Some call Christianity a crutch that people turn to when things are too difficult to handle on their own. Others say Christianity is for fools and wimps who are weak minded and gullible. And some even call the Bible a book of fairy tales and myths created to provide the human spirit hope for life after death. I believe that the Christian faith not only appeals to a person’s intellect, but to their emotional well-being, and provides the groundwork for the most rewarding spiritual journey imaginable. Let’s examine each of these three areas to see why Christianity is unique among all of the world religions.
The Christian appeal to our intellect
Apologist, William Lane Craig, once commented: “The Christian faith does not call for us to put our minds on the shelf, to fly in the face of common sense and history, or to make a leap of faith into the dark. The rational person, fully apprised of the evidence, can confidently believe.”1
As I shared in an earlier devotion Christianity is testable historically and even invites any honest seeker of the truth to examine its source book, the Bible, to see if its historical claims are true. Archaeology has proven so many of the biblical accounts to be historically accurate that this field of science has caused even skeptics to respect the Bible. Millar Burrows once stated: “Archaeological work has unquestionably strengthened confidence in the reliability of the Scriptural record. More than one archaeologist has found his respect for the Bible increased by the experience of excavation in Palestine.”2 In addition, world renowned archaeologist, Nelson Glueck, exclaimed: “It may be stated categorically that no archaeological discovery has ever controverted a biblical reference. Scores of archaeological findings have been made which confirm in clear outline or exact detail historical statements in the Bible. And, by the same token, proper evaluation of biblical descriptions has often led to amazing discoveries.”3
So not only is the Bible a fabulous book of history, but as I have demonstrated in numerous past devotions, it is always scientifically accurate. Many of the greatest scientists of all time considered the Bible to be the most intellectually compelling book ever written. In summary, there can be little doubt that when we cast our lot with Jesus we didn’t throw away our minds but had them illuminated with truth from every direction.
The Christian appeal to our emotions
Emotions are a funny thing because they can be sky high one moment and down in the dumps later that same hour. For the Christian, however, the more he draws closer to Jesus the more joy and peace he can experience even through the trials of life.
For the non-Christian his coping mechanisms are very limited and circumstances often dictate his emotional well-being. Christians, however, can lead amazingly joyous lives by living in obedience to Christ. It is a spiritual law that the more we obey Christ the more joy we will have. As I shared in yesterday’s devotion the more we obey Christ the more we will enter His presence and (Psalm 16:11) tells us that: “…In Your presence is fullness of joy…”
And when it comes to peace (Isaiah 26:3) gives us the only sure-fire way to allow this emotional stabilizer to surround us. For we read: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Keeping our minds on the Prince of Peace guarantees us peace at all times.
Finally, the Bible has the antidote for anxiety and depression and this timeless advice is only available to the Christian. And while it may sound counter-intuitive (Isaiah 61:3) tells us when we are down in the dumps to praise the Lord! For we are told to put on: “…The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness…”
I can think of nothing as emotionally appealing than to be surrounded by constant joy and peace in the presence of Jesus!
The Christian appeal to our spirit
While every human being has a body and mind he is also infused by God with a spirit. Sadly, because of Adam’s fall at the beginning he, as well as all mankind after him, became spiritually dead. Only the Christian can have his spirit made alive again through repentance and faith in Christ. While all mankind has a human spirit, for the non-Christian it is severely damaged and marred in sin. As a result, fallen mankind can never experience a spiritual relationship with God because his sin has separated him from the Father. But the great news is that once he accepts Christ as Lord and Savior his spirit is made alive and with that he can enter into an eternal relationship with Christ.
(Ecclesiastes 3:11) tells us: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” All human beings have some sense of eternity but only the Christian can know with certainty, in their renewed spirit, that eternity is part of their very being with Christ. Spiritually speaking the Christian is on an incredible journey with Jesus walking with Him every step of the way.
To sum up Christianity is the most intellectually sound, emotionally appealing, and spiritually uplifting belief system around. All other religions and worldviews fall far short in delivering deep meaning and satisfaction in this life. And only Christianity speaks with absolute assurance of an eternity to come with God in heaven. My friends let’s rejoice in our relationship with Jesus – it just doesn’t get any better!
1 Charlie H. Campbell, Apologetics Quotes (Carlsbad, California: The Always Be Ready Apologetics Ministry, 2020), p. 58.
2 Charlie H. Campbell, Apologetics Quotes (Carlsbad, California: The Always Be Ready Apologetics Ministry, 2020), p. 16.
3 Charlie H. Campbell, Apologetics Quotes (Carlsbad, California: The Always Be Ready Apologetics Ministry, 2020), p. 24.
Once again Curt, I can’t thank you enough for your daily insight and expertise on the Bible. It has given me “legs” in many conversations and correspondences over the last year. Your efforts are being forwarded to benefit the Kingdom. Your reward is truly eternal.
God bless.