Faith is focus of weekend conference

To the editor:

Christians are often accused of depending on 'faith” rather than evidence. Is faith irrational? I would assert that almost all decisions exercise some degree of faith. After all, even science requires faith and belief in the scientific method. Oxford mathematician John Lennox refers to 'blind faith” as belief without sound reasons.

I agree that we should not apply 'blind faith” to important life decisions. However, rational faith is not a leap in the dark. As Lennox states, 'It's the exact opposite. It's a commitment based on evidence.” For example, it takes faith to fly on a commercial airplane. Though I don't have a 100 percent guarantee that I will arrive intact, my faith is based on my knowledge and understanding of flight safety.

In the same way, as Christians, we should base our faith on the validity and strength of the evidence. The Intelligent Faith Conference to be held Friday and Saturday at New Covenant Bible Church, Cedar Rapids, will describe the soundness of the evidence that substantiates Christian beliefs. Both cold case homicide detective J. Warner Wallace and Dr. Frank Turek will present considerable scientific, historical and philosophical evidence why Christianity is trustworthy. I invite you to investigate the claims for yourself. For conference details, visit www.servethecity.org.

James Klopfenstein

Cedar Rapids