Serious Questions for Christians (and theologists)?

Question

I was raised in a church all my life. My parents were strict Wesleyans. I embraced Christianity for many years, but never fully had faith. I never understood the rational. I was taught that Christianity was the only way, and that every other religion was wrong. Actually, I was pretty much taught that I'd go to hell if I even questioned what I was being taught in the church (Guess I'd better just quit while I'm ahead?). But then again, I always had to figure things out for myself, the hard way or not.

So I have a few questions for any of you out there professing a relationship with Jesus Christ. I am open-minded to hear your arguments.

So why exactly is Christianity the right religion? Why is every other religion wrong? Who's to say that religion isn't just one big, fabricated lie? And most of all, why should I even care?

Answer 1

It's ironic that your parents - as Wesleyans - should shield you from rational inquiry. Wesley preached that Reason is one of the three pillars of the Faith. Don't be afraid of questioning the church's teachings; it's only by asking questions that you can find answers; it's only by first doubting that you can come to truly believe in something. So start asking questions and find your own answers...

As for me, Christianity is "right" for me, because it "fits". I don't think every other religion - or secular philosophy, for that matter - is "wrong" per se, just that there are different perspectives. Some get nearer to the heart of the matter than others, that's all. For myself, it wasn't until I did some serious - and I mean SERIOUS - digging into Christian teachings that I was even comfortable labelling myself as a Christian. But now I know not only what I believe but why I believe it; I'm comfortable and confident in my faith. May you enjoy the journey...

Peace to you.

Answer 2

So why exactly is Christianity the right religion?

Its not 'right' its just an important part of the awakening of 'man' to the spiritual dimensions and his role within it. Christianity itself talks about using Jesus as a model so its easy to relate this to Christianity being at its root a Feminine aspect compared to Judaism and Islam.

Why is every other religion wrong?

They arent wrong, they are just as a fragmented piece of the picture as each other. Some might better explain or have more accurate information, and some, like Islam is so distorted in its message that it makes other religions look 'right' but even Islam has some truth in its message.

Who's to say that religion isn't just one big, fabricated lie?

If you spend anytime really developing spiritual awareness you'll find your own reasons to support the concepts that religions are based on. Most religions are run as businesses and most are very bad at representing the true meaning of their religion.

And most of all, why should I even care?

You dont have to care, but if your interested or sensitive to the afterlife then it might be of enough value to you to motivate a deeper involvement in personal research... just dont believe 90% of what your read, or 95% of what people tell you.

Answer 3

"So why exactly is Christianity the right religion?"

It appeals to my conscience, intellect and belief. It is my conscience that made the appeals of the Holy Spirit true to me. The Bible says that the law is written on everyones heart and that it is this law that we surrender to when we come to faith. It is the Holy Spirit that makes us aware of that law. to be a Christian is instinctive and requires absolutely no ability to reason and only an ability to be humble.

"Why is every other religion wrong?"

I do not think that we can say that every other religion is entirely wrong but certainly religions have certain amounts of truth as well as error. As a Catholic we do not believe that all other religions contain no truth because we believe that the Gospel appeals to everyone because of our souls being prepared with the law.

"Who's to say that religion isn't just one big, fabricated lie?"

We instinctively know that God exists. The Bible says that creation is enough evidence of God but could we come to believe without the law or the Holy Spirit. No, I believe that all these things contribute to our belief and that only reason can stand in the way of surrender. Unfortunately for those attempting a intellectual ascension to belief, this belief cannot occur until we have surrendered and accepted the teaching of the Holy Spirit. Only then is our intellect satisfied and one with our spirit and His Spirit.

"And most of all, why should I even care?"

Some people look at this question this way.....If there is no God who created us to serve Him and we spend our life in His will, loving others and having all those things towards others that are the fruits of that love for others and God, have we had a bad life? No, we just do not have an eternity except in the memory of those who loved us.

However, if we never believe and surrender to that law and deny His very existence as some kind of hoax whether we are loving of others or not we will be judged on our faith if there is a God. It is then that in God's justice that we will get the eternity which we have earned.

So the choice is a good life with eternity or a good life with no eternity except eternal damnation.

