Is it Rational to Have Faith?

The name of this blog is Rational Faith. Critics would say that there is no such thing as rational faith, only blind faith. It’s the proverbial leap into the dark. But is it? Is there any connection between faith and reason?

So called “blind” faith is usually shown to be utter foolishness. The Emperor’s New Clothes by Hans Cristian Anderson is a comical illustration that comes to mind. Two charlatan weavers convince the townsfolk that they can weave clothing that is invisible to people who are unfit for their positions. People who are incompetent and dull will not be able to see the clothing. The weavers are hired to make new clothes for the emperor. Threads, buttons, and materials are never seen during the making of the new clothes. Ashamed to say that they could no see the clothes for fear of being called dumb and convinced that something existed that could not be proved, the people believed a lie. It wasn’t until the emperor marched down main street in his birthday suit that a child finally cried out, “He isn’t wearing any clothes”. Blind faith is foolishness.

What is the difference then between belief and make-believe? What is the difference between a little girl who make believes a pet unicorn that sleeps in her room and a person who says God exists? Are they not both the same, just a silly blind faith? The answer is no. Reason makes the difference.

In the case of make believe or “blind” faith there is no evidence whatsoever that Sally’s make-believe pet unicorn exists. No food is ever eaten by the unicorn. There are no sounds heard. No mess left behind. No hoof prints, nothing. However, faith in the existence of God is based on reason, a rational faith. There are the laws of logic that says the universe cannot come from nothing. The “fingerprints” of God have been left behind on everything from DNA to the distance of earth from the sun. Things that could not have happened by chance. There is the archeological evidence that confirms the Bible which in turn confirms God’s existence. There are the historical records and eyewitness accounts that confirm that Jesus of Nazareth was more than just a man, but God in the flesh. Logic, history, even science gives strong proof for God’s existence which allows faith to take hold and believe in what we cannot see.

Even in the Bible when we see great heroes of the faith doing the impossible, they acted not blindly but assuredly. When Abraham went out from his home country not knowing where he would end up, he stepped out because he had good reason to believe in God’s promises. With solid proofs God had shown himself to be just, holy and faithful. Abraham’s faith could take hold of that! Why did God go through ten plagues in Egypt before freeing the Israelites? He was giving good reasons for the Israelites to believe in Him and in their leader Moses. Why did God honor Gideon’s fleece test? To give him good reason to believe. Why are there miracles, archeology, history, and personal testimonies pointing to the existence of God? To give us some solid proofs that will free our minds and hearts to believe! Open your heart and mind. The proof is there, it’s time to believe. This is rational faith.