What Do I Believe? Part 1

In my ministry to homeless men and seekers of a faith walk, I like to ask three questions:

• What do you believe?
• Is it true?
• What difference does it make?

Perhaps this is a good exercise for all of us who hold traditional beliefs related to the Trinity.  If you are a parent, a grandparent and care about the traditional faith development of loved ones, then the word “postmodern” should be of interest and concern to you.  At a minimum, research into the subject of postmodern thought should be a given.

Choir in Traditional Service in Ethiopia Prison Church

In his new book Beyond Opinion, Ravi Zacharias, one of world’s leading Christian apologists, explores the  arrival of the postmodern era.  Featuring several authors, they collectively examine the impact of postmodern thinking on the world.  Two themes of postmodern thought challenge traditional thinking in that there is no:

• Objective truth: what you believe is good for you, what I believe is good for me; certainty becomes in question.
• Defined meaning for words: definitions are in the thoughts of the beholder, and not always related to facts:  “It depends on what the definition of the word ‘is’ is.”  Words can be used to achieve any outcome.

Why is this information important to know for those of us who hold traditional beliefs?  The very tenants of traditional beliefs (below) are in conflict with postmodern thought:

• Truth: Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. John 14:6 NIV
• Certainty: “Yet he(Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21 NIV
• Words have meaning: “All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” II Timothy 3:16 NIV

As a consultant, I like action items so here are suggestions for preparing to share our beliefs in an informed manner:

• What do I believe? Develop a presentation of what and why you believe.  Write down the key elements that you might commit to memory in an organized manner.
• Is it true? Research and understand the established support for the authenticity of history and God’s Word: Explore writings of  C. S. Lewis-Mere Christianity, Ravi Zacharias-Beyond Opinion, Josh McDowell-Evidence that Demands a Verdict; Nancy Fitzgerald-Unanswered.  Take time to review postmodern philosophy and compare with your beliefs.  
• What difference does it make? Develop a presentation of  your story-how has God made a difference in your life: this requires planning, prayer and preparation. Deliver your conviction in a spirit of love (and confidence) with your loved ones, coworkers or postmodern apologists.  Your story and walk with God is the most powerful testimony you can present.

It is our responsibility to present the basis of our beliefs with confidence, grace and love which eliminates the need for anger, defensiveness or frustration. The role of the Holy Spirit is to bring clarity to those with whom we communicate.

Trust yourself to Christ your Lord, and if anybody asks why you believe as you do, be ready to tell him, and do it in a gentle and respectful way.  Do what is right; then if men speak against you, calling you evil names, they will become ashamed of themselves for falsely accusing you when you have only done what is good. I Peter 3:15-16 The Message

Next week:  Part II  Our challenge and responsibility  in a postmodern world