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"On the other hand, C.S. Lewis provides elegant rational arguments for his belief in God.."

Kudos, C.S. Lewis is someone I admire greatly.

Human Science, at least to me, is man's volume of understanding of the reality we live in. This may be much different than another species not of this earth, or reality. Much of human science (that is provable through experimentation) dictates what we believe to be true for things that can't be proved. We as a species are extremely limited in our knowledge about our current reality; thus most of our science (or what is told to us is science), about why things are the way they are, is based on theory.

To me faith is a measurement of how strongly one believes; a belief is an object of faith. Many scientists display faith in their beliefs (which may not be provable), like a Christian displays faith in God. Faith is spiritual in nature; in many ways faith it is displayed by both parties. Although this may not be the proper use of the two terms, it is a way I can attempt to demonstrate how I interrupt them.

The phrase "before the universe came to be" alludes to the reality in which mankind lives and attempts to understand. I don't believe that current state of the "Universe", for lack of a better word, is static. I believe it is dynamic and ever changing. I believe mankind's reality will have a beginning and an end. I believe God was there at the beginning and will be there at the end. God's existence is infinite, human existence is not. God is the beginning and the end.

My faith is based on believing that God is the intelligence behind all things. What you call the universe, and all that governs it, I call a manifestation of God. He is the "universe" and more; He is all things known and unknown.

I also believe that humans are born with a spirit that transcends the reality we live in. I also believe Jesus was a manifestation of God, in our small corner of reality.

Much of what I believe may be thought of as superstitious or unprovable nonsense. However, just because it cannot be proved does not mean that it will not eventually be proven true.

I am not at odds with science; the more we know and understand about our current reality only serves to strengthen my belief that man is not here by pure chance.

Much of what I believe may be thought of as superstitious or unprovable nonsense. However, just because it cannot be proved does not mean that it will not eventually be proven true.

As I said, it is not what one believes that determines if what they believe is rational or irrational, but the basis for their beliefs. If what you believe is based on the best reason you are capable of using the best evidence you can find, and you allow no contradictions in your reasoning process, what you believe is rational, even if it is incorrect. If what you believe is "just believed," or "accepted" on the basis of some supposed authority's word, or what one "always believed," or what one's family, or friends, or neighbors believe, or if there are any contradictions in what is believed, those beliefs are irrational and superstitious, even if some of them are correct.

It is not necessary to know everything, to be right about everything, to never make a mistake, to be rational. It is only necessary to insure one never allows their feelings, whims, passions, or desires to determine what they think and undestand. Anything one holds to be true by any means other than reason is by definition, irrational, and irrationality is superstition.

There are atheists and scientists whose atheism and science are totally supersitious. There are Christians whose Christianity is totally rational (but not many).

Hank