Why Christianity?
What follows is just some thoughts that have contributed to my current belief in Christianity being accurate. This being as opposed to other major world religions and is done in response to 3unitz and anyone else that would like to read along
At it's base, Christianity is about Christ, who he was and what he means for Earth. We have 3 options when addressing the person and nature of Christ.
1. He was a liar
2. He was a lunatic
3. He was who he said he was (savior of the world)
Some of you may have heard this before. It's a pretty old line of thought now (originally posed by C.S. Lewis if memory serves)
1. Position number one leaves a lot of questions open. Why would someone who knew they were lying, willingly go to their death for what they were saying (especially the sort of death that Christ went through)? What agenda did they have? How could a natural man, and a liar, rise from the dead? For these reasons, I find position one to be reasonably illogical unless it can be shown that there was an underlying motivation going on. I am yet to see such an idea proposed (at least with any credibility) and so I feel safe dismissing Jesus as a liar.
2nd position to we look at Jesus being a lunatic. That is, a man who claimed to be the savior of the world, who earnestly believed he was, but ultimately was not in touch with reality and certainly was not who he claimed to be. Problem with this is that there is nothing to suggest that Jesus did have psychological problems. From what we know of him, he maintained deep meaningful relationships, exhibited no inappropriate emotions and had pretty insightful comments make about humanity and its nature. We also have in play the claims that Jesus performed miracles, and rose from the dead. If he was merely a lunatic, one has to wonder how he did this things, or why it would be suggested that he did if he did not. We have another problem with the lunatic idea and that is the belief in him by his followers seems unwarranted if he was a lunatic. After all, who would follow a lunatic around, proclaim that he is Lord and go to their graves for it? Again we arrive at the same problems - they were liars, lunatics, or truthful in their beliefs. For these reasons, I also dismiss the notion that Jesus was a lunatic
3rd position is that Jesus was who he said he was - The Son of God, and the Savior of the world. If Jesus did perform miracles, was raised from the dead, claimed to be God, and could not have fallen into one the two above scenarios, I don't have too much trouble believing him.
Now apart from those points surrounding Jesus, we have some other issues when it comes to Christianity and that is that it claims to be the only way to God. In a time where we try to be politically correct in everything we say, such a point of view is seen as pretty arrogant. I think you will find however that many major world religions are exclusive in what they believe - that is, that they are the only truthful answer/solution. This can be put down to the fact that truth is exclusive by nature I suppose but it still presents a fairly reasonable objection for many people today. I personally have bigger objections to the claim that every persons belief is just as correct and truthful. The only way that such a claim could be reasonable in my mind is if there is no ultimate truth at all.
The bible itself has been shown to be astoundingly accurate in its records of history. Archeological digs and excavations has only confirmed what has been recorded in the bible. Any points where you feel evidence points away from current historical findings would certainly be worth our discussion
Biblical accounts hold together remarkably well, despite being from different authors. This lends itself to the authenticity of what they were reporting. (such as the events surrounding Christs death and resurrection)
My last point is not a proof for others but testimony on my behalf. In this way I don't expect it to be a convincing arguments of sorts, but it certainly is compelling for me and contributes to my belief in Christianity. I can attest that Christianity is true because I have experienced it. I have watched as biblical principles have been proven true time and time again. I have seen miracles. I have experienced the change in which Christianity has brought about both in myself and others.
Does this mean I don't have doubts? Of course not! I have many doubts, many of which I have discussed (sometimes painfully) with the people on these boards. In the end however, I realize that I will never have all of the answers and need to make a choice. Currently that choice is to believe and put my faith in Christianity - despite still having areas of unbelief.
I hope this goes someway, in at least providing some outline of why I currently believe in Christianity as opposed to other religions 3unitz. Here's hoping that it will lead to some productive discussion eh?