A recent international study indicated that more young people than ever before are declaring themselves atheists. These individuals think that belief in God doesn’t make a difference when it comes to being a good, moral, and ethical person. Here’s the challenge: God has given us the freedom to believe in Him or not, but it’s not correct to say it doesn’t make a difference. Our belief in God affects how we see ourselves and how we see and treat others.
Studies show that in times of trouble and crisis, believers cope much better than nonbelievers. ¹ Believers are happier and more willing to donate to charity. ² During the pandemic, people struggled to find peace and meaning in a time of great isolation and disruption. Believers felt a hope and optimism others did not. ³
But, what if I’m wrong, and God does not exist? To quote Brett G. Scharffs, a law professor at a prominent university: “I am willing to be wrong in this way if it means believing and treating others as though they are children of God, created in His image with the potential to become beings like unto a perfect and perfectly loving God. I would rather make the mistake of attributing meaning and love to a universe that is meaningless and indifferent than vice versa. And besides, I do not think we are wrong.”
Many people believe in God but not organized religion. They say, “I’m spiritual, not religious.” Often this means they acknowledge God’s existence but do not want Him to ask anything of them, give them any commandments, or expect them to make any changes.
Some people see no need for organized religion, and yet they demand organized schools, cities, stores, airports, and hospitals. They see the benefits of going to an organized hospital, where there are rules or expectations. We see the same benefits in our organized Church, which is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Being part of this organized religion blesses us and those we love in every aspect of our lives. Because the Church is organized, we can care for others more effectively together than we could ever do individually. In the last 18th months at the time of this writing, my church has conducted more than 1500 COVID-19 projects, and responded to 933 natural disasters and refugee crises in 108 countries. We provided food and other necessities to care for millions in need. None of us could have done that on our own, but we did it together because we have an organized religion.
So we may not know here on earth for a certainty if God exists, I’m very willing to do so because of all the good that is worked, and the hope and joy that my faith gives me.