I think everyone can agree with this comment, regardless of where they stand on the debate regarding the existence or nonexistence of God. The simple fact is that humans have always needed to feel that they controlled their lives and their environment. In a pre-scientific age, there were many things which they did not understand. They tried to come up with an explanation that made sense to them. God was as good an explanation as any. In many instances, I personally believe they got it right. But it is also clear to me that they often attributed inexplicable events to the handiwork of God, which we now know to be natural phenomena. I don’t think it is an either/or situation.

There are many reasons that men believed in God. But the biggest one to my mind centers on the two concepts of the meaning of life and fear of death. We all like to think our lives have purpose. Christianity at its best gives meaning and value to every life. Still, all of us fear that maybe this is all there is and when it is over, there is nothing else. Whatever we were ceases to exist and that is the end of everything. It is a scary thought, especially for the nonbeliever. Trying to grapple with the alternatives can result in a state of absolute terror from the existential angst that is involved. It is strong motivation to seek comfort in the existence of a power greater than ourselves that assures us of an eternity full of life and joy.

While belief in God may have been the norm throughout history, I personally believe that it is a weak counter argument to those who see the concept of God as a convenient fiction. I believe for many (if not most) belief in God arises out of a deep seated fear of our mortality more than anything else. Having said this, however, I still have a strong faith in God, based upon my long experience with the church and examination of the alternatives.

Even were my conclusion wrong, the authentic underpinnings of Christianity—things such as love, acceptance, forgiveness, charity, and all the other higher human ideals—when pursued with intentionality, give a certain harmony and meaning to my existence. Quite simply it is the right way to live. Alternatives pale by comparison.

Without intending to cast aspersions on those with faith (which hopefully is clear by now), the question of whether God exists or not, is not the most important one for how we live our lives. If we understand the kind of life and values exemplified in the life of Jesus and his teachings, and do our best to copy them, I think, each of us would be better people. The world as a whole would be a better place. Ultimately it is how we act that determines the meaning, value and beauty of each individual, not our individual belief in God per se.