Why do people believe in God?

Imagine I asked you to explain to me why you believe (or don’t believe) in God. What would you say?

You might say, “It is all to do with my upbringing.” You were brought up a certain way. You’ve adopted the beliefs of your parents, or friends, or your broader community. That’s quite a normal answer.

On the other hand, your answer might be more about personal emotion. Maybe you have decided to believe in God because it brings you comfort, purpose, or hope, especially when life is difficult. Maybe you have decided not to believe in God because you’ve had painful experiences with religion in the past.

Instead of placing the emphasis on culture or emotion, some people claim that their beliefs are based on rational reasons. One person looks at the existence of the universe and wonders how something could come from nothing. They see order, beauty, and complexity in the world and conclude that there must be a Creator behind it all. Another person looks at the same universe and is left unconvinced by the need for a God; they think it more sensible to imagine a creator-less universe.

In short, people embrace or reject belief in God for all sorts of reasons. It is perhaps a more personal decision than any of us care to admit. 

I’m a Christian pastor and I teach the Bible week in, week out. So, why do I believe in God?

For me, I think my faith is something that combines my culture, emotions and rationality. I grew up in a Christian family and was introduced to the Bible and the teachings of Jesus from a young age. As a teenager, I found a genuine sense of belonging and welcome in my local church community.

From a young age I wrestled with big questions about what will happen after I die, and whether there is more meaning to life than the here and now.

But those experiences alone aren’t why I remain a Christian today.

As I read the Bible for myself, I became convinced by what it says about humanity, our world, and our need for God. More importantly, I became convinced by the person at the centre of Christianity: Jesus.

Jesus was wise, compassionate, courageous, and humble. Yet he claimed to be far more than a teacher or prophet. He spoke and acted with God’s authority. He performed miracles. He forgave sins. He claimed a unique status as being from God.

Most significantly, his followers claimed that after he was crucified, he rose from the dead.

If Jesus really rose from the dead, then he deserves more than our curiosity. He deserves our trust.

For me, everything ultimately comes down to this question: did Jesus rise from the dead?

For me, the evidence points to yes. The earliest witnesses consistently testified that they saw the risen Jesus. They maintained that testimony despite persecution, imprisonment, and even death. The Christian movement exploded across the Roman Empire because ordinary men and women became convinced that Jesus was alive.

You may not find that convincing. That’s okay. My own faith in God sometimes feels strong, sometimes weak. Whoever you are and whatever your experience has been with faith, I encourage you to investigate Jesus for yourself. Read one of the Gospel accounts. Consider the evidence. Ask your questions.

Because if Jesus really did rise from the dead, it changes everything.