The Formula to my Faith

Because nobody asked and there is no demand, here it is. A percent breakdown of how my patch-work faith is put together I  created while sitting at a child's birthday party under black lights.  

25% - Traditional Christianity   - I am an unabashed liberal in so many areas of my life but when God and Jesus are reduced to symbols…it bothers me. Some say these events really didn’t happen or that they are symbolically true…there may even be some truth in that. However, I believe in the historical accuracy of most of what is the recorded in the gospels (with some obvious examples of inclusions in the text). I believe Jesus actually defeated death and rose again…. otherwise, why am I doing this?  

25% - Liberal Christianity – While I am pretty traditional in my beliefs surrounding the gospels, everything else gets complicated.  I don’t believe everything literally happened in the Bible (nor do I think the author’s original intent in many cases was that it was supposed to be understood in a literal sense).  On the other hand, I don't believe everything is patently false either. I believe in evolution, I don’t believe in hell, I have problems with Paul, I am fine with women leadership and practicing homosexuals in the Church.

17% -Kierkegaard's Understanding of Faith – Faith and reason are not reconcilable in my book. There’s no need to attempt to do so, it only makes us look silly. Also, just because I don't understand 50% of what he writes doesn't mean I can't dig his concepts. 

12% - Historical Criticism – Some may claim foul here. I mean, this isn't a reason why I believe but without this tool in the tool chest, I wouldn't be a believer. We must put an ancient text in its historical context of culture and possible author motivations. Otherwise, we simply won’t understand the text clearly..  If the Bible is only understood “as is” it’s not half as impressive and you’re missing out on it’s true beauty.   

10% - Cosmological Argument – Look, it’s not convincing to some, but for me, it works.

5% - Pascal’s Wager – I mean, it makes sense. Besides, it's a fun little story. 

3% - Personal Experience - There have a been a few times that seem too good to be chance events. On the other hand, one can fool one’s self very easily.

2%  - Ontological Argument – eh, only here because an agnostic that I respect said it was the most convincing argument he had heard. That’s how much I respect him.  

1% - Hope in things unseen – Well, hope is a beautiful thing now isn’t it?

 

Well, there's this too but just wanting something can't make it true, nor would it be a good reason to believe in something. There's a lot of research that shows genetic predisposition to believe in religion (or not to believe).  I think my brain is split down the middle on that one.

That's all party people, keep it real and keep working it 'till the cows come home.