What is belief? All too often, this is an unexamined question. We simply assume we know what it means to believe. We accept uncritically that we all share the same definition of this word in our heads. And the result is that we often talk past each other when it comes to a discussion about our "beliefs." Perhaps if we sat down and carefully unpacked the layers of meaning that we are trying convey when we make a statement like, "I believe...", we might actually begin to get somewhere together. In fact, we may find new layers opening up to us that we hadn't considered before. Consider the following...
- Layer #1: Facts - The first and most basic beliefs are ones based on historical or scientific facts. It is a fact that Julius Caesar existed. It is a fact that America was founded in 1776. Gravity is a fact. DNA is a fact. At this "layer of belief" one doesn't say much more than simply stating what is true. There are no judgments being made. No opinions being drawn. These are just historical or scientific facts that cannot be denied.
- Layer #2: Convictions - Now we begin to get into more contested territory. We move beyond the simple statement of fact to conclusions one can draw by what we know about those facts, the historical context in which they took place, etc. Study the life of Julius Caesar and one should come to a conviction - good, bad, or mixed - about him. Study the founding of America and one will draw some conclusions based on those facts. Dedicate yourself to science and you will form hypotheses about gravity, DNA, evolution, etc. Based on the facts, one draws conclusions. And we often call those conclusions, "beliefs." I want to be quick to say that labeling such convictions "beliefs", in no way diminishes them!
- It is important to note that at this layer, convictions can be tested. Some convictions are more true than others. Some convictions are more widely held than others. Some convictions are determined to be deficient as they are put to the test. Scientific hypotheses are tested through experiment. Historical convictions are tested by how well they match and explain the context of the events when they took place. Personal opinions are tested through life experience. We should hold onto our beliefs/convictions at this layer with open hands rather than clenched fists. Not because we believe any less fiercely but simply because we humbly acknowledge that in the course of human history, new facts come to light that force us to examine and even change our convictions.
- Layer #3: Trust - Some convictions - through constant testing and self-examination - become so strong that we actually begin to trust in them. To order our lives accordingly. Gravity, for example, is such a conviction. It is based on fact. We know through testing that what goes up must come down. While we cannot see it, we can see the results of it all around us. There are few exceptions to this fact and most of them exist off-planet. As a result, we have ordered our lives accordingly. Or consider the alcoholic's journey to sobriety. It is a fact that alcoholics have certain biological traits in their brain chemistry that make them more susceptible to addiction. The lifestyle of an alcoholic often has a negative impact on their physical bodies and their emotions and takes a toll on those around them that they love. The resulting conviction is that alcoholism is a bad thing. This is a conclusion that has been tested and examined and found to be widely true. When an alcoholic comes to this realization and begins their journey to sobriety, they must order their life accordingly. They cannot drink. They cannot journey to sobriety alone. They must work backwards to make restitution. This is the foundational philosophy behind the 12 step programs. You have to trust your convictions enough to make a life change.
I am sure there are other layers one could tease out but here's the point I want to make. Jesus Christ demanded over and over again throughout the gospels that people "believe in him." John 3:16 is probably the easiest and most recognizable of Bible verses, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." So what did Jesus mean? Running it through the grid above...belief in Jesus can mean the following:
- Believe he existed. I don't know many who seriously believe Jesus was a myth. Most will acknowledge that Jesus did indeed walk the earth, taught the Golden Rule, and in general, represented the best humanity has to offer. Such a belief does not require one to believe he was God or that he rose from the grave or that he came to save us from our sins. It simply is a statement of fact. There was a man named Jesus. He lived two thousand years ago. His manner of life was so compelling that we literally changed our calendars to mark his birth.
- Believe what he taught. A second level of belief in Jesus is to take what he said seriously. To believe what he taught was true. That following his teachings is a good way to live your life. To share Jesus' convictions and allow them to shape your worldview. This is, as far as I can tell, where most Christians I've encountered in my life prefer to live. I am not being judgmental here just sharing my own conviction which is based on observation and life experience.
- Trust him with your life. This is the deepest level of belief and ultimately what Jesus meant when he spoke those words in John 3:16. This is the layer where intellectual belief moves to saving faith. One actually believes Jesus came to die in our place. One actually believes when Jesus rose from the dead, he defeated death once and for all. One actually believes there are no other options that lead to the eternal and abundant life than the one Jesus offers us. One seeks to order every facet of their life after Jesus. They find themselves loving their enemies, freely forgiving, pursuing reconciliation, and acting as peacemakers in the world. They discover new depths to love they never imagined. They experience a joy they cannot describe. They cannot help but seek to share this new belief with others. Far from being a "private" experience, it invades every corner of their existence.
So what do you believe? Everyone believes in something. Everyone is staking their lives on a certain set of convictions. What are yours? Are they open to examination and testing? Are they open to challenge and critique? I certainly hope mine continue to be and I am constantly seeking out relationships with those around me who will be honest with me and force me to examine my heart. I find it only deepens my belief in Jesus.