Belief doesn’t defy logic: A response to Pastor Otabil

At the just ended Greater works conference, an annual conference of the ICGC, a Charismatic church in Ghana; one of the speakers–Matthew Ashimolowo is reported to have called for a special offering for people to sow seeds of different amounts based on what they expect to experience in their life.

Millionaire status $5,000.00

Seed of a thousand times more $1000.00

Seed of completion $520

24hour miracle $240 100%

life improvement $100

Seed of perfection $70 *$1=Ghs4.3

This triggered an outcry on social media. The General overseer of ICGC, Pastor Mensah Otabil is reported to have responded in a sermon to his congregation saying: “Beliefs goes beyond logic.

Logic will tell you what is probable or things being equal. Logic will tell you that if you have a thousand cedis in your account, then you can spend thousand cedis because that is logical.

Beliefs will tell you that if you have five loafs of bread you don’t feed five people.” Concluding, he said “Belief defies logic; stretch your faith” Now statements like this–“Beliefs defies logic”— gives Christianity and Christians a bad name.

It suggests our faith is illogical and irrational. In the name of faith we are being told continuously to fossilise our minds. But as rational beings created in the image of a rational God; it will be irrational not to relate with this God in a rational manner.

God makes sense and belief in him makes sense. God is a God of order and those who believe in him must do so in a manner consistent with how he has revealed himself in Scripture. In this short article, I’ll attempt to give a reasoned response to Otabil’s defense of the infamous seed sowing at the just ended Greater works conference. Before I present my thoughts; let’s first define a few terms.

Among many definitions, I will use what’s relevant to the discussion: B

elief: “conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence”

Logic: Logic is the science of deriving truth through the analysis of facts either directly (deductively) or indirectly (inductively). From these definitions, I will argue that Christian belief is logical. I will explain. You see, Christianity is not a collection of irrational thoughts stringed together for people to believe.

Christianity presents propositions rooted in historical evidence to be examined so one can arrive at a logical conclusion of their veracity. We see this clearly evidenced in the opening words of Luke’s gospel.

“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught (Luke 1:1-4).”

Luke’s words point us to the fact that Christian beliefs are coherent, logical and can be examined. Why did Luke write? so his recipient will come to a certainty–a conviction—of Christian beliefs.

These beliefs are rooted in history and eye witness reports. They are not fables that can’t be examined. The apostle Peter tells us “For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2Pet. 1:16ff).

The point is that, Christianity is not a blind leap into the abyss. It is faith based on historical evidence and in a God who is. Christian faith makes logical and rational sense. Paul consistently “reasoned from the Scriptures” (Acts 17:3). The problem with the so called special offering is that; they are not biblically consistent.

It is a clear case of merchandising the gospel. Again, what’s the basis for the said categorisation? The only justification will be texts taken out of context to defend this lie. We see this clearly where Jesus’ multiplication of bread is cited in defence. Of course, Jesus is God and it is logical that God can work a miracle and multiply five loaves and two fishes to feed 5000.

Unfortunately, it is such anti-logical approach to Christianity that makes people suspend their reasoning to believe in every nonsense shrouded in Christian jargon. And as I write this, many are defending this error, saying, “it is what you believe that works for you”.

Well, Christian belief is not subjective belief for everyone to believe what they want to believe. Christian truth is rooted in biblical truth. There’s no biblical justification for the so called seed sowing that took place. It is false Christianity; a lie and fraud.

A friend aptly describes the situation: “We are teaching people that they don’t have to follow the natural principles of work and earning.

Even the Bible teaches that if you don’t work don’t eat. Paying $ 5000 to become a millionaire is called lottery, it has no place in Christianity”