What kind of Proof? ...

Thursday, Sept 21, 2017. How do we know what to think about faith? There are many religions on the planet. And they all tell their particular story? Is any of these different from the others? Is any of these more true than others? Or are they all the same, all true, or all false?

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First of all: they cannot all be true. Religions have quite different concepts of the world and of God. There are some who resemble each other - those messages which speak about one God, the creator. But even these cannot be true at the same time. There are severe differences in who God is, and in very basic concepts of how he interacts with mankind.

Can we tell the difference between the religions? Yes, we can. We can read. We can look into what they tell! Look into the Judean-Christian world view. And compare it with Islam. The concepts of freedom, of grace, or God are quite different. The consequences how to live, and how to act, are quite different. There are clear similarities as well, one God, the creator, the judge, the heaven, eternal life. But when it comes to the Love of God in Christ Jesus, the spirits are quite different.

What is our basis to distinguish? What is our basis to judge and to come to our conclusions - as community or as individuals? It is the biblical texts, the stories, together with our experience, and with the reality which we can access and observe day by day. Have a look, read yourself, and then come to your conclusions - but with understanding and insight, not led by prejudice and misinformation!

How to Know? …

Jesus talks about how to know that he is the messiah. He is asked to show a sign. But he refuses to show such a sign. Proof is done differently. Proof is already there, just read, and listen, and observe! Here is his original statement according to Mark 8:

11 The Pharisees came and began to argue with him, seeking from him a sign from heaven to test him. 12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Truly, I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation.” 13 And he left them, got into the boat again, and went to the other side. (from Mark 8)

The bible is the continuing invitation to listen, to open our eyes, to see! We might be confused when we start this journey. But with some help and explanation it will become very clear. When you start to believe, when you start to live with the Lord, experiences come, and insight grows! That is fantastic, he really knows what is inside of men. Living with the holy spirit gives us new life every day, and it is truly fantastic! (Roland Potthast) ... more texts