The Rational Basis for Belief in God
Have you ever considered why everything in the universe, from the smallest atomic particles to the vast galaxies, is governed by precise mathematical laws? Have you reflected on the complexity and diversity of life, with its intricate design? Many attribute the universe and life to a cosmic accident and evolution, while others credit an intelligent Creator. Which viewpoint do you feel is more reasonable?
Both viewpoints involve a measure of faith. Belief in God rests on faith, as the Bible says, “no man has seen God at any time” (John 1:18). Similarly, no human has witnessed the forming of the universe or the beginning of life. The fossil record indicates that major groups of animals appeared suddenly and have remained relatively unchanged. The critical question, therefore, is this: Which faith sits on a firm foundation—faith in evolution or faith in a Creator?
Faith Supported by Solid Evidence
Genuine faith, according to the Bible, is “the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld” (Hebrews 11:1). The New English Bible renders this verse: “Faith...makes us certain of realities we do not see.” Many respected historians believe that figures like Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Jesus Christ once lived. Their faith is based on authentic historical evidence.
Scientists also believe in unseen realities due to the evident demonstration of their existence. For instance, Dmitry Mendeleyev, a 19th-century Russian chemist, noticed relationships between elements and grouped them by atomic weight and chemical properties, leading to the periodic table of elements. His faith in the order of the universe led him to predict the existence of elements unknown at the time.
Similarly, archaeologists draw conclusions about ancient civilizations from items buried for thousands of years. If an archaeologist unearthed carefully cut stone blocks aligned in a geometric pattern, they would reasonably conclude these were the result of human activity, not coincidence. Shouldn't we apply the same reasoning to the design manifest in the natural world?
The Evidence of Design in the Universe
British mathematician, physicist, and astronomer Sir James Jeans once wrote that the universe begins to look “more like a great thought than like a great machine,” and that it provides evidence of a designing power similar to our own minds. Physicist Paul Davies echoed this sentiment, suggesting an element of design in the universe's organization. Albert Einstein marveled at the comprehensibility of the natural world, considering it a miracle.
DNA and the Human Brain: Testaments to Design
DNA, the genetic material of all cellular organisms, is the molecular basis for heredity. It has been compared to a blueprint, packed with information encoded in chemical form and stored in a molecular environment capable of interpreting and acting on it. If the nucleotides in DNA were converted into letters, they would occupy more than a million pages of a typical book.
DNA is bundled into chromosomes and stored inside each cell’s nucleus, which has an average diameter of about 0.0002 inches. The compact information storage/retrieval system in living organisms far surpasses that of any man-made technology. As New Scientist magazine notes, every discovery about DNA reveals new complexities.
Is it reasonable to attribute such intricate design to blind chance? If you discovered a highly technical manual a million pages long, written in an elegant code, would you conclude it wrote itself? What if it contained precise instructions for creating a self-repairing, self-replicating intelligent machine? The notion that such a book happened by chance would seem absurd.
British philosopher Antony Flew, once a leading champion of atheism, acknowledged the complexity of the arrangements needed to produce life, concluding that intelligence must have been involved. Following the argument wherever it led, he came to believe in God.
The human brain, a product of DNA, has been described as “the most complicated object in the universe.” It enables us to perform a vast array of functions, from solving puzzles to experiencing reverential awe when contemplating the night sky. Attributing these abilities to blind evolutionary forces seems inconsistent and unreasonable.
Belief Based on Evidence
To understand ourselves, should we look to apes and other animals as evolutionists do, or should we look to God? While we share certain traits with animals, such as eating, drinking, and reproducing, we are unique in many ways. Reason suggests that our distinct human traits come from a higher being—God. Genesis 1:27 states that God formed mankind “in his image” morally and spiritually.
Our Creator has given us the “intellectual capacity” to investigate the world and find satisfying answers to our questions (1 John 5:20). Physicist William D. Phillips wrote that the orderliness and beauty of the universe led him to conclude that a higher intelligence designed it. Romans 1:20 states that God’s invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation, perceived by the things made, including His eternal power and Godship.
