Does history contribute/bolster faith, or does the past limit faith?

 I believe that history plays a part in both contributing to and limiting faith. I have certainly felt a greater connection to God since being in Rome. Rome after all is a very historic city that is centered on the Roman Catholic religion. The number of churches is simply astounding. Even more astounding is just how beautiful and magnificent they are. When being surrounded by all this religious history in the form of churches, tombs of bishops/popes and various Saints, and monuments it is hard not to feel a greater connection with religion, especially because you are experiencing it all first-hand. However, not everyone gets to live in or travel to cities like Rome and see all of these marvelous things. Many go their whole lives without being able to. Other factors such as science and the media have also contributed to people losing or not having any faith at all. It is for this reason that I believe that history limits faith.

We are living in the information age. Any question that we may have about any subject can be easily answered within a few minutes on the Internet. This is great for solving most of society’s problems, however, it is my opinion that is not good for religion. The number of atheists is growing every year. These atheists are becoming more accepted in our society because they publish and post their viewpoints for everyone to read, thus gaining more supporters.

A big reason for this is the fact that Christ walked the earth 2000 years ago. In today’s world, where many do not know history from 50 years ago, this is a stretch. Moreover, since Christ has walked the earth there have been vast advances in technology, which has allowed us to gather a greater understanding of science and how everything works. Theories have been formed that prove the creation story false. They have been proven in logical ways, ways that are easily understood in today’s world, not like that of the words used in biblical times. It is because of this that many people, even people that actively practice faith, have their doubts.

History has allowed us time to change as a culture. In the bible it says, numerous times, that homosexuality is a sin. Look at how little of time it took for us as a society to accept homosexuals and simply say it’s ok. Even if the bible says otherwise. Little things like this are what cause people to turn away from religion/faith. People have adapted to become more analytical thinkers. Every child goes through science courses in school that talk about the Big Boom theory etc. Videos between scientists and religious figures debating the creation story go viral on the web. In today’s world, thanks to time (i.e. history), people are more likely to not have faith or not be fully convinced. It is a harsh truth, but it was one that we as a society are dealing with.

I am a Christian; I have been my entire life. I believe that God sent his son Jesus Christ to die on a cross for all of our sins so that we could be reborn. I believe that 3 days later he rose into heaven. However, I would be lying to you and myself if I said I did not it least think once or twice about how logical the science behind the creation theories are. About the science showing how the earth is billions of years old. It is because of this that I think history has, unfortunately, limited faith.

I found it hard to incorporate readings into this blog post, as a lot of it was just of my personal opinion that today’s technological age has made it hard for many to see the light. I will end this post with a quote from Peters’ First Letter that I believe holds true in an age where so much is up for debate and the Devil’s temptation is stronger than ever. In it he says, “Free your minds, then, of encumbrances, control them, and put your trust in nothing but the grace that will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. Do not behave in the way that you liked to before you learnt the truth; make a habit of obedience: be holy in all you do, since it is the Holy One who has called you, and scripture says: Be holy, for I am holy…”