Deciding to leave the Christian faith is not a light matter. As with any major life decision, it’s important to carefully weigh the reasons for and against this choice. Here are some considerations on why you may want to continue following Jesus rather than abandoning the faith entirely.
1. The Bible’s Reliability and Truth
The foundation of Christianity rests on the truth and authority of the Bible. While skeptics argue against the Bible’s reliability, evidence continues mounting for its historical accuracy and life-changing power. Archaeological discoveries, manuscript evidence, fulfilled prophecy and more point to the Bible’s divine inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16-17). If you believe the Bible is God’s Word, then walking away from its teachings means rejecting divine truth.
Jesus himself affirmed the complete truthfulness and supremacy of God’s Word (Matthew 5:17-19, John 17:17). He staked his whole ministry on Scripture’s authority. All the biblical authors contended for the Bible as historically accurate and the standard for doctrine and life. Before dismissing the faith, sincerely examine the wealth of evidence for biblical inerrancy and inspiration.
2. Jesus’ Resurrection
Central to Christianity is Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. After publicly dying on the cross, Jesus rose physically three days later – proving his claims to divinity and power over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-8). The resurrection sets Jesus apart from all other religious leaders and confirms him as the Son of God.
But did Jesus really rise from the dead? There are strong evidential reasons to believe so. Firsthand accounts from Jesus’ disciples verify his post-resurrection appearances. The empty tomb, transformed lives of the apostles, and growth of the early church all point to the resurrection’s historicity. Most scholars affirm certain facts supporting the resurrection.
Before abandoning the faith, honestly investigate the evidence for yourself. If Jesus conquered the grave, this changes everything about his claims to being humanity’s Savior. Don’t walk away without carefully studying the resurrection.
3. Personal Experiences
In addition to the Bible’s truth and Jesus’ resurrection, consider your own experiences with Christ. If you’re struggling with doubts, reflect on times when God seemed real in your life. When did you sense his presence, hear his voice, see answers to prayers or experience his comfort? Christian faith isn’t just a belief system – it’s a relationship with a living Person.
Your personal experiences may not convince skeptics, but they should count in your own decision-making. Don’t abandon a faith once vibrant and life-changing without reconciling it with your spiritual experiences. Consider if your doubts stem from unmet expectations or pain that can heal with God’s grace.
4. Christian Community
Being part of a Christian community brings invaluable support and accountability. Other believers encourage us, correct us and walk alongside us as we follow Christ. They model God’s love in their actions. Christianity isn’t just a personal faith – it’s meant to be lived out among God’s people (Acts 2:42-27, Hebrews 10:24-25).
If you leave the church, you lose this Christian fellowship. Feelings of anger or a desire to rebel may tempt you to cut off ties. But don’t neglect considering the value of Christian relationships. Pray and seek counsel before burning relational bridges you may later regret losing.
5. Unbelief’s Alternatives
Rather than focusing only on reasons to leave Christianity behind, also consider what you’re turning toward. Every worldview has its own set of beliefs. Is there a worldview without any intellectual difficulties or need for faith? Does naturalism, atheism, agnosticism or another religion offer complete certainty?
Before abandoning one worldview, thoughtfully examine others. Is there reason to think another belief system provides greater truth? Leaving Christianity means embracing new ideas about humanity, morality, the afterlife and more. Don’t take this step without exploring if other worldviews can bear the weight of life’s complex questions.
6. Pascal’s Wager
The French philosopher Pascal argued that when it comes to faith, we’re all gambling on our beliefs. It’s therefore wise to wager on the faith with the most to gain and least to lose. If Christianity is true, those embracing Christ’s salvation gain eternal life. Nonbelievers, if wrong, lose everything. But what do Christians hazard if wrong? Little compared to atheists if Christianity proves true. Therefore, it makes more sense to live as if the Christian faith is true.
Pascal’s famous “wager” should not alone motivate belief. But it makes the case that leaving Christianity carries more risk than remaining in the faith if it proves true. Considering potential eternal consequences can provide perspective when struggling with doubts.
7. Significance of Mortality
Facing one’s mortality often motivates people to seek ultimate meaning and purpose. The inevitability of death leads us to consider questions about identity, value and the possibility of life beyond the grave. While many ideologies obscure or deny death’s implications, Christianity looks death squarely in the face – and offers hope beyond it.
Jesus promises eternal life to all who follow him (John 3:16). His resurrection paved the way for our own. When personally facing death or grief, many find Christianity’s perspective on mortality transformative. Before abandoning the faith, consider how it comforts in the face of life’s depths.
8. Value of Absolute Truth
Postmodernism embraces moral relativism – the belief that no binding moral truth exists. But Christianity asserts objective moral truth as defined by God. This truth provides a fixed ethical foundation for society. It inspires commitment to justice, human dignity and care for the marginalized. Relativism cannot justify moral causes that, while unpopular, are still right.
Consider Christianity’s moral teachings like the Golden Rule and the Ten Commandments. If real truth exists, it has serious implications for one’s worldview. Before dismissing Christianity as intolerant or simplistic, reflect on the value its moral absolutism brings to society.
9. Jesus’ Incomparable Influence
Jesus stands apart from any other religious leader in his enduring influence. Modern society continues reckoning with the implications of his teachings 2,000 years later. Jesus revolutionized ethics with commands to love enemies, serve the last first, and forgive seventy times seven times. His vision for human dignity, charity and justice continues inspiring people across divides.
Few contest Jesus was a great moral teacher – even non-Christians recognize this. But great teachers don’t endure global influence over centuries without depth of truth behind their ideas. Before leaving the faith, consider how Jesus’ exceptional sway argues for his message as divine in origin.
These reasons offer starting points for reflection before abandoning Christianity. The choice involves much more than subjective feelings or discontent with imperfect followers of Christ. Look beyond emotions and secondary issues to the faith’s foundational claims and implications. Prayerfully evaluate if truth and wisdom reside in Christ’s teachings worth of the life which perfects your soul.
In the end, staying or leaving remains your choice. God respects human freedom so much he allows us to walk away – even if that means our ultimate detriment. But know that doubt alone need not cause someone to depart from the faith. Beyond questions often lie deeper affirmations of truth ready to be rediscovered by the sincere searcher. Should you leave Christianity or remain? Make the decision wisely.
