Answers

By   •   June 2, 2010   •   Topics: ,

Q:

I'm completing my first year in college, and I've given up my faith in God. The only thing religion has done for the human race is cause war and conflict. How do you explain that, if religion is true?


A:

I can understand your confusion because, unfortunately, religion often has been a source of conflict between peoples and nations, even to this day. However, instead of making you turn away from God, this ought to make you more determined to find Him.

Let me explain. The first thing you need to understand is that not everything that goes by the name of “religion” is true. In fact, much of what passes for religion can’t be true — because it contradicts the very nature of God, which is love. Various religions also contradict each other — a clear warning that not every religion is valid or right.

Let me ask you a question: Do you think Jesus Christ encouraged His followers to take up arms and kill anyone who disagreed with them? No, of course not. When Peter took out his sword to fight those who had come to arrest Jesus, Jesus rebuked him: “Put your sword back in its place… for all who draw the sword will die by the sword” (Matthew 26:52).

My prayer is that you will look at Christ — for He alone could say, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). He could say this because He alone was both fully man and fully God — God in human flesh. And He came for one reason: to tear down the wall that separates us from God — the wall caused by sin. Put your faith and trust in Him, for He alone gives us peace.