Do you believe in God?

Do you believe in God? What kind of God do you believe in or perhaps reject? What percentage of the Australian population do you think believes in God?

I went surfing on the internet to try and find an answer to the last question. It was harder to answer and more controversial than I realised. Here are some of the facts that I found:

“Fewer than half of Australia's Generation Y (born 1976–90) identify with a traditional religion, a three-year study of youth spirituality in Australia has found. Belief: 48% of Gen Y participants believe in ‘a god’, 20% do not and 32% are unsure. Two-thirds of those who do not believe in a god, or are uncertain, believe in some kind of ‘higher being or life-force’. Spirituality: Three main strands of spirituality were identified among Gen Y participants: Christian (44%), Eclectic (17%) and Humanist (31%). ‘Eclectic’ spirituality indicates belief in two or more New Age, esoteric or Eastern beliefs and/or participation in alternative spiritual practices.” (The Spirit of Generation Y project–quoted on www.youthfacts.com.au)

“At the 2001 Australian census 75% of people claimed a religious affiliation of some kind.”

“Most Australians believe in God. A recent survey found that 61% believe in a personal God, a figure that goes up to 79% if the idea of God is broadened to include a 'higher power'; only 13% identified as agnostic and 9% as atheists.[Christian Research Association survey 1995]”

Painful life experiences can shake our belief in God. A friend of mine was arranging the funeral of a young man who had committed suicide. In her grief and anger his mother said, “I don’t believe in God anymore”. He didn’t try to preach at her or argue. Instead he asked her if she would “describe the God she didn’t believe in”. She responded with a picture of a harsh, uncaring being who couldn’t or wouldn’t stop her son taking his life. My friend said to her, “I don’t believe in that kind of God either”. He then shared about the loving God he trusted.

Christianity is not simply about believing that there is a God. As James points out, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder.” (James 2:19) The Good News about Jesus Christ takes us beyond the general idea of a Supreme Being. It invites us into a personal and communal relationship with a God who can be known. This contrasts with the fearful sacrifices offered by many ancient tribes to please “the gods”. It also challenges the idea of “God the vending machine” who gives us whatever we ask for.

The Bible tells us that “No-one has ever seen God, but God the Only Begotten (Jesus) has made him known” (John 1:18) Jesus goes on to say, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father (God)” (John 14:9) Do you “believe in God” or do you know God in a personal way?