My kids were asking me recently what proof there is that Jesus Christ wasn't a crazy guy, or perhaps a leader of some cult. Coming from a background of being a confirmed agnostic for many years prior to accepting on faith that Jesus is Lord, I have definitely thought about that. I decided this is a good blog entry so that I can write it down.
Their concern is very understandable to me. When I was an agnostic, I could not see any verifiable proof of miracles. There were, and still are, many religious groups and cults that claim all sorts of miracles that other groups deny happening. Many of these various groups, even claim to be Christian.
What I answer with are two main points. First, they don't call it faith for nothing. While I personally believe I have experienced answers to prayers, thus a miraculous event, I don't claim any to be some spectacular event that couldn't be explained some other way, like coincidence. So part of believing that Jesus Christ is Lord and died for our sins, was born to a virgin, and rose from the dead, is just that. Believing. A big hang up going from agnosticism/atheism to a believer is dealing with a sense that it is like believing in Santa Clause. There are all these kid’s Christmas shows with characters being asked to just believe in all that north pole stuff. A major part of being Christian is being honest, so I acknowledge that a part of my belief in Christ is just a choosing to believe.
Secondly, and what helps to back up the first, is that there are many logical basis for our faith. One of the common arguments used by Christian apologists deals with the question of what happened to Christ’s body if he did not rise from the dead. My kids asked about other competing faith groups out there, and the possibility that Christ was just another religious cult leader. While there are many followers of what I consider to be false faiths, I look at the phenomenal growth of Christianity following his death and resurrection (or supposed resurrection if you still lack faith in this) and compare that with what was the message. I look at Islam, and they had a leader who took on a military mission to wage war against the infidels. This inspired people to join a winning military campaign. A more recent group, the Mormons, started off claiming to be the chosen ones, and that after gathering at some place, God would appear and start a new kingdom on earth. Naturally, a lot of people fell for this. Also, they built upon Christianity. Buddhism has a huge following, but much of their focus is on living well. It’s much like so many people joining health clubs. Many people who are disillusioned join Buddhism and just sort of settle in.
What were the early Christians following? Some guy said “follow me”, but then was arrested and executed. Ok, he rose from the dead, but then after appearing to some people, just disappeared. These followers weren’t being lead on some conquering mission. Living a more healthy lifestyle and living longer wasn’t the major theme. But yet, so many people decided to place their faith in this guy, Jesus Christ. Our year is derived from Him. So thus, a logical basis for my faith.