@ Benjamin Williamson: I completely agree!! I was taught that when speaking on Faith, one should avoid at all costs basing it on emotion.  Because emotion, as science can offer, is merely a set of complex chemical reactions in the body etc… Christian Faith, on the other hand, can be described as also an intellectual Faith. One that can stand to the rigor of any argument against it.  That to me is why, as I have read, that atheists will no long debate William Craig.  These atheist say, “It is like arguing against a brick wall!” I say exactly!! It is a brick wall.  And that brick wall is called Truth and Jesus spoke the Truth. Praise Jesus!

With respect to the verse Proverbs 23:7..."as a man thinks, so is he...”. I for one, must admit I have used this out of context for years. If one were to read this verse in its context among verses 6 through 9, one can see this verse has to do with hidden motives of a self confident fool...someone who is not sincere...it is not wise to partake of his/her table…
-Just a thought-

I think personally that the valuable use of the Christian mind has significantly diminished. It almost seems to me that the use of the term “faith” has no longer any intellectual basis, but is merely an emotional idea that helps us get through life. I can somewhat understand why skeptics accuse Christians of just using faith as an emotional crutch. Although they are incorrect, I think a lot of has to do with the methodology Christians use when articulating their faith to others. Of course there will always be those who have an a priori prejudice of the Christian faith, but I think there are many people who would really be interested in hearing about our faith, if we would just take the time to really study up on why we believe what we believe, and consequently I believe more will eventually come to Christ.

This topic moves us to consider where we are in Christ. Are we able to articulate why we believe the way we do and what motivates us to do so? Reason should drive us to want to speak of our faith to those who ask why. The bible is the true word of God. Why is it there are so many who do not believe and have not read but who are the first to say “it’s full of contradictions”?

A very interesting talk and something that I am glad to hear as being a Chrisitan, I find it difficult to articulate what I want to say when faced with questions or debates on faith. It is easy enough to think of what I want to say in my head and what I write down, but the next step is to convey through speech to others.