(continuing from previous post)
For me, the defining moment was composed of 2 separate events. First was my reading of Josh McDowell's "Evidence That Demands A Verdict" which approaches faith from an intellectual perspective. Since that is how I tend to view the world, it had a profound impact on me. The realization that the bible was historically accurate was huge. (This was later solidified by my atheist teacher in college who stated unequivocally that it was possible to determine what Jesus had said based on archaeological techniques as applied to the NT writings.)
The second event was a service at a small charismatic church in which I watched someone miraculously healed. Of these two, the first is something repeatable (meaning I can lay out the same proofs to someone else) and the second is subjective and experiential. Since then I have on many occasions experienced the hand of God in my life and am quick to share these experiences with other Christians (and the occasional non-Christian).
At some level, the process whereby we "come to faith" is different for each of us. However, Paul reminds us that we have an absolute obligation that "if someone asks about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it" (1 Peter 3:15, NLT)
I feel strongly that we must not fall into the trap of "blind faith." To believe something without knowing why you believe it leaves you incapable of sustaining your faith and passing it along. It is also not sufficient to believe because "my parents did and taught me to believe." Each person is responsible for their own beliefs and their own faith. You can't believe simply because you "felt the Spirit move in me" as that could be the cold medicine you took earlier ;)
(to be continued)
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