01 Belief in God

This blog first appeared in the Riverine Grazier, Hay on 20 Sept 2017

Have you noticed how hard it is to get volunteers for community groups? Even in the six years I have lived in Hay, some groups have closed, some have got smaller. There are some that have started up, but all seem to struggle to attract members.

Community groups are very important in towns like Hay, they provide valuable support, they give people a reason to look forward to the day, they develop friendships, and they provide a positive outlet for people’s energy. You can probably think of other benefits.

Churches are one set of community groups that are struggling more than most. Some may say they have passed their use-by-date and it would be good to see them all close. More common is the view that “church is not my thing”, I have no need for that.

But I wonder if something important has been missed. In 2013, Mccrindle Research reported 43% of those surveyed said church was beneficial for themselves and 88% said they were beneficial for the community. Churches must have some community value.

Church attendance is linked to whether we believe in God, and that has declined.

In 1949, a Gallup Poll reported that 95 per cent of Australians believed in God.

In 2016, according to Mccrindle, more than half (55%) of the population believes in God, defined as the Creator of the universe, the Supreme Being.

If God really does exist, if God made the universe and he made you and me, then it is important to take his presence seriously. Over the next few weeks, I want to give you some strong evidence that God really does exist, and explore the consequences.

I am very happy for feedback, on this blog, through the Riverine Grazier or catch me down the street and have a coffee and a chat.

Peter.