More important to question own beliefs
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Editor,
I agree with Gene Johnson (Beliefs should be questioned, like all other issues - April 25, 2018) that it is appropriate to question other’s beliefs, particularly when they are science-based and used for policy making. When it comes to religious beliefs, however, I think that it is more important to question our own beliefs, rather than those of others. The reason I say this is that if the New Testament scriptures are true, then whether to accept Jesus and his resurrection is the most important decision one would make.
I became intrigued with this decision during my 40s and undertook to study the issue. I referred to writings from a number of fields: cosmology, anthropology, archeology, biology, history and economics. I found a great deal in those sources and became convinced that there is a God who created all things, and that Jesus existed and was resurrected after his crucifixion ... I use this conviction as a basis for how I live my life. Is the “proof ” 100 percent? Of course not – very little in this world (and in science) is. However, one must make decisions in real time, given the best evidence available. I’ve made my decision and it’s worked out well for me for almost 40 years.
During my readings, I also enjoyed what has become known as Pascal’s Wager (Blaise Pascal, 17th century mathematician and philosopher). I paraphrase:
If God exists:
And you do believe in him, then you will receive the greatest benefit conceivable.
And you do not believe in him, then you will lose the greatest benefit conceivable.
If God does not exist:
And you do believe in him, then you will live a good Christian life.
And you do not believe in him, then you may or may not live a good life.
Plenty of room for questioning I’m sure.
Jim Loebbecke
Polson
