Quick Thoughts on Why . . .

I Am Not An Atheist

Atheism is, in the end, pretty useless. It has no answers. I find most atheists rather amusing, particularly in their intense opposition to theism. Why bother? Why spend so much effort in something that means so little? What, pray tell, does atheism have to offer in place of theism?

Atheism provides no grounds for morality. Some might say, that morality allows for society to get along better. But the question remains, why bother? Why should society get along? To what end is society? Should we keep the machine running simply because it's here without any reference to why it's here? Sounds pretty sterile to me.

Fortunately, most atheists are better than their philosophy. Most believe in some sort of morality, God only knows why. Most live productive lives.

I Am Not An Agnostic

Agnosticism is a dead end. Agnostics claim either that they do not know, or that they cannot know. Both positions are self-contradictory. How, do you know that you do not know? The recognition of ignorance is the knowledge that something exists and that it is different from what you already know. That in itself is knowledge of what is claimed to be unknown. It only requires a further search to extend this fundamental knowledge.

Even more contradictory is the claim that you cannot know. That's a quitter's position. The claim that you cannot know is a statement of knowledge directly relating to the knowledge that cannot be known. For unless you know certain characteristics, how can you know that you cannot know? Thus those that claim that you cannot know already know but simply quit rather than moving forward.

I Am A Theist

Theism explains the reality we experience. The existence of creativity and free will demonstrate that there is more than mere physicality. These two characteristics of our existence are evidence that the natural is a subset of a supernatural.

Theism explains the uncaused cause that is conveniently left out of atheism. We know that we cannot have an endless chain of causes and effects without an uncaused cause else the entire chain would never have begun.

Theism provides a context for the many things that atheism cannot and agnosticism refuses to. Theism answers quesitons. You may not agree with the answers, but at least it provides a place to start.

I Am A Christian

Christianity is, to my understanding, the most consistent form of theism. This is true, regardless of the many misguided that do it wrong. Christianity conforms with what we experience in life better than any other I've looked into. Christianity provides not only answers to what was, but gives understanding to what is, and offers guidance concerning what will be.

Now I am committed to Christianity until I find something better. Some might say that is a contradiction because the commitment is tentative and Christianity does not allow anything short of total abandonment.

Well, Christianity does not ask for abandonment, Christianity asks for obedience. These are two different things. Furthermore, if in my study of Christianity I find that I have been mistaken, then it would be foolish to stick with it. And if it turns out to be false, then what's the harm in moving on?

The key, is to follow the truth to the best of my ability. I cannot imagine God ever having a problem with that.