The Consistency of Design and Belief
Paul, a highly educated man in the Mosaic Law, wrote about the clear evidence of God's qualities in creation. His reason-based faith made God a reality to him and moved him to give due credit to God for His works. Similarly, recognizing the intricate design in nature should lead us to acknowledge an intelligent Designer.
Belief in God is not only reasonable but also supported by the intricate and purposeful design evident in the natural world. DNA, the human brain, and the order of the universe all point to a Creator with intelligence and power far beyond our own.
The Testimony of Creation
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork (Psalm 19:1-2). Creation itself testifies to God's existence and attributes, offering a rational basis for belief in Him. The intricate design and order in the natural world provide compelling evidence of a purposeful Creator.
The Reliability of Scriptural Testimony
The Bible offers a consistent and reliable testimony about God's nature and His works. Scriptural accounts of creation, the complexity of life, and the moral and spiritual dimensions of humanity align with observable evidence in the natural world. This consistency reinforces the reasonableness of belief in God.
The Role of Faith and Reason in Belief
While faith involves believing in unseen realities, it is not devoid of reason. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as the "evident demonstration of realities though not beheld." This faith is grounded in the observable evidence of God's handiwork in creation. Belief in God is both a rational response to the evidence and a faith that acknowledges the limitations of human understanding.
Overcoming Skepticism
Skepticism about the existence of God often stems from a misunderstanding of faith and reason. True faith in God is not blind but informed by the evidence of His works and the reliability of His word. By examining the natural world and the scriptural testimony, we can overcome skepticism and develop a faith that is both reasonable and robust.
Engaging with the Evidence
Engaging with the evidence of God's existence requires a willingness to explore and understand the natural world and the Bible. This involves studying the intricacies of creation, the moral and spiritual teachings of Scripture, and the historical and archaeological evidence supporting biblical accounts. By doing so, we build a foundation of knowledge that strengthens our faith.
The Importance of Personal Inquiry
Personal inquiry into the evidence of God's existence is essential for developing a deep and abiding faith. This involves not only accepting the testimony of others but also seeking firsthand understanding and conviction. Through prayer, study, and reflection, we can develop a personal relationship with God based on reasoned faith.
The Witness of Changed Lives
The transformative power of belief in God is another compelling evidence of His existence. Throughout history, countless individuals have experienced profound changes in their lives as a result of their faith in God. This includes moral and spiritual renewal, healing from brokenness, and a sense of purpose and hope. These personal testimonies provide additional support for the reasonableness of belief in God.
The Harmony of Science and Faith
Contrary to popular belief, science and faith are not inherently at odds. Many scientists throughout history have been devout believers in God, recognizing the harmony between scientific discovery and scriptural revelation. The pursuit of scientific knowledge can lead to a deeper appreciation of God's creative power and wisdom.
The Limitations of Human Understanding
Acknowledging the limitations of human understanding is crucial in the journey of faith. While we can observe and study the natural world, there are aspects of God's nature and works that are beyond our comprehension. Faith bridges the gap between our finite understanding and the infinite reality of God.
The Call to Reason and Faith
God invites us to reason with Him, to seek understanding and truth. Isaiah 1:18 states, "Come now, let us reason together, says Jehovah." This call to reason emphasizes the importance of using our intellect in the pursuit of faith. True belief in God is a reasoned faith, grounded in the evidence of His works and the reliability of His word.
The Assurance of Faith
Hebrews 11:6 declares, "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." This assurance of faith is not based on blind acceptance but on a reasoned trust in the evidence of God's existence and His promises.
The Pursuit of Truth
Belief in God involves a lifelong pursuit of truth. This includes continually seeking to understand God's nature, His works, and His will for our lives. Through study, prayer, and reflection, we grow in our knowledge and love for God, developing a faith that is both deep and reasonable.
