Faith

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Nasal and sinus congestion was restricting my breathing so much so that sleeping and even normal activity were severely hindered; prompting a hurried visit to the doctor. After examining me, the doctor prescribed some medications and advised me to use nasal spray to help alleviate the illness. Having faith in the doctor’s recommendations, without hesitation, I arranged for the medications and followed his advise regarding the nasal spray. I had placed my faith (and my health) in the doctor, a person whom I hardly knew. Similarly throughout our lives, all of us place faith in other people, institutions, and advisers. In many cases, this faith is not based upon scientific or concrete knowledge, but rather is a faith based upon the trust that the doctor or lawyer or academic truly possesses the knowledge that will result in the desired end being sought. Faith is an active part of our lives….every day. Faith is that which we give freely to friends, family, and even strangers. In fact, we cannot comfortably exist without faith.

With faith being such an important element in our lives, one has to wonder why Christians are subject to such sharp and deprecating ridicule when they profess their faith in God and in Jesus Christ. Yet the same critics who demonize the Christian faith, readily place faith in unproven theories, other humans, and in nature without the slightest hesitation. Those who do not believe in God demonstrate greater faith than any other group….they believe that the world was created out of nothing, without a creator. The universe just happened from nothing by nothing. Faith in nothing….that is faith in the extreme…or ????.

Over the centuries countless numbers of people have accepted the Christian Creed and have lived in the belief that the vision of the Creed would be fulfilled. Yet the question for many others is, “Why believe in such radical ideas as expressed in the Christian Creed”? There is only one answer– Faith. By a simple, sometimes soul searching, act of faith, people have come to believe in the mystery of God and His promises. Yes, a belief in God can be reached through human reason, but, in the end, it is the act of faith (trust) that is the conclusive evidence of one’s belief in God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Faith – the evidence of things not seen – is that which cements reason and the testimony of others in the belief in God.

When the eminent English philosopher and leader of the Oxford Movement in 19th century Britain, John Henry Newman, announced that he intended to join the Catholic Church and was harshly criticized by friends and others, Newman commented, “While I have an unfavorable opinion of many Roman Catholics, Catholicism is true.” Therefore, despite his objections to the actions of many Catholics, he had to be Catholic. Newman treasured truth more than friendship. Like so many others, he possessed faith in God and the Catholic Church.

“For the vision still has its time, presses on to fulfillment, and will not be late. The rash one has no integrity: but the just one, because of his faith, shall live.” The Book of the Prophet Habakkuk

Only 10 Commandments

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The peninsula juts out sharply from the mainland and is elevated high above the sea, with sharp rocks lining all sides of the peninsula as it pushes into the sea. Clearly one does not want to fall over any of the cliffs onto the rocks or into the sea. In order to provide the area’s children a place to play, the local populace had created a soccer field on the peninsula. However, the shouts of gleeful children were not forthcoming; instead of playing joyfully, they huddled in the center of the field, fearful of approaching the dangerous cliffs. There were no enthusiastic cheers of competition and victory….until…until the town enclosed the peninsula with a tall, strong fence. Safe from the fear of falling off the dangerous cliffs, the children played their games with enthusiasm and vibrancy. Now the children were able to fully realize the joy of playing their beloved soccer.

Man is also located on a peninsula, precariously wandering his way through the dangers of life. In order for man to fully enjoy his life, God has constructed a fence, which protects man from most of the dangers he will experience. This fence is The 10 Commandments and the church’s teachings, which guide him through life so he will not fall off the dangerous cliffs into the abyss of hell. This fence is not a series of rules and regulations meant to constrict man, but rather exists to enable man to enjoy life to the fullest in accordance with his nature and his destiny. He is free to roam the world with the same type of glee and enthusiasm as do the children playing soccer on their protected field. God’s fence is comforting and enabling; it allows man to realize his true potential with joy.

G.K. Chesterton summarized it the best when he commented, “”The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion, but, on the contrary, of its liberality and humanity. It is shorter to state the things forbidden than the things permitted: precisely because most things are permitted, and only a few things are forbidden.” Yes indeed, Only 10 Commandments! God’s tall, safe fence protecting and liberating man.