My Problem With Religion (Open Forum)
Tim Keller | November 9, 2003
Overview
There are two problems people have with God today: the problem of evil and suffering, and the problem with the exclusiveness of religion.
We’re all in the same boat here. Whether you believe in God or you don’t believe in God, you still have these two problems. Because they get at something that really is a problem. But the real question is, are they insurmountable? Can we find a way through them?
I’d like to give you something to consider as a possible way through: it’s important to see 1) that people’s problems with religion are themselves beliefs which in turn have their own problems, and 2) that Christianity has a unique resource for each of these problems.
Outline
1. People’s struggles with faith are often reflections of their own beliefs
When individuals have problems with religion, it often stems from their own beliefs, which may also have their own difficulties. For instance, questioning why God allows suffering is a belief with its own set of challenges. It’s important to understand these beliefs and the difficulties they may present.
2. Christianity offers unique solutions for these struggles
Christianity provides unique answers for challenges like religious exclusivity or the existence of suffering. It disputes the idea that all religions are equally right or wrong, proposing instead that they are all incomplete. This can be compared to the story of the blind men and the elephant. Christianity’s belief in Jesus offers a unique answer for inclusivity, and its understanding of suffering provides a foundation for empathy and comfort during difficult times.
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