If we believe anything, there should be reason for it.
Humanity is the one thing that unites us all.
I think everyone can agree with this statement. That is an awesome thought, isn’t it? It seems like every day, we get increasingly divided. And no one focuses on the other person’s humanity at all. We’ve all just become caricatures defined by one opinion we may hold. Don’t get me wrong; I have developed many convictions that I stand firm on. But everyone has them. Despite differences, we’re all imperfect humans and should listen to each other.
There are two reasons for writing this. For one, it’s an outlet for me to gather my thoughts and attempt to interpret this world through the lens of my convictions. I figure even if no one reads this, it serves a purpose for myself.
Second, I want it to be a place for people to listen to each other—a place to openly discuss our worldviews and why we believe them. If we believe anything, there should be reason for it. I think that there are certain things that are absolutely true, but I don’t think it makes you less of a person if you disagree with me. So with that in mind, I want this to be an open,loving, friendly environment for people to be honest about their beliefs while being able to ask genuine questions to others about their perspectives.
I am a Christian and I’m unashamed to say that I fully believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God and faith in Him is the one true way to Heaven. Can that be bothersome to some? Yes. The Bible says it will be: “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Cor 1:18, ESV). It’s what I believe is true and the conclusion I’ve reached after pretty serious investigation.
Yes, I grew up going to church with my Christian family, so from childhood I was immersed in Christian culture. I made a decision to follow Jesus when I was six years old. So how could I possibly have investigated it without bias? Aren’t I just a product of my environment? Let me start by saying I am forever grateful for the church I grew up in and the family God blessed me with. I believe He guided me to see the truth of His word early on and that is awesome. When I was a kid, I had a faith that was rock solid. That’s why I connect so strongly with David Dunn’s song, “I Wanna Go Back.” It was a time when believing in Jesus was simple. The lyrics to that song say,
I wanna go back
To Jesus loves me, this I know…
For the Bible tells me so
At that age, that’s all it took. And at times I long for that simplicity. But I reached a point in late middle school where I questioned it all. What if this God I believe in isn’t there? I had so many doubts and fears about it all. But after a lot of reading from secular and theist viewpoints, I had to believe in God; no other alternative fully explains this universe and the complexity of it. If God exists, then the worldview I found impossible to explain away was Christianity. Now, after years of looking and studying deeper and deeper into it, not to mention testimony to the power of the Holy Spirit in my life and those around me, I am more convinced than ever that this is the one truth that explains our existence.
When I started college, I started being exposed to some other Christian points of view. I took comfort in the fact that whether I met Christians from different denominations or different countries and cultures, we were all united in worship of the same creator and savior. Outside of Christianity, I took a sociology class and world religions course early on, and they really made me interested in all people and what makes them who they are. It also solidified to me that nothing should be believed blindly, including Christianity. Research, study, and listen to others. The real truth will come to the surface if you look for it.
So, please share your viewpoints and question mine. Leave your story of how you reached this belief. Just be friendly. All opinions are welcome to this discussion. I want to hear what you have to say.
Convictions 
I have a similar testimony. I was raised in the church and even attended Christian school my entire life prior to college. Interestingly though, I was not truly saved until the age of 12. My parents loved me, there was no doubt, but the faith I saw in those close to me did not bode well for my convictions. I saw a very superficial belief system… one in which showcased the Bible-yielding, perfect family attending church every Sunday, but also showcased total abandonment of the characteristics which the Scripture instructed every other day of the week. I would hide in my room for fear of physical abuse from a certain family member while hearing the constant screaming of hatred between my on again-off again separated parents. I failed to see the unconditional love Scripture talked of, even in my own family, so I strove to live the “good Christian life” to avoid ruffling feathers without ever experiencing a true heart change. To be frank, I did not see myself a good enough recipient of Christ’s love. It wasn’t until one night at the age of 12 that I could not stand it any more. My parents and brother were screaming at each other and I was sent to my room. I pled with God to show me some iota of love in my bed that night. I was overcome with such a turmoil that literally threw me from my bed. I landed on the floor in tears, fighting the urge to end my my own life. Unyeidlingly, however, I could not escape the overwhelming love and value I felt in that moment. With that, I asked Jesus Christ to be Lord of my life and I was adopted into his kingdom that day.
Life certainly did not get any easier from that point on. I struggled to get out of an abusive relationship with a certain family member for years afterwards, even developing an eating disorder during high school as I still struggled daily to accept that I was “fearfully and wonderfully made.” My parents eventually divorced which led to more self-image problems. I developed debilitating social anxiety and depression as well as facing a few minor physical issues that continue to impact me today.
All that being said, my testimony goes to prove a couple of things. In spite of being immersed in Christian teaching from a young age, I failed to truly adopt my beliefs until I experienced it for myself. Secondly, my story after my conversion was certainly not easy or pretty. It was wrought with both internal and external turmoil. I still fought and continue to fight against my flesh to live the life God wants me to live. And finally, when first coming to a public university only a couple of years ago, I soon realized many people disagreed and even took offense to my beliefs. The wonderful thing about Christianity is the freedom of will/choice. God’s free gift of grace is available to anyone who asks for it, but the choice is truly yours. It offers freedom, eternal life, and constant companion with the creator of the universe, but it is still a choice. Why would anyone take offense to my personal convictions that offer such hope for every person? You will be convicted, I can guarantee that. Life certainly won’t get easier, but you will be taking on a new citizenship. Being adopted as a child of God offers such hope, and yes, much like me, you will experience a type of love that you have never experienced before.
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Thanks for sharing your story, Piper.
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