What we believe matters. It matters because beliefs ultimately shape how we live; that's what Charlottesville, Virginia shows us. People who believe in violence may resort to violence. People who believe they are somehow better than others, that others are somehow subhuman, may act their beliefs out with tragic consequences. The terrible events of recent days in Charlottesville drive home this reality.
As a Christian seminary, Wycliffe College is in the important business of helping people wrestle out what they believe. We hold to certain essential beliefs, rooted in the historic Christian faith. We believe, for example, that all people are created in God's image, and are dearly loved by God. We believe that Christ calls us to love others as we love ourselves.
So why would we invite people to an event to discuss whether or not God is a figment of the imagination?
The reasons go deeper than you might think. Over at this week's blog, Wycliffe Program Director Steve Hewko says it's important for all of us to be stretched intellectually from time to time, to move outside of our intellectual silos in a spirit of humility. For it is in the course of doing so that we stand a chance of breaking down barriers in the pursuit of truth. Loving your neighbour means being willing to dialogue, even when you disagree, because dialogue can lead to understanding.
