“’Believe’ when used as a verb with an object means to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so. When it is used as a verb, as in, “believe in,” it means to be persuaded of the truth or existence of something or to have faith in the reliability, honesty, benevolence, etc. of something. In the same sense that fairies are imaginary beings and unicorns are mythical animals, I also believe in Santa Claus. What then do I mean when I say I believe in God?”
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress is honored to publish EU ACREDITO NO PAPAI NOEL E EU ACREDITO EM DEUS: Por que Eu Acredito, the Portuguese edition of I Believe In Santa Claus And I Believe In God: Why I Believe by J. Lynn Currie. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
I Believe In Santa Claus And I Believe In God: Why I Believe (Spanish Edition) by J. Lynn Currie explores the reasons behind the author’s belief in God. Currie highlights the challenges he faces when sharing his faith, which inspired him to write this book.
To prove that something exists, it must be identifiable and measurable. Indulge the author for a moment in an abstract and theological consideration: Is God something? According to most, if not all, theologies, God is considered spirit. Spirit could be regarded as a thing, but one that is beyond our ability to scientifically examine.
J. Lynn Currie completed undergraduate studies in philosophy and theology at Lincoln Christian University. He earned a B.A. and M.A. in psychology from the University of Illinois–Springfield, with an emphasis on social psychology and research design. His master’s paper was a review of research on religiosity. Currie has taught at the community college level and has worked as a Job Training Counselor, Research Analyst, and Program Evaluator for various government programs. He has also served in the church as a youth group sponsor, deacon, and teacher. Lynn and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church in Decatur, IL.
Currie’s central argument suggests that believing in God is as scientifically and logically sound as not believing. While acknowledging potential disagreement, he hopes readers will consider that belief is not necessarily a delusion. He presents reasons and evidence supporting his belief, discussing the meanings of belief and God.
His reasons for belief are partly based on what he does not believe. He rejects the idea that something can come from nothing, that matter has always existed, or that intelligence, consciousness, emotions, and morality arose from inanimate matter. Instead, he sees evidence of design in creation and life, pointing to God as an autonomous, intelligent entity external to time and space.
Currie argues that the arguments against God are insufficient to negate the plausibility of a reasonable belief. He also affirms the existence of free will, asserting that the choice to believe or not is based on an individual’s understanding of evidence and faith.
If life has challenged your faith in a God who not only exists but loves you and cared enough to send His Son to die for you, let Lynn’s journey through the minefields of life offer guidance and direction that may very well help you reach the promised shore.
Book’s description in Portuguese:
O Sr. Currie discute como pode ser difícil compartilhar as razões pelas quais acredita em Deus, o que o motivou a escrever este livro. A tese principal é que faz tanto sentido cientificamente quanto logicamente acreditar em Deus como não acreditar. Ele aceita que você possa discordar de sua escolha, mas espera que considere que a crença não é necessariamente uma ilusão ou algo que arruína tudo. Com alguma discussão sobre o que queremos dizer com crença e Deus, ele apresenta as razões e evidências que sustentam sua crença. Algumas razões para acreditar estão baseadas em coisas nas quais ele não acredita. Ele não acredita que o nada possa produzir algo, que a matéria tenha existido para sempre, ou que a inteligência, a consciência, as emoções e o senso de moralidade tenham surgido da matéria inanimada. Ele acredita que há evidências de design na criação e na vida que apontam para Deus. Essas coisas exigem uma entidade autônoma, inteligente e externa ao nosso tempo e espaço, Deus. Ele também acredita que os argumentos contra Deus não são adequados para negar a plausibilidade de uma crença sensata. Ele acredita no livre-arbítrio. Uma pessoa pode escolher acreditar ou não. Qualquer uma das escolhas é baseada na compreensão de uma pessoa sobre a evidência, juntamente com a fé.
“I BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS AND I BELIEVE IN GOD: Why I Believe” (Portuguese Edition) by J. Lynn Currie is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: