proof

the desire for proof, tangible, reliable proof that something that we believe is true is universal. its interesting that the two major religions that dominate our world are virtually without proof. i can't prove the resurrection. my proof for the resurrection is reliant on proof texts from the book that guides my faith. my proof for the truth of the good news relies on stories of faith experience and how it plays out in relationships. my proof for the existence of God relies on experience and existential arguments (such as: how could the human body work the way it does without a creative force that purposely made it that way?).

likewise, the proof that the prophet of islam spoke the words of God in order to form a new religion is based on the book that guides that religion. the proof that the prophet even lived is based on writings dated hundreds of years after his life. the proof that he said what he said is also based on late-dated writings based on word-of-mouth history throughout centuries. the proof that jesus didn't die but that a replacement or a figment died on the cross and jesus went to heaven un-dead and un-scathed is based on a religious book. this is the impass.

it all came down to a lack of real, tangible proof in history class. it all comes down to faith. my faith tells me one thing, and another person's faith tells them another. the only way to make our way over this mount everest of disagreement is through practice. does my faith guide my life? does yours? this is the only proof that i can offer to the validity and the worthiness of what i believe in faith. there is no difference between my faith and that of my neighbor, except in where it is placed. the strength of my faith is fully hinged upon how it affects my life daily, and how it affects others' lives daily as well. this is my daily challenge. and i fail, daily.

i yell. i get frustrated with stupid things. i don't know how to respond with love to my friends. i don't even know how to love my friends. jesus said that even sinners know how to do that, and i don't. i wonder what i am... lower than a sinner, to be most pitied i guess. but, i do know that the struggle to live out the good news and to live in the kingdom of heaven that is at hand is worth it. how do i know? faith.