Should we have realistic unbelief?
score:2
According to Hebrews 11:1,
Faith is the evidence of things hoped for, the conviction (one could use the word rebuke here) of things not seen.
It is not that one is called to believe a lie, but rather that a Christian is called to see "through and not with the eye". There is far more to this world than what can be seen. Faith is merely having the trust in God that says, "no eye has seen see or ear heard what God has prepared for those who love him." (1 Cor 2:9). Just because we do not see what is truly going on, does not negate the fact that God is still orchestrating a reality unperceieved by our senses.
Furthermore, as verse 6 says,
Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
As such, I would argue that yes, indeed, Christians are thus compelled to believe what may not be perceived with the senses, but is nonetheless true.
Upvote:1
Surely the question here is what is "realistic".
Few people would say that you should believe things that are false. The question is, What is the truth?
If you start with the assumption that miracles are impossible, then of course the rational conclusion is that you should not believe in miracles. But that's the question, isn't it? Are miracles possible or not?
It is obviously true that miracles are not common. Not dramatic, obvious miracles like seas parting or water turning into wine, at least. Whether they could be common if only we had more faith, or were better in tune with God's will; or if God's plan does not include more-frequent miracles under any circumstances is a big question that I don't claim to know the answer to.
Upvote:2
Daniel 3:17-18
17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
1 John 5:14-15
14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.
====
Thus, I think the question really is: "Is our 'unrealistic' expectation according to God's will or our own sinful desires?"
In the latter case, the unrealistic expectation is pure stupidity. In the former case, I think it's faith.
Upvote:4
I think we need to be careful with our terms here.
It is good to believe the truth, including a belief in God, and a belief in His ability to miraculously impact the physical realm.
It is not good to believe lies. You were not made for the purpose of believing lies, and it can actually be destructive to you physically (mentally). I think what Psychologists are observing is the destructive effects of believing what is not true, whether that be "I am a gorilla", or "I am going to be a gorilla tomorrow" (an "unrealistic expectation").
So in that sense, it is not good to believe in the "unrealistic." But it is not fair to equate the "supernatural" with the "unrealistic" or "impossible", as if all that which were possible must exist in the natural (physical) realm.
To the extent that the supernatural realm is "real", it would be best to believe in it. To reject the God who really exists would be extremely unhealthy!
Bottom line: Christianity is about truth, not blind faith in unrealistic fantasies.
“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” -Jesus (John 8:31-32)
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