Brief Overview
- This article explores the personal question of why someone remains a Christian despite having the freedom to choose otherwise as an adult.
- It begins by examining common reasons people might associate with faith, such as miracles, signs, wealth, or immunity from life’s challenges.
- The discussion rejects these as insufficient, noting that they are not unique to Christianity and can be found across other religions or even in secular life.
- Instead, the focus shifts to deeper theological and personal motivations rooted in Catholic teaching, such as the need for a savior and the transformative power of grace.
- The article draws on scripture and Catholic doctrine to explain how Christianity offers a path to eternal life and a call to live virtuously.
- By the end, it affirms that the choice to remain Christian stems from a profound encounter with Christ and the values He inspires.
Detailed Response
Why Not Miracles?
Many people might assume that miracles are a primary reason to stay Christian. After all, stories of healings and extraordinary events fill Christian history. However, miracles are not exclusive to Christianity. Other religions report similar phenomena, from healings in Islamic shrines to inexplicable events in Hindu traditions. Even within Christianity, some ministers exaggerate or fabricate miracles to gain followers, which muddies the waters. This suggests that miracles alone cannot be the foundation of faith. Consider the medical field: countless lives are saved daily through surgery or vaccines, like the polio vaccine that has spared millions from disability. These too are works of God, channeled through human effort and science. To focus only on church miracles would be to limit God’s power to one setting. Thus, miracles, while real and praiseworthy, are not why I remain a Christian.
Signs and Wonders as a Reason?
Signs and wonders, like miracles, might seem a compelling reason to stay Christian. The Bible recounts Moses parting the Red Sea, a dramatic sign of God’s power. Yet, today, nations cross vast oceans with technology, no rods required. Modern Israel, for example, has turned deserts into fertile land, feeding millions—a wonder of a different kind. These achievements still reflect God’s providence, but through human ingenuity rather than supernatural displays. Other faiths have their own tales of wonders, from Buddhist miracles to Islamic victories. Even in daily life, wonders abound outside religion—like the engineering marvels that sustain cities. If signs were the sole basis for faith, they could point anywhere. They inspire awe, but they do not uniquely anchor me to Christianity. My faith rests on something more enduring.
Wealth and Prosperity?
Some might argue that Christianity promises wealth and prosperity, tempting one to stay. Certain preachers indeed promote this idea, tying faith to financial success. Yet, wealth is not a Christian monopoly. Nations like Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, rooted in Islam, boast immense riches. In Nigeria, the wealthiest individual is not Christian, proving faith does not guarantee prosperity. History shows Christians enduring poverty alongside the prosperous, from early martyrs to modern believers. Secular people also thrive financially without faith. The Bible itself warns against chasing riches over God (Matthew 6:24). Wealth can bless anyone, regardless of religion. Thus, I do not remain Christian for material gain—it offers no such exclusive promise.
Immunity from Life’s Struggles?
Perhaps Christianity offers protection from life’s hardships, sparing believers from suffering. Some claim their faith shields them from calamity, a comforting thought. However, reality contradicts this. Christians die in plane crashes alongside others. Poverty, sickness, and loss strike believers and non-believers alike. Jesus Himself promised trials, not immunity (John 16:33). In fact, following Christ often invites more suffering, as seen in the lives of saints and martyrs. Other religions and even the irreligious experience deliverance from hardship too. Prayer, like the “deliver us from evil” in the Lord’s Prayer, seeks grace for all, not just Christians. My faith does not rest on escaping life’s pains—it endures through them.
Majestic Buildings?
Could grand churches keep me Christian? Catholicism boasts stunning basilicas, from St. Peter’s in Rome to local cathedrals. Their beauty can inspire reverence and awe. Yet, other faiths match this splendor—think of the mosques of Istanbul or Hindu temples in India. Architecture reflects human devotion, not divine truth. A beautiful building might draw me in, but it does not sustain faith. Secular wonders, like skyscrapers, rival religious structures in scale. If faith hinged on aesthetics, I could choose any tradition. Churches uplift me, but they are not why I stay. My commitment lies beyond stone and glass.
The Need for a Savior
So, why do I remain a Christian? It begins with a profound need for a savior. Catholic teaching holds that humanity is burdened by sin, a debt we cannot repay (see CCC 402-409). Christ’s sacrifice on the cross offers redemption, a ransom for all (1 Peter 1:18-19). No other religion presents a savior who bridges this gap between God and man in this way. This is not about miracles or wealth—it’s about eternal life. Jesus leads me toward a destiny beyond this world, a hope grounded in His resurrection. Other faiths offer paths, but none fulfill this specific need. I stay Christian because I recognize my limits and His solution. This truth shapes my choice.
Grace as a Transforming Force
Christianity also calls me to be the best human I can be, through grace. Grace is God’s gift, enabling virtues that defy our fallen nature (CCC 1996-2005). It empowers me to bless those who curse me, as Jesus taught (Luke 6:28). Grace helps me share with the needy, even when I have little. It restrains me from anger or selfishness in a provoking world. By grace, I can forgive those who wrong me, a radical act (Colossians 3:13). Grace guides me to treat others—rich or poor—as equals. It keeps me honest when temptation beckons. Paul wrote, “By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10), and I echo that. This transformation, unique in its depth, keeps me Christian.
Living for Others
Grace also compels me to serve others, a core Christian call. Jesus instructs us to feed the hungry and clothe the naked (Matthew 25:35-40). By grace, I can act selflessly, giving to those in need. It moves me to visit the sick or comfort the anxious. Grace enables me to pray for enemies, not just friends (Matthew 5:44). This service reflects Christ’s love, not my strength. It aligns with Catholic social teaching, urging care for all (CCC 1928-1942). Other faiths value charity, but Christ ties it to eternal judgment. I stay Christian because this call reshapes my life. It’s a purpose beyond myself.
Eternal Values Over Materialism
Christianity instills eternal values that free me from materialism. Paul considered all worldly gains as nothing compared to Christ (Philippians 3:7-8). This shifts my focus from endless craving to contentment. Ads push for more, but faith says Christ is enough. This peace reduces worry and greed, a gift of grace (John 1:16). Other paths offer fulfillment, but Christ’s fullness stands apart. I’m not driven by fleeting desires—faith reorients me. It promises a lasting joy, not temporary highs. This perspective keeps me grounded. I remain Christian for this eternal anchor.
The Person of Christ
Finally, I stay Christian because of Jesus Himself. He is the heart of the faith, God incarnate (CCC 464-469). His life, death, and resurrection offer a model and a promise. No other figure fulfills me so completely. His teachings challenge and uplift me daily. He calls me to love, forgive, and endure (John 13:34-35). This personal encounter transcends rituals or buildings. Other religions have prophets, but Christ is unique as savior and Lord. I remain Christian because He is my center. In Him, my faith finds its reason.
Conclusion
In the end, I am still a Christian not for miracles, wealth, or immunity. These are fleeting and shared across humanity. Nor is it about grand churches or wonders alone. I stay because I need a savior who redeems me. Grace transforms me into a better person, serving others. Eternal values free me from materialism’s grip. Jesus Himself fulfills me in a way nothing else can. This faith demands much but gives more. It’s a choice rooted in truth, not convenience. That’s why I remain a Christian.