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Thanks for the comment, these are excellent questions. There are a number of reasons I believe God exists. The most basic one is that I and everything I observe in creation exist. Whatever your views on Darwinian mechanisms and such, to me what I observe in creation seems impossible without a creator. Another big one for me is that I observe the moral sense in myself and others. Why do human beings have any kind of moral compass in them? Again, in my view, the ultimate answer must be a creator who is the source of the moral sense.

In addition to all this, there are a number of historical and other reasons I believe particularly in the Christian faith. And, I have personally experienced the power and presence of God in many situations, both positive and difficult.

Of course, these are very short answers to your questions, and there are many arguments and counterarguments that can circle around them. I’d be happy to discuss the more specifically if you have a more specific question.

Concerning my faith as an academic, I consider myself a Christian academic. Everyone’s life runs through some set of lenses or worldviews. Mine runs through my Christian faith. As such, there is nothing more thrilling for me than to know that I was fashioned by a loving creator who gave me unique skills and gifts that I’m able to exercise as a college teacher and scholar. I believe that what I do matters because ultimately it reflects the creativity of an infinite God. The alternative without God, I think, is to view my work and life as meaningless — “short, nasty and brutish” — because everything I’ve tried to achieve would go to the grave someday with me.

I hope these short responses make sense. Again, touch base if you want to talk some more.