If you are a believer, there have no doubt been many times you have had this question swirling around you, with some seeking honestly for the truth, while others proudly stumble in skeptical cynicism, or sarcasm.

There have been times when we have even asked ourselves this question, especially early on in our faith and relationship with God.

I can only address this question from my own perspective and speak for myself alone, although there have been many who have shared their own perspective and experiences with me, with the very same results and conclusions. Therefore, to say I am alone in my description and conclusions would be inaccurate, if not misleading.

From my perspective, the question might rather be asked ” Why Not Believe in God ” ?

There is Science that some would point to as proof there is no God. May I ask…is not science by definition made up of theories and premises drawn from an interpretation of evidence gathered and observation of current activity. Rather than promote these theories as fact, should they not be presented as one possible conclusion if the interpretation of the facts are accurate, if there are no additional facts or evidence yet to be discovered that may alter the premise of the theory? Can the theory be supported through observation in real-time? What are the possibilities if we are willing to open our minds to all possible alternatives?

From my perspective, there appears to be a propensity for ignoring the alterative thoughts and theories that do not agree with general interpretation. An almost dogmatic and authoritative pronouncement of theory as the only possible reality, and a closed-minded insistence that it is fact. One could almost hear a religious tone to the mantra.

This in the face of the fact that these theories are in a constant state of flux, with the only real constant being change. Constant re-vamping, altering, removing and injecting new premises, and producing new theories the longer they are in existence. That is good . That is what real science is all about, not forcing a theory as fact, simply because that’s what we believe. This seems to require another process often attributed to a belief in the existence of God…FAITH.

Does it not require faith in the integrity of the evidence that the premise is built upon? Does it not require faith in the accuracy and integrity of the men actually doing the research, and writing the papers and books being used to teach the new scientist, faith in the new scientist to get that information right so that they may continue to accurately draw deductive and inductive conclusions from the evidence they may collect? I am not saying these men are lying, only that they may be wrong or mistaken, because of incomplete data, faulty processes, tainted  concepts etc.

I love science, the exploration of the universe fascinates me but even in my short 60 years on this planet I have seen how often and how drastically some theories have changed. To me that is ok. Science should always be in a constant state of change, and it will be until absolute truth is revealed. My theory is that eventually science will catch up, that the evidence will clearly support the accuracy of the Word of God…The Bible.

From my perspective, That evidence already points to that very conclusion. I have been a student of the Word for over 50 year. I have observed the power of this books teachings in my own life. I can tell you that without the affect of the writings in this book, I would be a far different man than I am today. There is an intentional congruence between my life, speech, actions, behaviors, and lack of behaviors in my day-to-day life because of the effect this Book has had upon me. There is also a transformational effect upon my thought processes, unintentional, but occurring nonetheless simply from reading this book. There is a battle that takes place daily between good and evil, moral and immoral, flesh and spirit if you will, that would never be taking place if not for the powerful influence this Book has had upon my thinking. I have learned to live in forgiveness, rather than guilt and shame for selfish and hurtful deeds of my past. I have changed behavior patterns from what some might call natural, animal instinctive behavior, to selfless, humble serving of others. Please do not misunderstand me, I am not perfect by any means, But I am different, and every day becoming more and more different from the man wanting to fulfill himself in me. The man who would go after what he wants, with little regard for how that may affect others. The man who, when allowed to have his way has done nothing bur cause hurt and pain to others because of his selfishness and self-serving actions.

I have seen this same change take place in many others. My grandfather was an alcoholic, I remember him cursing all the time, drinking, mean to my grandmother, until he came to a faith in Jesus Christ, a belief in God. from that day until the day he died, he was a totally different man. Every time I was around him he was whistling a gospel tune or singing old hymns of the faith.  I have been doing prison work for many years and I can take you to man after man who’s lives have been transformed permanently through the transforming power of God’s word. Big men hardened by the circumstances of their life, criminals who have done some evil things, having their lives turned upside-down by the power of the word of God and a faith in him.  Transformed forever by the God who loves them, even when they don’t love themselves.

If you are an unbeliever, I don’t expect you to drop everything you have believed all your life because I say so. I pray that you will seek the truth for yourself honestly and intentionally. I hope you will open your mind to consider some alternative theories. I challenge you to get into the Word yourself, read it, ask God ” If you are real, speak to me through this Book and open my mind and my eyes to your truth.”  Why be afraid, if He does not exist and all of this is just fairy tales and religious superstition, what possible harm could befall you.

May I suggest you start with the book of John, that will tell you who Jesus is, and the Book of Ephesians, that will tell you who you are in Christ.

If you would like to get back to me, I would love to hear about your experience.