Fake Beliefs

 This article can also be accessed on http://thebcalumni.com the unofficial web-site for World Harvest Bible College alumni.

Do You Really Believe What You Believe?

Ó2007 Scott E. Smith 

Many people within a religious or church community claim that they have a basic doctrinal belief pattern or system.  That is, they believe a certain teaching or set of teachings within their multi-faceted religion and hold these ideas, or dare I say theories, as absolute truth.  However, this supposed belief system is comprised of a world view that is presupposed based solely on what someone told them was true, or by merely catching these preconceptions from the society in which they surround themselves. 

            A true belief system can only be claimed by those individuals who have enough understanding to weigh the evidence for themselves by laying aside preconceived notions to determine truth based on a preponderance of evidentiary findings and allowing that alone to be the paramount judicature.

            This problem, however, is not limited to those who claim a specific religion or denomination; no, this problem runs much deeper than I, or anyone, can comprehend.  In all actuality, it undoubtedly transcends religions, denominations and societal lines affecting all who dare claim to believe in God, or anything for that matter. For instance, many people will claim that they believe in Macro Evolution, but when they are asked what evidence led them to this conclusion of supposed truth they fall short of an intelligent response.  You see, they are not placing their belief in a truth, but in the person or institution that propelled this theoretical concoction into their mind. 

            Bringing this back full circle, I would like to discuss briefly how Christians walk right into this same scenario even with some of the things they believe.  For example, many Christians will say things like, “Tongues have ceased to operate and are not apart of the modern church”.  Yet, when they are prodded into providing the reason that they believe this, they often quote either a solitary scripture misinterpretation or they quote what they heard reverberated into their susceptible ears by some unlearned minister in spiritual matters.

            My intention in writing this small article is not to defend the scriptural account or doctrine of tongues or any other Christian teaching. It is only my desire that we all TRY to alleviate our presuppositions to examine the scriptures for ourselves, especially when the Word of God remains inconclusive on certain teachings.

            Moreover, a real belief system is constructed only when you set aside previous theories, misconceptions, and Brother Tom’s Sunday School dissertation, and collect the evidence like a good detective to determine what is truth, what is half-truth and what is flat out lies from Satan’s domain. 

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11

“Many people catch their presuppositions (the basic way an individual views life) from their family and surrounding society the way a child catches measles.  But people with more understanding realize that their presuppositions should be chosen after a careful consideration of what worldview is true”