It Isn’t So!

A devout religious faith is abnormal?  Not so!

William James, noted American psychologist and philosopher, wrote nearly 100 years ago, “There can be no doubt that as a matter of fact a religious life, exclusively pursued, does tend to make the person exceptional and eccentric.” He went on to say that these were individuals “for whom religion exists not as a dull habit but as an acute fever.” He argued that religious leaders were especially subject to abnormal psychological behavior. At the heart of his argument was the belief that a devout religious faith was abnormal. It isn’t so! The devout tend to be happier, healthier, and more fulfilled than any other segment of society.

Religion is the chief cause of wars, death, misery and suffering?  Not So!

Whenever someone wishes to attack religious faith, they argue that religion has been the chief cause of wars, death, misery and suffering in our world. They often point to the Crusades, the conflict in the Balkans, the animosity between Jews and Arabs, or the bloodshed between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland as proof of their assertions. It isn’t so! Those who do this fail to recognize that these things have come about, not as a result of following the Bible, but because the Scriptures were ignored. Further, the critics disregard all the good that has come as a result of Christianity.

Religion is merely as a crutch for the weak-minded?  Not So!

Some view religion merely as a crutch for weak-minded individuals. They argue that all religions are essentially alike. They discount the prospect of Divine revelation, and attribute belief to superstitions from our distant past. One religion is no better nor worse than another. All paths lead to the same destination. It isn’t so! Christianity argues that there is one way to God, and that is through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). And, He knew that most people would find His way too narrow. In the Sermon on the Mount He said: “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Only religion offers Absolute Value

Bruce Sheiman has written an interesting book titled An Atheist Defends Religion. Even though he is an atheist, Sheiman points out repeatedly that our world is far better because of religion. Obviously, I couldn’t endorse everything he writes, but he does make a strong case for religion. One observation is worth noting. Sheiman wrote: “Only religion offers Absolute Value as the sages for millennia have defined it. That is why most people are and will always be religious (page 68).

Are you walking in the way that leads to life?

If not, are you ready to begin?