The Evidence of Prophecy
The fulfillment of biblical prophecy provides additional evidence of God's existence and the reliability of Scripture. Numerous prophecies in the Bible have been fulfilled with remarkable accuracy, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and sovereignty. This prophetic evidence strengthens our faith and confirms the reasonableness of belief in God.
The Witness of Creation
Creation itself testifies to the existence of God. Psalm 19:1-2 states, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." The natural world, with its beauty and complexity, points to a Creator with wisdom and power far beyond our own.
The Moral Argument for God's Existence
The existence of objective moral values and duties provides further evidence for God's existence. Without God, there is no absolute standard for morality. The presence of moral laws suggests a moral Lawgiver. Romans 2:14-15 explains that even those who do not know the law of God have a sense of right and wrong written on their hearts, pointing to a divine source of morality.
The Personal Experience of God's Presence
Many believers testify to a personal experience of God's presence in their lives. This includes a sense of peace, guidance, and assurance that transcends human understanding. These personal experiences, while subjective, provide a powerful witness to the reality of God and the reasonableness of belief in Him.
The Hope of Eternal Life
Belief in God offers the hope of eternal life. This hope is not based on wishful thinking but on the promises of God revealed in Scripture. Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live" (John 11:25). This promise of eternal life provides a rational basis for hope and purpose in life.
The Call to Faith and Reason
God calls us to a faith that is both reasoned and robust. This involves using our intellect to explore the evidence of His existence, studying His word, and seeking a personal relationship with Him. By engaging with the evidence and developing a reasoned faith, we grow in our knowledge and love for God.
The Joy of Knowing God
Belief in God brings joy and fulfillment. Psalm 16:11 declares, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore." This joy is a result of a relationship with God, based on reasoned faith and the assurance of His presence and promises.
The Testimony of Jesus Christ
The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide the ultimate evidence of God's existence and His love for humanity. Jesus' fulfillment of prophecy, His miracles, and His teachings all point to His divine nature. The resurrection, in particular, is a powerful testimony to the reality of God and the reasonableness of belief in Him.
The Invitation to Believe
God invites us to believe in Him, not based on blind faith, but on the evidence of His works and the reliability of His word. John 6:44 states, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." This invitation to believe is extended to all, offering the promise of eternal life and a relationship with God.
The Assurance of God's Love
Belief in God brings the assurance of His love and care for us. 1 John 4:16 declares, "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him." This assurance of God's love provides comfort and strength in the journey of faith.
The Call to Worship
Belief in God leads us to worship Him with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28-29 states, "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." Worship is a response to the evidence of God's existence and the reality of His presence.
The Promise of God's Presence
Belief in God brings the promise of His presence with us. Matthew 28:20 states, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." This promise of God's presence provides comfort and assurance in all circumstances, strengthening our faith and trust in Him.
The Joy of Fellowship
Belief in God brings the joy of fellowship with other believers. Acts 2:42 states, "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers." This fellowship provides support, encouragement, and growth in the journey of faith.
The Call to Obedience
Belief in God calls us to obedience to His word. John 14:15 states, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." Obedience is a response to the evidence of God's existence and the reality of His love for us. It is an expression of our faith and trust in Him.
The Hope of Redemption
Belief in God brings the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:7 states, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace." This hope of redemption provides a rational basis for faith and trust in God.
The Assurance of God's Promises
Belief in God brings the assurance of His promises. 2 Peter 1:4 states, "By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire." This assurance of God's promises provides a foundation for our faith and hope in Him.
The Witness of the Holy Spirit
Belief in God is supported by the witness of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:16 states, "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God." This witness of the Holy Spirit provides a personal confirmation of God's existence and His work in our lives.
The Call to Persevere
Belief in God calls us to persevere in faith. Hebrews 10:36 states, "For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised." Perseverance in faith is a response to the evidence of God's existence and the reality of His promises.
The Joy of Salvation
Belief in God brings the joy of salvation through Jesus Christ. Psalm 51:12 states, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit." This joy of salvation provides a rational basis for faith and trust in God.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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