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Faith: The Simplest Answer

27/08/2025

When it comes to life's biggest questions — Where did we come from? Why is there something instead of nothing? What gives life meaning? — people often imagine they need complex theories, advanced science, or endless philosophy to find answers. But sometimes, the truth is much simpler.

Two great minds in history — William of Ockham and Blaise Pascal — show us why faith in God is not only simple but also the wisest choice we can make.

Occam's Razor: The Simplicity of God

William of Ockham, a 14th-century philosopher, gave us what's known as Occam's Razor: The simplest explanation that accounts for the facts is usually the correct one.

Now apply that to the question of existence. We have two options:

  • No God: Everything came from nothing, by nothing, for no reason. The order of the universe "just happened". Life emerged from non-existence, overcoming insurmountable challenges. Morality is subjective and temporary. Consciousness is a random accident.

  • God Exists: One eternal, intelligent, purposeful Creator brought everything into being. The order of the universe is intentional. Life has design and meaning. Morality flows from God's character. Consciousness is part of being made in His image.

Which is simpler? Which requires fewer unproven assumptions?
Naturalism has to stack countless improbable explanations on top of one another. Theism requires just one: God is the First Cause.

By Occam's Razor, God is the cleanest, most consistent explanation for why the universe — and we — exist.

Faith is not closing your eyes and wishing. It is opening your eyes to the reality that God is both the most reasonable explanation for everything you see. 

Pascal's Wager: The Wisdom of Belief

Centuries later, the French philosopher Blaise Pascal approached faith from a different angle. He argued that believing in God is the most rational "bet" anyone can make.

  • If you believe and God exists — you gain everything: eternal life, hope, and meaning.

  • If you believe and God does not exist — you lose little of real value.

  • If you don't believe and God exists — you lose everything.

  • If you don't believe and God does not exist — you gain little.

The stakes are eternal. Belief, then, isn't blind — it's the safest and wisest decision you can make.

Faith: Not Blind, but Bold

Put these two together and here's the truth:

  • Occam's Razor shows us God is the simplest explanation for reality.

  • Pascal's Wager shows us believing in Him is the wisest choice for eternity.

Faith is not closing your eyes and wishing. It is opening your eyes to the reality that God is both the most reasonable explanation for everything you see — and the most secure foundation for everything you hope for.

As Scripture declares:

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1)
"The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" (Psalm 14:1)

The simplest answer is God.
The wisest choice is to trust Him.
And the most urgent moment to do so — is now.

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