Faith or Superstition?

Superstition and Faith are often incorrectly associated.

A superstition is defined as “1 a: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation b: an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition 2: a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary” (Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, page 1183). Superstitions are unsupported by facts. They originate in ignorance.

Faith is often associated with superstition. In fact, one of the definitions provide in Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary for faith is “firm belief in something for which there is no proof.” I suspect that to be the definition many people attach to “faith” in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth.

Faith, as that word is used in Scripture, is not belief without proof, but belief based on evidence. Peter admonished Christians to provide reasons for their faith, because our faith is reasonable (1 Peter 3:15). Since the beginning of recorded history there has never been a better explanation of origin than the one found in Genesis 1:1. God did it, and the available evidence lends credence to the claim. No evidence to the contrary has been forth coming.

Regarding the identity of Jesus, one cannot improve upon Peter’s assertion that He was the Son of God (Matthew 16:16). That such a man as Jesus lived is beyond dispute. That He has had a profound impact for good upon the world is undeniable. Some would say He was a good man, but not the Son of God. To which I would ask, “Would a good man allow others to think that he was something he was not?” Either Jesus was who the Scriptures revealed Him to be, the Son of God and Savior of the world, or He was a liar and an impostor. The evidence points to the former and denies the latter. Our faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is supported by the evidence.

Superstitions are beliefs without proof. Faith, as that word is used in relationship to Jesus Christ, is belief based upon evidence, and that faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Have you examined the evidence? Do you believe? Are you acting on that belief?

Salvation:  Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully