Debates on whether God exists or not has for long been a controversial topic. Most Philosophers believe that nothing can exist outside the natural realm (which means there can be no supernatural God). On the other hand, religious leaders say this is biased for the reason that, no supernatural evidence could convince otherwise. This essay is based on responses from a Catholic priest on questions formed from two readings: Why I am not a Christian' and Age of Reason" by Russell and Paine respectively. Both readings have controversial aspects of Christianity and existence of God. The catholic priest responses are calculatedly based on the Bible and are very satisfactory.
The first question Is how the priest makes sense of the problem of evil and the Russell statement that faith is rooted in fear.' In response, the priests disagree with Russell's statement that blames Christianity for the troubles that human's face and particularly erosion in morality. He states that God realized that human doesn't like being forced into doing things and since he is a just God he gave them free will to choose to do evil or good. That does not mean the wish of God is that evil exists but that will is more important. On fear, he answered that on the contrary to Russell's belief, Christianity takes us away from fear. A person without God always fears what the future holds, especially after death. The priest responses are convincing because they are based on real life experience.
The second question on how to respond to Paine pronouncement that mind is my church, the priest insisted that Christians are one body and one spirit and they must worship together. Coming together helps them speak the same thing and drives away divisions and perfectly joins them together. He quoted Mathew 12: 25 which says A house divided against itself will not stand.' The priest responses in this instance were purely based on the bible's teachings. He even goes further and quotes it directly. He concluded by saying that one should not receive any other gospel than that which is contained in the scriptures. This can be said to be more convincing to a Christian than a non-believer.
On how he can respond to Russell's statement that blames Christianity for the trouble of humankind, particular erosion of morality and instead offers great faith of intelligence of people to provide a moral compass. The priest responds clearly stipulates that the trouble of man starts with a man and not religion. The basic principle of any Christian's moral life is that they were created in the image of God and therefore, they bear the dignity of their creator. It is God who gives the gift of intelligence which helps human to understand how they should act. Therefore, only the impact of the original sin that darkens man's mind and weaken the will that inclines man to sin. Therefore, their so no faith of intelligence of people that can provide a moral compass. The response to this question though not that convincing is coherent with the question.
On whether the church is human invention set up to terrify and enslave humankind as Thomas Paine said, the Priest downplays this. He states that church is not meant to enslave or terrify humanity but rather bring them closer to each other and their creator. Church provide a unique opportunity for believers to see what God is doing to his people both locally and globally. Also, if people were not going to church, Christianity would not be powerful as it is now. Church has helped the Christian community to spread the word in all corners of the world. And last but not least, meeting other believers in church helps Christians face their challenges and also encourage others. In this point, the answers were fully convincing, and one can conclude that a church is important for any religion and is not meant to enslave or terrify.
The last was a deep question I have with life and God, and it is If God says he is all merciful and loves us why is there judgment in the end?' In response, the priest says that God loves us so much and is so merciful that's why he allows us to choose between heaven and hell. This sounds radical, but it is true because God respects our freedom so much that he can enable us to choose something that is not good for us. Love does not mean that things are always clean or friendly, it means choosing what is best for the other despite what it might cost oneself. If a man would be forced to love God, they could not love him with all their heart, but when they choose to love him, then true love exists. This response leaves no doubts because it is so convincing.
From the priest's responses, the most important things I have learned is human will. That God does not force anyone to follow him but allows a man to choose between good and evil. I have also learned that going to church is crucial because it makes the religion more powerful and stronger. All the questions were well answered by the priest despite the fact that some still lead to other questions. The responses have made me think differently about readings and still believe that church is an integral part of religion and God exists.
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