I was just reflecting in church yesterday on the discussions we have had on
the tension between faith and empiricism. Feel free to delete now (if the
subject line wasn't warning enough).

The Empiricist's Prayer

John 20:25 "So the other disciples told [Thomas], 'We have seen the Lord!'
But he said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my
finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not
believe it.'"

Jesus answered the Empiricist's Prayer in John 20:26-28, "A week later his
disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the
doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with
you!' Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out
your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." Thomas said
to him, 'My Lord and my God!'" 

So even the empiricist's prayer was answered, if not without some friendly
ribbing from Jesus in verse 29 : "Then Jesus told him, 'Because you have
seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have
believed.'" So unbelieving, hypocritical, pretend faith is not required. God
also responds to honest doubt and skepticism.

Rick Froman
[EMAIL PROTECTED]


---
You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]

Reply via email to