out to Christ. It has to be God.
Hopefully, this is helpful to you in your search for truth.
Geej

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