Why do you believe it to be true?

"Although I try to fend off dicussions like this, Cameron's response made me curious. You seem intelligent enough, so I ask you WHY you believe it to be true.

WHY, without any real, convincing evidence to support that Jesus was not just another human, do you accept that Christ is your personal savior?

WHY, without regard to the rules of logic, do you come to the conclusion that God probably exsists?

Don't get me wrong, I fully respect the belief you presented because it gives everyone the opportunity to be "saved" regardless of what their parents taught them was right, but I still can't grasp why you feel the need to invent (I do not want to use that word but I can't think of a better one) such a tale to explain something that could just be left unknown."

This quote was directed at me just a couple of weeks ago. I had decided to weigh in on an acquaintance's online discussion about the role of "religious practices" in Christianity, and my comments prompted an individual to ask me the above question.

Its a tough question.

This instance was, honestly, one of only three or four times in my entire life when I had been asked, point-blank, the reason why I believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God by someone not sharing my belief. And the last time was probably over 3 years ago.

I was glad that he asked me. I looked forward to actually having to compile my rationale into something of a point-by-point account of my though process. My response, as poorly-written as it was, works decently as a quick summary of why I believe what I believe. Here is a slightly tweaked version of it:

"What has convinced me of the truth of the Gospel (and I use the word "convinced" cautiously, because of course there are many, many times when I doubt, I question, and have to rely on the good ole' Christian fall-back faith... actually, I have to rely on it at all times), you might find completely unconvincing. Personally, the person of Jesus Christ and his message is the most beautiful and worthwhile thing I have ever heard. I think that it truly presents the most beautiful way to live. I think that the sort of descent of humanity presented in the Bible makes perfect sense and goes a long way to explain why there is evil in the world, why there is good in the world, and why we can tell the two apart. It validates good art and gives it worth, it gives value to human life, it assures that "love" is real and is important, it is able to speak to things that science has no way of approaching (all of this is simply my opinion, of course).

Obviously, there have been countless books written about the scientific evidence for and against specific claims in the bible written by men much smarter and more informed than me. There have been countless books supporting and refuting the existence of Christ from a purely historical standpoint, and then books about his resurrection. I don't really want to get into a debate about this stuff (and am nowhere near qualified to do so). I'll just say that the "official" cultural verdict (if it even matters) is still out on pretty much all of that stuff regardless of what both certain Christians and their counterparts would like to say.

I guess the last thing I'll say is something that, really, will likely be of no value to you. You can think its crazy or a lie or whatever. But another reason why I believe these things is because I really do have a relationship with Jesus. I have encountered him in subtle, but unmistakable ways--felt his nudging in my heart, heard his soft voice, witnessed some small-scale miracles, and have been changed. The days that I spend seeking him through prayer and scripture, I really do believe, make me a more humble, compassionate, and loving person--not that I'm not still just terrible now, but he is definitely doing a work in me. I am different than I was 5 years ago. I am different than I was 1 year ago. These are the things I lean on when I doubt or when I don't feel him. He has given me these wonderful experiences to look back to in times of insecurity."

Rough read, right? I think the main point I was trying to make is that it isn't scientific or historical "proof" that has convinced me of the truth of the Gospel--it is Jesus Christ, his character, and the work he has done in me and through me that gives me confidence. That other stuff might be what others cling to, but for me the beauty of the Son of God himself is where I find my assurance.