To believe or not to believe?
This is the title of an article published in Economist magazine on June 2, 2007. The topic is two recently published books, “God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything” by an atheist Christopher Hitchens and “The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief” by Francis Collins, who is a Christian and a scientist.
I especially like the point that the article makes regarding why some people believe in God and some do not. There is really little to distinguish the two types - they often have the same education and occupation. And neither can convincingly explain what made him believe or not to believe. Conclusion is that there seems to be some intrinsic feeling that makes you get it or not.
Funny thing, the Bible makes a similar point. Jesus says in John 6:44 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
It is the God who gives you ability to get it or not - there is no mystery. How do you know whether you have it or not? Very simple, the answer is just a few verses earlier in the same text:
John 6:40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.