Michael Novak writes about the idea that belief is a crutch for those who need psychological comfort, over at First Things. Does belief provide a simple, comfortable explanation for the way the world works? Not so, he says:
It is the believer who suffers great pain internally in coming face to face with horrid poverty in Haiti, and in the heat of swarming, overcrowded Bangladesh, and with images of human brutality and sadism, generation after generation. For the believer holds that God is good—all-seeing, all-powerful—and yet he allows so much human suffering to continue.Who feels in tumult internally about evil in the world—the believer or the unbeliever? [...] If it is comfort that you seek, do not go to belief.
That’s an interesting way to look at things. There is, of course, great comfort in believing that God is ultimately in control. But that’s a pretty long-term hope, and one that can be excruciatingly difficult to reconcile with what we see and experience each day.
For that matter, there’s over a year’s worth of posts and comments on this blog alone that testifies to the difficulty of figuring out what to make of this fallen world, and how we are to live as Christians in it. If Christianity is a psychological crutch that’s supposed to make me feel better about what I see on the news each day… well, I guess it’s not a very good crutch.
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August 3, 2006 at 01:24
I do not think christianity is a crutch. I do not believe it is the solution to all human suffering. I do not believe it will give us the answer to why there is human suffering. I believe it will give us a way to help us deal with the reality that human suffering exists. We do not understand the way the world turns, nor should we. That is for our creator to understand and control. No human can handle this task alone. We must put this task upon our creator, for it is too much for us as humans to bear. There is no solution to these things that we can understand, and that is where our faith comes in. For there is a greater plan than our human minds can understand. That is the stuff of faith. Pray that our Lord has mercy where it is needed,for what else can we do?
August 3, 2006 at 06:33
In this world where everyone is lame, spiritually speaking, faith in Christ gives us the ability to jump up, walk & run. Jesus doesn’t provide any mere crutch – He gives us new legs!
August 3, 2006 at 08:05
It is not Belief alone that makes life and living worthwhile. It is the Object of belief that determines value, accuracy, and meaning.
Since humans, locked in an ego-centric predicament, cannot invent criteria higher than their eye-brows, they need to locate non-manmade (God-made) standards by which value may be determined. Otherwise, mediocrity (and worse) will rule.
The evidence for the Bible as God’s Word is overwhelming and worthy of recognition. Human made in God’s image, individual value, family values, civic representative government, eternal life, are just a few of gifts above and beyond man-made systems.
Additionally, those with damaged lives do need a “crutch.” Belief in man-made religions and philosophies won’t do when you need a real crutch.
The only-God and His Word will more than do! Amen
Joel 3:14 kjv
August 3, 2006 at 15:47
I believe having one’s spiritual ducks in a row takes a lot of pressure off the trials of life. It makes life easier in the sense that we know we are not facing our troubles alone.
August 3, 2006 at 16:31
I am not much of a poet, but in contribution to this subject, I would like to submit this poem I wrote in May this year. The point being that I do not in any way think Christianity is a crutch b/c life is not any easier just b/c you have faith. I believe it takes more courage to be a Christian that not to be. To save on space, I won’t type the poem a “traditional” form.
When the rain Falls
If the rain falls /On the just and unjust, /Then why be just? /If life promises to fare no better /If you pledge your life to God, / Then why do so? /If there seems to be no purpose /To anything at any time, /Then why believe in a merciful God? /There are no simple answers, /Only mystery piled on mystery.
There will be frustration, /There will be unanswered questions, /There will be heartache, / And there will be joy.
The Bible promises the weeping will cease; /That all will work together for His good /Whether we understand it or not; /Our changes comes from believing, /In knowing eternity will bring peace.
The difference is in allowing yourself to feel… /Feel peace, / Feel God’s love /Feel secure /Feel broken, /Feel healed.
The rain will fall /On the just and unjust, /So be just, /It will not make the sun come out, /But it will change how you handle the storm, /It will fill you with unfathomable strength, / And, though you may not believe it not, /You will eventually find joy in the mourning.
August 4, 2006 at 07:38
Our faith in God plays a key role in our strength in handling daily life. We need to do our part to succeed in life, however those people who have faith in God has more success in life.
There is a vast difference in between a believer and non-believer about their attitude when faced with pain and problems life. A person who has faith in God will not be shaken when bad times comes, whereas a non-believer may be faced with despondency may take drastic action to finish his life.
My faith in God has sustained me through many trials of life, it is a solid rope to hold on when faced with severe waves of life.
August 5, 2006 at 02:52
It is sin that seperates us from God. A sin-less world is quite incomprehensible, and I believe it has the power to end the perception of suffering, as well as alleviating its symptoms.
Perhaps I am overly idealistic, but my own personal goal is nothing short of the complete eradication of sin in my own life.
August 6, 2006 at 06:39
Hem….I don’t think Christian life is really a comfortable life yet our LORD Jesus Christ had give me joy in my life!!!
Though I have to face trials and temptation in the world, I don’t mind standing up for my faith when the world let us find our comfort in evilness or idol made of wood or gold!!!!! We, as Christian, do have a purpose in life :
i) Preach the Good News to the non- Christians,
ii) Be a good example to other people (it will be our testimony before they will be drawn to you),
iii) Show lovingness and encourage your friends when they feel down and lonely,
iv)Take time to know your friends and
v) Do take care of your actions you taken…...it will reflect and detroy the image of Christianity!!!!!!!
August 6, 2006 at 21:19
all comments I’ve read are good, and I do agree with a lot of what has been said, I too fell that faith,and my belief in God is what I make of it,what I call on it to be for me. I know that my faith and trust in God is keeping me, because in the midst of an unwanted separation from my husband, my Mom died, I lost a nephew, three cousins, and am about to graduate college…God has kept me sane enough to cope with all of this and not lose my footing.I know too that while in this “storm”, praying to God,and listening to Him have helped me to be stronger in my faith.”Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil for Thou art with me…”What I have to realize, and receive is the fact that I will have trials in my life,but God is with me to bring me through them,I don’t have to stay in them.Blessings to all.
August 16, 2006 at 05:59
“God doesn’t cause all the the things we don’t like. But he does permit them to happen because it is in this fallen world that we humans must learn to walk by faith. He doesn’t leave us by ourselves, however. He shares every step.”
This is my first time to comment on this blog and I want to share this. Christianity is not about having comfortable life but believing that God wants the best for us. As Christians, yes, we should expect blessings from God because that is what he promise us as his children, we would be heirs of his Kingdom. But this doesn’t mean living in abundance and comfort all the time. Problems and trial are inevitable but suffering is optional. God may allow problems to arise but if we choose to BELIEVE in his great love we won’t feel like we’re suffering. That’s is why it is called Faith ‘coz we choose to believe.
We should not expect comfort for being a Christian but rather security of knowing that GOd knows everything and he wants the best for us. We just need to trust.