ADDRESSING ATHEISM: Is Authentic Faith Possible?

Can you believe in God without checking your brain at the door? We live in an age where atheism is on the rise and participation in religion is decreasing. “Just have faith” does not carry weight any more. Is it possible to believe in God today without setting aside our knowledge and reason? If people are to believe with authenticity, they must be encouraged to think critically as well as value their own unique experiences. The roots of faith today grow best in the soil of honest questioning. There is only a thin line separating sincere non-believer from believer. Our human limitations and subjectivity provide common ground for us to learn from each other regardless of belief or lack of belief in God. Within that context, an atheist will have an opportunity to view faith from a broader perspective while a believer will be challenged to use both mind and heart to grow deeper spiritually. By opening up to God in a broader fashion like this, we’re better able to open up to each other as well.