Are Sincerely Held Beliefs All that Matter? 

 

We live in a multicultural society where persons sincerely hold conflicting beliefs. Naturally, we want and try to be inoffensive and popular. We don’t want people to think our views odd, extreme, or ridiculous. But being clear-headed, we simply can’t avoid some things. As the opposite of true is false, the opposite of right is wrong. It’s impossible for a statements to be true and false or actions right and wrong in the same way at the same time. That’s basic universal, unavoidable logic. We can’t communicate or even think apart from it.

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Some views are more accurate than others are as the number 40 is closer to 30 than number five. Some behaviors are better as respect is better than disrespect. But some are lies and disasters we should avoid. We usually believe what parents, teachers and others in our society tell us. We don’t doubt or question their authority until we hear something different with evidence to the contrary. So what we have been taught and believed may prove to be wrong.With conflicting beliefs everywhere on the planet, do we know our area is where the truth is, or only our teachers are the right ones. How?

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With this in mind, let’s look at some sincerely held beliefs of secularists who say there’s no God, Muslims who say Allah is God as revealed in the Quran, and Christians who claim Jesus is God as disclosed in the Bible.

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Some Sincerely Held Secular Beliefs

•   There’s no absolute truth or morals since all is in flux or evolving. It's just one opinion verses another. There really is no final authority other than each person's own opinion.
•   It’s a pregnant woman’s right to kill human life growing in her if it’s unwanted or interferes with her career. In fact, we would be stronger to dispose of the weak elements of society as seen in nature among predator and prey.
•  The Bible really doesn’t teach homosexuality is a sin. People in ancient times simply didn’t understand it’s a human need just like eating and sleeping. People can't help it.
•   Christians who say Jesus is the only way to God or Heaven are arrogant, bias, intolerant, narrow-minded, and dangerous. They want to impose their beliefs and morality on us.

Some Sincerely Held Muslim Beliefs 

•   Muhammad informed us that the angel Gabriel revealed the Quran to him alone in a cave. That alone makes him the seal of the prophets or final authority for human beliefs. Infidels must submit to Allah or it's better that they die.
• The Quran says slay the infidels who will not accept Islam as the only true faith. “Slay the pagans wherever you find them … Fight those who believe neither in Allah nor the Last Day.” Surah 9:5, 29 Muhammad's life is the model for ethical living and what advances Islam.
•   Muhammad admitted Jesus was a true prophet of God who performed miracles (Surah 3:49). But when asked to perform a miracle to prove he is a prophet also, he refused. Surah 6:109; 21:5; 29:50. 
•   Centuries after Jesus (570-632 AD), Muhammad denied Jesus was crucified on the cross. Surah 4:157.

Some Sincerely Held Christian Beliefs 

•  The Bible told us to be honest, fair, and truthful, love God first, and love our neighbor as yourself. Our neighbor being other persons in need.
•  Children are a reward from the Lord. Psalm 127:3. And the all-knowing God says homo- sexuality is sin and says so clearly in lists of other sins. Gen. 19:5, 8-11; Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Rom. 1:26-28; 1 Cor. 6:9-10; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Tim. 1:10; Jude 7.
•  Jesus not only claimed to be Messiah and God, but also fulfilled ancient prophecies about the coming Messiah and God. Isaiah 7:14; 9:6: 53; Ps. 22; John 1:45; 4:25-26; 5:18: 10:30, 33.
•  Jesus claimed to be the only way to Heaven and there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for friends. Jesus, in his humanity, died for us while we were sinners and His enemies. John. 14:6; Romans 5:8-10.

Evil or hurtful things happen to people and property when good people don’t speak out and take a stand against them. If there’s no divine authority above man who sets standards and holds us accountable, then secularism is right and anything goes. If Muslims can show visible, objective evidence God spoke to Mohammad, then Islam is right. Where conflicting human opinions, preferences, feelings and guesses prevail, tyrants arise and force their views, their truths, and their ways upon us. They decide who lives and dies. Therefore, it is imperative we have good, clear, objective evidence of the truth.

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As a Christian, I respect the right of all persons in God’s image to think and have their own viewpoint. We’re none perfect, or infallible. But I take my stand that the overwhelming evidence is with Jesus is God, Savior and the only hope for this increasingly wicked world.

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Christians believe God has made Himself known in creation, conscience and Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is the God-man who said He is the Way, Truth, and Life and no one comes to the Father except by Him (Jn. 14:6). He further said, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (John 8:24). That means eternal separation from a morally perfect God and being alone in darkness and torments forever. Jesus showed His claims true before skeptical disciples who know nature' laws and hostile eyewitnesses who sought his death. Jesus fulfilled numerous Messianic prophecies, lived a sinless life, performed many miracles, died for our sins, and arose from the dead seen by 500 eyewitnesses (1 Cor. 15). That’s visible, objective evidence His claims are true. Honest thinking persons have a sure basis to trust Jesus as their only Lord and Savior.

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Jesus' apostle Peter said this, "Men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know." Acts 2:12   “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 Jesus and His apostles (followers He sent with His message) cared enough to warn us of ultimate disaster. Again, it was not one man's statement always alone in a cave. These were public announcements of things others saw and knew to be true.

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If perhaps Christian beliefs make more sense to you than secular and Muslim beliefs, you would like to become a Christian. You may by commitment of faith to Jesus as your Savior from sin and Lord and Guide in live. Pray Lord, forgive me a sinner. I trust You now to come into my life and live with me as my Savior and Lord doing the things that please You. Also, you may link on to my articles and share them with friends. May U prosper in good things.
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