Christianity claims to give an account of facts—to tell you what the real universe is like. Its account of the universe may be true, or it may not, and once the question is really before you, then your natural inquisitiveness must make you want to know the answer. If Christianity is untrue, then no honest man will want to believe it, however helpful it might be: if it is true, every honest man will want to believe it, even if it gives him no help at all. I found this quote from C.S. Lewis in an essay entitled
Man or Rabbit? (from
God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics). At New Hope we believe that there is real and absolute truth, that this truth can be found in the Bible, and that our daily lives and choices ought to reflect that truth.
Lewis' essay is a response to the question, “Can’t you lead a good life without believing in Christianity?” The whole article is worth reading, but here is his powerful conclusion:
“When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Cor. 8:10). The idea of reaching “a good life” without Christ is based on a double error. Firstly, we cannot do it; and secondly, in setting up “a good life” as our final goal, we have missed the very point of our existence. Morality is a mountain which we cannot climb by our own efforts; and if we could we should only perish in the ice and unbreathable air of the summit, lacking those wings with which the rest of the journey has to be accomplished. For it is from there that the real ascent begins. The ropes and axes are “done away” and the rest is a matter of flying.
Anne Muehleck, who sings regularly in our New Hope Band, let me know that the Linfield choirs will be performing this weekend. The jazz groups are playing and singing tonight at 8:00 p.m., and the Concert Choir is singing on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. Both concerts will be held in Ice Auditorium (Melrose Hall) at the Linfield campus. 
