Maths is Fun, Faith is better
Let’s say x = y
multiply both sides by x gives x2 = xy
subtract y2 gives x2 – y2 = xy – y2
which is (x + y)(x – y) = y(x – y)
divide by (x – y) and we get x + y = y
We started with x = y, so clearly y + y = y
Divide by y and we have 1 + 1 = 1.
Wait. Did I just prove that 2 = 1?
Most people will immediately say ‘that can’t be right’ and then struggle to explain why.
It’s a bit like faith in Jesus – there is no proof that can’t be doubted or disputed; and yet we believe. A clergyman recently suggested that doubt is a thing of emotion, suggesting that once the emotion settles faith will return. But I wonder if that’s too simple. Surely faith recognises the lack of indisputable proof and believes still – the doubt isn’t absent it’s just overcome.
God’s way has always been that a human relationship with Him is on the basis of faith: “Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Eph 6:16.
Raymond