Bill's Story

I wouldn't say I always feel like a Christian. Sometimes I'm just getting on with the next thing that has to be done and that doesn't seem to have much to do with religion. But I suppose there's about three reasons why I keep being convinced by Christianity.

First is Creation. I am quite happy with science and evolution and discovering how everything works, but I just can't believe it all happens by accident. If I go walking in the hills or look out at the stars on a clear night, or I see a TV programme about sub-atomic physics or something I just cannot believe all this made itself. Of course you can't prove God exists but, to me, God seems more credible than the alternative. And then I think if he is really there, what does that mean for me?

When I first started to think about this I decided I had better try to find out more. I tried the Bible and someone told me to start with the Gospels. So I did, and I was just bowled over reading about Jesus first-hand. I work for Social Services and I know what people are like. There's a lot of idealism trying to sort things out, and pretty grubby political realism as well. But what Jesus said and did always seems to me to cut right through it all: if we could only live like that I would be out of a job. He's got it all: sympathy, realism, ready to put himself on the line, to pay the price, and it all hangs together when you take the overview. I think he's inspiring, and that's my second reason for believing: Jesus.

I suppose the third reason is forgiveness. In my life I have had to face up to the fact that I get angry quite easily, and then you can hold grudges and it ruins your life and your relationships. But in church every time you say the confession and then you are told you are forgiven, it is wiped out, gone. And I thought, that's the way I've got to deal with it, let it go, forgive. So I tried it. It was hard, but somehow I can do it - leave it to God and start again. And since I've been doing that my life has been quite a lot different. It does work. There must be more reasons as well, but that's my main three.

Back to Why am I a Christian ?

Think about the things that are true and honourable and right and
pure and beautiful and respected…And the God who gives peace will be with you.
PHILIPPIANS 4:8-9