Religion, and specifically Christianity, is routinely attacked or questioned on the basis that its followers believe something written over 2000 years ago. We, the followers, believe something because someone else said it. We believe based on the authority of the people who said it, rather than having seen it ourselves.
Why is this a basis for such questioning and doubt? Is this not common among all people? How much of what anyone believes to be true or factual is not based on what someone else has said, upon their authority? Those who question Christianity have no trouble believing and accepting as fact that a George Washington or Abraham Lincoln existed or that Lincoln indeed delivered the Gettysburg Address. They believe this based on what they have read or heard, for they certainly did not see Washington or Lincoln with their own eyes. Nor were they present to hear Lincoln give the Gettysburg Address.
This acceptance of authority is not limited to historical figures or items. I have never been to London but I completely accept its existence. I even have opinions as to what it is like – all based on what I have read or heard. Some will say, “yes, but you have seen pictures or video of London on TV.†I’ve also watched “westerns†with Clint Eastwood depicting life in the Old West of America, that were filmed in Italy. These movies were quite convincing that the action was taking place in the American west.
Those who question will also say, “I have no reason to not believe in Washington or Lincoln, or to believe there is a London.†Well, what reason do you have to not believe in Christ and what He did and said, other than the fact you don’t want to?