Our lives are just a blink of an eye in the enormity of eternity which is an existence in the eternal present in heaven. Isn't this promise at least a good reason to seriously look at Christianity and become sensitive to the Holy Spirit working in your life to bring you to faith as happens with all God's children. It is all about surrender the Holy Spirit will do the rest.

In Christ
Fr. Joseph

Answer 4

You do care somehow or you would not bother to question.

God is way big enough to handle your questions, Christianity doesn't mean you shove your brain in a box and bury it.

God/faith never meant much to me until I was 18 and struggling with depression and misery. Circumstances threw me into the presence of some Christians who knew God and enjoyed being believers. I asked God to rescue me and invited Jesus into my life. My experiences then and now have kept me as a believing Christian. I love God, because He loved me first and because I need him. I feel so blessed to have my relationship to Him because life has so many things in it that I don't understand or I have trouble dealing with them. He's helped me deal with death, losses, child rearing issues, marriage, miscarriage, health problems/chronic pain.......on and on.

I've met all sorts of people in my 37 years as a believer. I do believe Christianity is right because of my own experiences with Jesus Christ. I've studied the Bible for a long time and find it magnificent and accurate. I have met some folks who said they knew Jesus, but you couldn't tell it from their lives. I've met others who were good reps for Christianity and yet we saw things somewhat different from each other. Jesus is different from all the others because He said, "I am the way, the truth and the life...". All other religions say I am seeking the way, I am seeking truth.... Jesus said I am it. Logically that means he is crazy, he is a liar or He's telling the truth. My experiences tell me He's telling the truth. I am not advocating religion, I am telling you that you can have a relationship with Jesus Christ Himself. I don't want to sit around and nit pick over religious doctrines in each kind of Christian church. I've met Jesus and I will follow Him for the rest of my life. I encourage you to look past your former unpleasant or hurtful experiences. Openly ask Jesus to interact with you and start reading the New Testament for yourself. I've met hundreds of people who have been hurt by church problems, I've never met anyone who was hurt by Jesus Christ. He's the real deal.
I would love for you to meet Him, it will clear up so many issues for you. God Bless You!

Answer 5

you ask some large questions that warrant large answers but this isn't the place for such.

I would really suggest that you

1. read the bible. read read read.. don't go by what someone else has told you.

2. Read C.S. Lewis' "Mere Christianity"

3. Read Josh McDowell's "Evidence that demands a verdict" a new edition just came out, I think.

If you read these three: the bible, C.S. Lewis, and Josh McDowell you will gain a very good understanding of the foundations of Christianity.

god bless

Answer 6

Actually I don't see Christianity as a single religion, but many different religions call themselves Christian.
There were witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus. If he was not resurrected, Christianity would not have survived the first century. Other ancient religions claim somebody was resurrected, but where are their followers or the witnesses?
First century Christians were tortured and killed because they would not recant; why would they refuse to recant, but be tortured and killed for something they made up?
Millions of people all over the world have experienced the reality of the Holy Spirit; you can too.

Answer 7

Sorry to say, christiaity has become a religion, however, Jesus Himself is still the only Way. Through relationship with Him you will discover for yourself how you are to walk with Him. You should feel free to have and ask questions. God tells us in His Word that we are to test the 'spirits'. I believe that means we are to seek to understand and know for ourselves from whom the teaching comes, and what it's purpose is for our lives. Does it lead us into greater revelation and relationship with God? Jesus did not come to endorse any religion. He came to reveal the Heart of His Father and to restore access to the throne of Grace.

Answer 8

Christians do not rely upon arguments. We believe God for His Word in faith.

Num 23:19 God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Answer 9

Follow the history of man. Who was there God?

Who did Adam serve until his sin? Jehovah.

Who did Abraham serve? Jehovah.

Follow that line of servants of Jehovah till today...Jehovah's Witnesses. From the very first man to today, there have been servants of Jehovah.

When was the earliest servant of Budda, etc? They all came after the early servants of Jehovah.

Answer 10

I believe because the eyewitness testimony of Jesus life, ministry and miracles recorded in the gospels is convincing to me. Read them for yourself and see if they're convincing to you.