I’m currently re-reading one of the old books I’ve been keeping, titled, “The case against Christ.”by John Young. On this blog I will share a portion on the questions about the church in the hope to help and encourage our next generation leaders be equipped and be in love with reading.
Until now I still hear this statement:
“It doesn’t matter what you believe provided you live a good life. Sincerity counts more than anything else. Is it what you do that matters, not what your believe.”
Statement like this are common when people discuss religion. The trouble is they oversimplify, for beliefs and actions are tied up together.
- If you believe that gods are pleased by human sacrifice, then it is tough on your children.
- If your witch doctor believe that a hole bored in your head will cure headaches, it is tough on you.
- If the terrorist who hijacks your plane sincerely believes in this cause, you are in for a rough time.
In our present context:
- If people believe that due process is not important, then we are all in danger of being executed anytime, anywhere.
- If a social media user sincerely believes in bashing against all those who goes against political beliefs in a way of shutting up people from sharing their voice and honest opinions, then, our freedom of expression is suppressed.
Belief brings a great impact to our actions.
We are right to value sincerity, but false beliefs – even sincerely held false beliefs- can be disastrous. Indeed the more sincerely your “doctor” is about boring a hole in your head, the worse it will be. And the most sincere terrorist is the most dangerous of all.
Belief governs actions.
- Why was the nazis cause such havoc in Europe? it was because they believed that the German people were a super race, with a destiny to rule the world.
- Why did the american government cause such suffering by dropping an atomic bomb on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945? this was because they believed that this would shorten the war ( or that it would impress the Russians, depending on your view of history).
This connection between faith and action applies to everything. It is what a person believes that makes him or her an atheist, or a Buddhist, or a Christian or a Communist or a terrorist. Our beliefs are vitally important.
MCGONZAGA 