Finding Reason for Hope: Why Christians Must Learn to Think Well

Excerpted from A Message By Jon Alsdorf on October 19, 2025
In a world filled with confusion and broken thinking, Christians are called to something higher. We're commanded to "always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). This isn't just a suggestion—it's a divine mandate that requires us to engage our minds and think with discipline.

You Don't Need All the Answers
Many believers feel intimidated about sharing their faith because they fear not having all the answers. Here's the truth: you don't need to be a walking encyclopedia of Christian doctrine. In fact, it's better if you're not.

When someone asks a question you can't answer, the most honest and effective response is often: "That's a great question. I don't know the answer to it, but I'd love to help you find out." This approach keeps you approachable and human, rather than coming across as a know-it-all.

Remember, most of us didn't have all the answers when we first gave our lives to Christ. We simply had enough answers to take that step of faith. The same principle applies when helping others—they don't need every question resolved before they can believe.

Christianity Is Built on Reason
The word "defense" in 1 Peter 3:15 comes from the Greek word "apologia," which means a reasoned statement or argument. This is where we get the term "apologetics." Christianity isn't built on blind faith—it's grounded in solid reason, evidence, and logical thinking.

If God is the creator and chief architect of everything that exists, and if He is reasonable and orderly, then we should expect His creation to be understandable and researchable. This belief has actually been the foundation for Western culture's technological advances over the past 2,000 years.

The Amazing Design of Our Brains
Consider the incredible complexity of the human brain:

• Weighs approximately 3 pounds
• Contains roughly 86 billion neurons
• Each neuron connects to 10,000 other neurons
• Creates a network of 100 trillion synaptic connections

To put this in perspective, if you laid 100 trillion dollar bills edge to edge, they would cover the entire states of Texas and California combined. Despite decades of research, scientists still cannot explain how the brain functions as an information processing organ.

This remarkable design points to an intelligence far greater than ourselves—a Creator who gave us these amazing minds for a purpose. What does God want us to do with these incredible brains? Use them. Think well. Process information with discipline and reason.

Common Logical Fallacies That Hinder Clear Thinking
To think well, we must identify and avoid logical fallacies—broken ways of thinking that prevent sound reasoning. Here are five common ones:

Ad Hominem
Attacking the person instead of addressing their argument. Example: "All Christians are hypocrites, so Christianity can't be true." Even if the first part were true, it doesn't logically lead to the conclusion about Christianity's validity.

Straw Man
Creating the weakest version of your opponent's position and then attacking that instead of their actual argument. Example: "Christians are simple-minded and superstitious."

Appeal to Authority
Accepting something as true simply because someone said it or you saw it somewhere. "I saw it on Facebook, so it must be true" is a classic example.

False Dichotomy
Presenting only two options when more exist. Example: "You're either a Christian or a scientist—you can't be both."

Slippery Slope
Claiming that one action will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences without logical proof. Example: "If we teach Christianity in schools, we'll end up being a theocracy."

Why Pursuing Good Reason Matters
God Is Logical, Reasonable, and Orderly
Scripture reveals God's invitation to reason with Him. In Isaiah 1:18, God says, "Come now, let us reason together." He's not asking for blind obedience but inviting us to think through the evidence and make logical conclusions about His character and promises.

God is described as "not a God of confusion, but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). In our age of confusion, we need to reflect His orderly nature through disciplined thinking.

God Is the Source of All Wisdom and Understanding
Proverbs 9:10 tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." All true wisdom flows from God. Apart from Him, there is only unreason and confusion.

As we pursue God's mind and thinking, we become more reasonable and better able to grasp truth clearly.

The Gospel Represents God's Ultimate Wisdom
The Gospel—Christ's death, burial, and resurrection—is the central feature of God's wisdom and the key to salvation. What was once a mystery hidden throughout the Old Testament is now revealed as God's masterful plan for defeating evil and redeeming humanity.

Paul declares in Romans 1:16-17 that he's "not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." This isn't wishful thinking—it's the most reasonable response to the evidence of what Christ has accomplished.

God's Judgment Is Obvious and Righteous
Deep down, everyone knows this world is broken and unjust. Even as children, we instinctively cry "That's not fair!" when wronged. This universal sense of justice points to a coming judgment where all wrongs will be made right.

Romans 1:18-22 explains that God's existence and nature are clearly visible in creation, leaving everyone "without excuse." The judgment that's coming isn't arbitrary—it's the logical consequence of rejecting the obvious truth about God.

Our Spiritual Warfare Involves Promoting Truth and Reason
Second Corinthians 10:3-5 reveals the true nature of spiritual warfare: "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

Our battle isn't against flesh and blood but against false ideas, broken thinking, and deceptive arguments. We don't fight with physical weapons but with truth, reason, and the power of God's Word. This is offensive warfare—we're called to demolish strongholds of false thinking and set people free through truth.

The Power of the Gospel to Transform Lives
The Gospel isn't foolishness—it's "the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18). Look at your own life if you've trusted Christ. Consider how many things He's changed in your thinking, habits, and relationships over the years. This transformation didn't happen by accident or through your own willpower—it's evidence of the Holy Spirit's power at work.

No one becomes more like Jesus apart from the Holy Spirit's work. This supernatural transformation is one of the most compelling evidences for Christianity's truth.

Life Application
This week, commit to developing more disciplined thinking habits. Keep a list of logical fallacies handy and practice identifying them in conversations, news reports, and advertisements. Make it a family activity—see who can spot fallacies first while watching TV or discussing current events.

More importantly, examine your own thinking patterns. Where do you rely on logical fallacies instead of sound reasoning? Ask God to help you think more like Him—with clarity, logic, and truth.

When opportunities arise to share your faith, remember that you don't need all the answers. Be honest about what you don't know, but be ready to share the reasons for the hope you do have. Focus on the evidence of God's work in your own life and the historical reality of Christ's death and resurrection.

Questions for Reflection:

• In what areas of my thinking do I rely on logical fallacies rather than sound reasoning?
• How has God's power been evident in transforming my own life and thinking?
• Am I prepared to give a reason for my hope in Christ, even if I don't have all the answers?
• How can I better use the amazing mind God has given me to honor Him and help others think well?

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