This dialogue begins with establishing the necessity and rationality of accepting many views as true on the basis of someone else's (spoken or written) word. Second, believing blindly is distinguished from accepting the word of others based on grounds rationally justifying this acceptance. Third, various features are analyzed which make someone else's written or spoken word credible. Fourth, these features are applied to the Gospels, and it is shown that the manner in which they are written makes them believable, which implies that they picture Jesus as he actually came across. Finally, it is shown that Jesus himself as depicted in the Gospels is eminently credible, and that therefore, it is reasonable to assent to his message. These arguments are, of course, not sufficient to engender a "faith that can move mountains"; but someone agreeing with the conclusions reached must admit that significantly more speaks in favor of Christianity than speaks against it-an important first step in the direction of genuine faith.
This dialogue begins with establishing the necessity and rationality of accepting many views as true on the basis of someone else's (spoken or written) word. Second, believing blindly is distinguished from accepting the word of others based on grounds rationally justifying this acceptance. Third, various features are analyzed which make someone else's written or spoken word credible. Fourth, these features are applied to the Gospels, and it is shown that the manner in which they are written makes them believable, which implies that they picture Jesus as he actually came across. Finally, it is shown that Jesus himself as depicted in the Gospels is eminently credible, and that therefore, it is reasonable to assent to his message. These arguments are, of course, not sufficient to engender a "faith that can move mountains"; but someone agreeing with the conclusions reached must admit that significantly more speaks in favor of Christianity than speaks against it-an important first step in the direction of genuine faith.
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