Faith evidence
Sir: Nicolas Walter (April 19), in reply to Martin Sullivan (April 5), declares his unbelief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and indeed of His ever having existed; he bases this unbelief upon lack of evidence. Martin Sullivan has already given much factual evidence and I do not wish to go through it again. My purpose is to discuss faith.
Faith is a dirty word in these days when men refuse to believe what they cannot see or hear or in some cases touch. Let us see just how consistent man is: On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin walked on the Moon, We all saw live television pictures of this event which was taking place 384,400 km from Earth. Now, in fact the general
public have no proof that this event ever , occurred and quite frankly they never will. Scientists can show the world moon dust by the ton if they like, but they cannot prove that what they are showing actually came from the moon. In fact rationally (and I use this word deliberately to relate to Nicolas Walters' Rationalist Press Association), we cannot believe men have walked on the moon, it is an impossible and inconceivable day dream. It is far easier and more acceptable to believe that the whole thing was staged in the Californian desert (but then I have not seen that either!). Yet we do believe it has happened; so the question is, why?
We believe it by faith. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old received divine approval. By faith we understand that the world was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made out of things which do not appear" (Hebrews ch. 11 V. 1-3; RSV). And so with the moon landing; we understand that what is seen (television pictures and moon dust), is made out of things which do not appear (physical witness of the event, the technical know-how and the general backroom work). Probably no more than 500 people (scientists etc), are able to prove that the various moon landings ever occurred. And 500 people saw the risen Christ. We accept what they say • by faith, just as a Christian accepts the resurrection of Jesus Christ by Vaith. Now there is a very good reason for this: Man, having turned from God's way by an act of his own free will, has been offered a method, painless to himself, of rectifying his mistake. Jesus Christ died for all men that through His death and resurreciton they might be reconciled to God. Now the word 'might' is important, because man can only activate this reconciliation by accepting the act of Jesus Christ as having been executed for himself, and by turning in thankful repentance to God (through Christ). It is the faith displayed which shows God that the individual concerned is sincere.
If God had made a total, tangible revelation to man, man's free will would be frustrated and any turning to God would be unreal, it would be forced, man would really have no option and there would be no love for God in his action; yet God requires this, it is necessary. God made us to enjoy communion with Himself and He loves us; for the relationship to be complete and functional we must also love Him, we can only do this voluntarily. This is the explanation for the purpose of Christ's life, death and resurrection. This is why one does not receive the final undoubtable proof, through spiritual experience, until after one has accepted, by faith, Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. By this we show God our sincerity, He gives us our reward and our faith is shown to be justified. So perhaps Mr Walter will withdraw his accusations of insufficient evidence. Adequate evidence is found in the Bible (try the Gospel of John, who knew Jesus, as one of His diciples); only a step of faith will complete the puzzle and reveal the reality of the resurrected and living Lord Jesus Christ. Adrian J. L. Barrett Student of Moorlands Bible College Sopley, Christchurch, Dorset
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