No Problem with God, Just Religion

TIME, in its November 21, 2011 edition, asked ten questions of Sting (born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner), the famous English musician, singer songwriter, activist, actor and philanthropist.

Among them was this query: “When asked your religion, you write “devout musician.” Does that mean you pray to Angus Young?”

Sting replied: “It’s not a frivolous answer. I’m essentially agnostic. I don’t have a problem with God. I have a problem with religion. I’ve chosen to live my life without the certainties of religious faith. I think they’re dangerous. Music is something that gives my life value and spiritual solace.”

Men are free moral agents

Sting has a right to live his life as he sees fit. God has never forced Himself on anyone. No one has ever been compelled to be a believer. What I found interesting in his response is how many times I’ve heard similar things from others.

Agnostics say that we cannot know if God exists

We must accept Him on faith, and that means for many “firm belief in something for which there is no proof.” Ambrose Bierce’s definition comes to mind. He argued that faith was “belief without evidence in what is told by one who speaks without knowledge of things without parallel.” Those who accept this premise won’t dismiss God outright, but they also won’t let Him intrude into their lives.

No problem with God, just religion

Like a lot of other folks, Sting has no real problem with God, but he does have a problem with religion. That is the same thinking that causes a man to reject the church and worship on the Lord’s Day because he says he can commune with God just as intimately on the golf course, the river, or in the great outdoors. It also explains why so many who claim to be believers never involve themselves with organized religion.

Finding spiritual solace?

Sting finds value and spiritual solace in music. Others find it in yoga, meditation, the contemplation of nature, or some other outlet. It is impossible to really get away from the innately human need for life to have a spiritual dimension. Men yearn for something higher, better, and eternal. Christianity satisfies that longing better than anything else.

We can know God is real

In response to Sting, and all who share his skepticism, I would argue that we can know that God is real based on abundant and unassailable evidence (1 Peter 3:15). Further, I would insist that there is something in our collective worship which we will not find on the golf course, the lake, or simply sharing in the beauty of nature (Hebrews 10:22-25).

No substitute

There is no substitute for the assembly of the saints to draw us nearer to God, to encourage us to faithfulness, and to stir us to greater love and good works.

–Roger

JANUARY 8, 2012