Is Christianity an essential belief system or a philosophy?

Jan. 14, 2017

Gary’s statement

Regular readers of this column recognize that my primary objection to the teaching of the Christian religious belief system, especially to children, is that generally the teachings are presented as facts.

I recently listened to an interview on NPR, and the speaker was recalling her childhood. She discussed how she had lived in fear of doing anything that could potentially offend her Christian God. She was taught and firmly believed that if she did not behave in a certain manner that she would spend eternity engulfed in the flames of hell. I remember feeling exactly the same way when I was in Catholic grade school. Today I look back upon that time as one of fear, not joy. I suspect that speaker does, as well.

I also suspect neither she nor I would have experienced the same trepidation had these beliefs been presented to us as what they actually are — philosophical. Philosophy is defined as a theory or attitude held by a person or organization that acts as a guiding principle for behavior. Isn’t that exactly what religion purports to be?

Most religious leaders today would be uncomfortable with the term philosophy when used to describe their firmly entrenched religious beliefs. For them, their belief in a God and afterlife is so certain and unyielding that it far exceeds philosophical texture. But, certainty conveys that on some level there must be evidence to support those feelings. Religion offers none.

Extreme fundamentalist Christians are certain that Noah crammed two of every type of animal, insect and every other life form onto a boat. They all survived the “great flood” in perfect health, without eating each other, and began reproducing. More liberal Christians dismiss all of that as the fantasy that it is.

In fact, most religious leaders such as priests and ministers cannot agree on even the most fundamental tenets of their religion. I would suggest there is no similar group in existence in the world, other than another religion. The fact that no theistic religious sect can agree on its most basic precepts is acknowledgment that the entire basis for its existence is fatally flawed.

Religious groups would have an easier time attracting others by doing away with the threats and simply presenting their beliefs for what they are: theories.

Bill’s statement

“Am I a Christian?” Nicholas Kristof asked evangelical Christian pastor the Rev. Timothy Keller in his New York Times op-ed a couple days before Christmas. At issue was Mr. Kristof’s skepticism over long-standing doctrinal beliefs and whether his doubts preclude him from being Christian.

“Tim, I deeply admire Jesus and his message, but am also skeptical of themes that have been integral to Christianity — the virgin birth, the Resurrection, the miracles and so on.”

The question of “essential beliefs” has long been a challenge for Christians. Peter and Paul disagreed over Gentiles. My own denomination was born in a little event called the Protestant Reformation. Even within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), we don’t always agree on “essential beliefs.”

This is a concern. Jesus knew “a house divided against itself would fall.” Striving for unity among believers, within congregations, between denominations, even with people of other faiths is essential for the welfare of our witness. But there is room for doctrinal difference. There is room for conversation and growth. There is room for grace. “People of good faith can disagree on consequential matters.”

Rev. Keller offers a reasoned and compassionate defense of the foundational Christian beliefs raised by Kristof’s questions. His line of demarcation is the Apostles’ Creed.

“In general, if you don’t accept the Resurrection or other foundational beliefs as defined by the Apostles’ Creed, I’d say you are on the outside of the boundary.”

Rev. Keller stands on solid theological ground. Many Christians share his beliefs on the importance of doctrine. The Apostles’ Creed remains authoritative for most Christians today. But I’m not sure it is the best way to answer Kristof’s question.

If you were to ask me, “Am I a Christian?” I would simply ask, “Do you love Jesus Christ and will you serve him?”

Bill’s reply

Gary, scientists don’t agree! Consider global warming or ever-changing recommendations in women’s health or that fifth dentist who never chooses Trident! Should we ignore all science because of disagreements on consequential matters? The teachings Christians find authoritative are 2,000 years old.

Disagreements in interpretation are inevitable. As new scientific information comes to light in areas such as archaeology, anthropology or biblical studies, most Christians adjust their thinking accordingly.

We don’t agree on everything, but we agree on what’s important. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace, through faith, secured in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The highest form of faith is to love God and neighbor with all we are. I’m always saddened to hear of people, such as yourself or the woman interviewed on NPR, who’ve had a bad experience in the church. But you’re the exception, not the rule. Should we close the schools because some students have a bad experience? You believe our beliefs are foolish fantasies, but offer no evidence, only opinion.

Gary’s reply

Bill, the phrase “solid theological ground” is, to me, oxymoronic. There is nothing solid about it. All of Christian theology is based upon unsubstantiated stories and reconstructed history. Contrast that with global warming where abundant empirical research provides irrefutable evidence that it is both human-sourced and accelerating. Over 95 percent of scholarly publications between 2004 and 2015 agree it is man-made. The other 5 percent are likely paid to disagree.

Please show me any religious belief with 95 percent of religious scholar agreement. The virgin birth of Jesus? Maybe most Christians believe that, but none have a shred of evidence to support those beliefs. What you and they have is faith, and that is a wonderful thing. Nevertheless, in the face of all sorts of new and interesting discoveries about the origins of your religion, Christians continue to deny all of it.

Why is the fastest-growing religious belief system in the U.S. “none”? Many haven’t had a bad experience with a church. We simply don’t buy into the teachings just because someone told us we must or else.

Agree statement

While Gary and Bill disagree on the essence of faith, they do agree on the importance of living our professed beliefs with integrity.