Thursday, January 21, 2010

Faith

What is faith? Webster’s first two definitions define it as, confidence or trust in a person or thing; belief that is not based on proof. However, the third definition seems to be the one most people think about when they think of faith. Here it is defined as, belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion. When I think of faith this is what comes to mind for as well; this is because I do have faith in God and Jesus Christ, and believe the doctrines that back it up. I would also argue that it takes more “faith” for someone to believe in nothing than to believe in a God who created the universe.
Let’s take a step back real quick. As stated in the first paragraph I believe in the God and the teachings of the Bible and Christianity. This means I regard the creation story as more than a theory. But what about those who do not believe as I do? I would assume they fall under the belief in the “Big Bang” theory, and the theory of evolution. Back to my first point, I feel that it takes more “faith” to believe in this, rather than creation. Why? Well, let me break it down for you.
One of the components of the theory of evolution is how the world was created. This particular creation theory hinges around a “Big Bang” that brought the earth into existence. Then from this the earth cooled and life began to form and gradually it became the earth as you and I know it today. I realize this model is widely accepted, but I would argue that to believe this, you must have more faith than me.
The main problem I see here is the “Big Bang”. Have you ever tried to create something out of nothing? Think back to when you were a little kid and played with Lego’s or Lincoln Logs. The premise behind these toys is taking them and putting them together to create something unique. However, if you were to simply take a new set of Lego’s or Lincoln Logs and shake them up, nothing in the box would take form, because you can create something out of nothing. It takes a set of hands knowing what they are doing to create something incredible. For me, the “Big Bang” theory takes loads of faith to believe in, because it requires believing that something could be created from nothing, without a divine hand putting things into place.
Just stop and think about small details that make life possible on Earth. The fact we are the only planet in the solar system that can sustain life is incredible. The fact that if we were a slightly closer to the sun it would be too hot for life or slightly farther away it would be too cold is awesome. The beauty of the sunrises and sunsets every day is simply amazing. Every creature on the Earth working in harmony to make life move on is a phenomenon in itself. Believing that an all powerful being created something so perfect is not something I find farfetched. In fact, all I have to do is take a look out the window, take a walk on the beach, or just wake up in the morning to have the faith that there is something divine that allowed me to have life on this earth. It would take so much more for me to believe that we all somehow got here from nothing.