If I Really Believe, Why Do I Have These Doubts? by Dr. Lynn Anderson

Author:Dr. Lynn Anderson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Howard Publishing
Published: 2000-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

A Will to Believe

A first step toward faith…is to decide whether or not one really wants to believe.

Peter came into our lives over twenty-five years ago when Carolyn and I were living in Salmon Arm, British Columbia. This little village, which spreads picturesquely up the mountainsides from beautiful Shushwap Lake, attracts artists and writers from all over the world. It drew Peter all the way from New Zealand to work as a newspaper reporter while he gathered local color for a novel.

Because Peter was a world traveler with fine intellect and a winsome personality, his invitation list filled quickly. But we were lucky enough to get on it, and that evening with Peter stands among the best of our memories.

As we sat around the cheery fire, Peter entertained us with fascinating stories from faraway places with strange-sounding names. Then, toward the end of the evening, as the fire burned low, Peter grew reflective.

“If you don’t mind,” he ventured, “I would like to ask you some questions about your religion.”

Of course we said yes.

I’ll never forget his first question: “Do you really believe there is a God who knows my name?”

Even though my own faith was drowning in doubt at the time, I answered, “Well, yes, that’s what we believe.” Inside I was thinking, “At least, that is what I want to believe.”

Peter continued, “Do you really believe those stories in the Bible are true—that Jesus was born of a virgin and fed a mob with a sardine sandwich? And that after His funeral, He walked out of the cemetery?”

We said, “Well, those things do sound preposterous, especially when you put them that way, but yes, we believe the Bible is true.”

Peter grew quiet again for a moment, then observed, “You know, I’ve lived many places and have met a lot of people. I’ve noticed, Lynn, that most people are not happy. I have to admit that the few who seem to be happy are mostly folks who believe what you believe.”

Then Peter’s thunderbolt fell. “I’d give anything in the world if I could believe that…but I just can’t do it! I try, but my mind gets in the way!”

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