The Cross vs. the Sword

The Essential Difference Between Christianity and Islam  

BY MICHAEL BROWN

The essential difference between Christianity and Islam is the difference between Jesus and Muhammad. Jesus was a spiritual leader who laid down His life to save the world. Muhammad was a spiritual leader, who became a political leader, then a violent military leader. Jesus accomplished His mission by dying on the cross. Muhammad accomplished his mission (at least in large part) by ruling by the sword.

Michael Brown holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Literatures from New York University and has served as a professor at a number of seminaries. He is the author of 25 books and hosts the nationally syndicated, daily talk radio show, the Line of Fire.

There are, of course, great similarities between the world's two largest religions. Both point to a holy book, allegedly inspired by God, for faith and practice. Both call for high moral standards and serious personal commitment. Both share common traditions, since Muhammad learned from Jews as well as Christians. And both have a vision to spread their faith around the world.

But this is where the two faiths diverge. One follows the example of a crucified and risen Savior. The other follows the example of a prophet and military leader.

And so, the biblical verses of violence (as in, "Kill the Canaanites") were limited to a specific place and time, and no such commands are found on Jesus' lips. ( Click the link below for related post in this blog)

• Divine Genocide or Capital Punishment?

 The Quranic verses of violence (as in, "Kill the unbelievers wherever you find them") do not have such obvious limitations. And so, while many Quranic interpreters and Islamic jurists claim that those verses cannot be applied indiscriminately today, others differ, proudly citing them in their jihadi manuals.

Again, the difference is that of the cross vs. the sword. That's why Jesus and His followers never established the death penalty for leaving the faith. Muhammad established it once he assumed military dominance. And the death penalty for apostasy from Islam remains in force in a number Islamic countries today.

In the same spirit, Muhammad beheaded some of his enemies. Jesus forbade His followers from taking up the sword in His defense. The differences are glaring and clear.

Just compare the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels with those of Muhammad in the Hadith. Jesus never calls for violent acts against enemies of the faith; Muhammad often does. That's why there's no gospel (or apostolic) equivalent to the lengthy collection of Muhammad's military raids.

Accordingly, the most tolerant expressions of Islam are found when: 1) Muslims are the minority in a country, as in America; or 2) the Muslim-dominated country is quite secular, as in Indonesia. In contrast, in strictly observant Muslim countries, there is limited tolerance for non-Muslims.

If you don't believe me, try setting up a public Christian mission to Muslims in Saudi Arabia or Pakistan or Afghanistan or Iran. Tell me how many minutes it lasts.

I do commend those Muslims who call for a more tolerant expression of their faith, and they abhor the terrorism carried out in the name of their religion. But if they are honest, they will have to admit that violent Islam has a long and rich history.

To quote the noted Catholic scholar of Islam Samir Kahlil Samir, "I speak about the violence expressed in the Qur'ān and practiced in Muhammad's life in order to address the idea, widespread in the West, that the violence we see today is a deformation of Islam. We must honestly admit that there are two readings of the Qur'ān and the sunna (Islamic traditions connected to Muhammad): one that opts for the verses that encourage tolerance toward other believers, and one that prefers the verses that encourage conflict. Both readings are legitimate."

Thus, acts of violence carried out to advance the Christian faith are the extreme exception to the rule. Acts of violence carried out to advance the Islamic faith are all too common.

When it comes to freedom of religion, a country like America, founded on Judeo-Christian principles, has allowed this essential liberty from the start. And in a country like England, which also has a rich Christian history (despite its current backslidden state), Muslims can practice their religions freely, even proselytizing non-Muslims. In contrast, if Muslims became the majority religion in England, non-Muslims would become second-class citizens, with limited freedoms (like Christians in Pakistan), unless they converted to Islam.

It is true that both faiths seek to spread their message by disseminating information. And both faiths point to the sublime message of their founders. But the message of Jesus leads to liberation while the message of Muhammad leads to subjugation.

Again, I know there are moderate Muslims who seek to reform their faith, and many of them are honorable people. And I know that some of them believe they are being true to the real spirit of their faith.

But there's a reason that, generally speaking, true Christians are persecuted by true Muslims rather than true Muslims persecuted by true Christians. It is the difference between the cross and the sword.

Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Breaking the Stronghold of Food. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter.

"Through It ALL" and Other Songs

"He'll Be There" - Carroll Roberson 

"Through It All" - Carroll Roberson - YouTubewww.youtube.com

Through It All "

I've had many tears and sorrows
I've had questions for tomorrow
There've been times I didn't know right from wrong
But in every situation
God gave blessed consolation
That my trials only come to make me strong

I've been a lot of places
And I've seen so many faces
But there've been times I've felt so all alone
But in that lonely hour
In that precious, lonely hour
Jesus let me know I was His own

Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word

So I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through
Cause if I never had a problem
I wouldn't know that He could solve them
I wouldn't know what faith in His Word could do

Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all
Through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word
Yes, I've learned to depend upon His Word
I've learned to depend upon His Word

Carroll Roberson "Sheltered in the arms of GOD"

I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender.
They're leading me in the paths that I must trod.
I'll have no fear for Jesus walks beside me
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

So let the storm clouds rage high,
The dark clouds rise,
They won't worry me;
For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God.

He walks with me,
And naught of earth shall harm me,
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.
Soon I shall hear the call from heaven's portals
Come home my child,
It's the last mile you must trod
I'll fall asleep
And wake in God's sweet heaven
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

So let the storm clouds rage high,
The dark clouds rise,
They won't worry me;
For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God.
He walks with me,
And naught of earth shall harm me,
For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

'Because of The Blood" Carroll Roberson ! [The blood of the Lamb]

Through It All Andrae Crouch - YouTubewww.youtube.com

"

Who is the liar--Comey or Trump?

Who is the liar--Comey or Trump?

( An extended question--who are the liars? The priests & Roman guards or Jesus' disciples, those simple fishermen? )

After ex-FBI director Comey testified under the oath on Thurs. June 8th, Trump denied most of his testimonies next day except " Trump was not under investigation then" confirmed by Comey's testimony. In a word, Trump and his chief lawyer tried to emphasize the only part to vindicate Trump himself and ignored all the rest implying Trump's intention to twist Comey's arm to stop the Russian probe.

Who is the liar--Comey or Trump? I think it is very easy to get the answer, if we check both persons' track records. Even if we only examine recent White House team's explanations of the reasons of Comey's sudden fire,Trump's own twitter and media interview offered contrary reasons and let his own team all fell under the bus (Trump's defenders all became liars if Trump was telling his true reason of firing Comey; that was out of concerns of Russian probe.)

Trump's flip flop sayings all his life also show us he is a habitual liar. On the other hand, Comey's politically independent mint records reveal to us his trustworthy memos about his one on one dinner with Trump and Trump's phone calls to persuade(kind of ordering him) to drop the Russian probe. 

So it is not hard to tell who is lying. Agree? However, if you are a strong supporter of Trump, there is no way for anyone to convince you Trump is a habitual liar because you are bounded by your political position and /or passions and can't see the underneath truth. Even the news about Special Counsel Mueller's widen investigations may not sway your opinions or firm position. For details, click this CNN link below)

(http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/15/politics/trump-obstruction/index.html

...As the Post story notes:

"The interviews (with Rogers, Coats and Ledgett) suggest that Mueller sees the question of attempted obstruction of justice as more than just a 'he said, he said' dispute between the President and the fired FBI director, an official said."

That's critical given that Comey's sworn testimony regarding the pressure put on him by Trump to leave off an investigation into deposed national security adviser Michael Flynn runs directly counter to Trump's assertions about their conversations. Trump -- while not under oath, it's worth noting -- has insisted flatly that he had never urged Comey to slow or stop the Flynn investigation...)

Likewise, I'd like you to re-examine the rumor most Jews believe even today that Jesus' body was stolen by His disciples. The guards of Jesus' tomb were the very first eyewitnesses of Jesus' resurrection ; a few of them went to report this amazing event to the high priests, then they were bribed to tell a biggest lie in history, namely,  “His disciples came in the night and stole the body while they were sleeping.” Just examine this rumor and it's irrational logic in it, we can find it's simply a lie. 

Why? Those Roman guards who would lose their lives if they sleep on duty according to the Roman laws, how could they all go to sleep while they were on duty?  Even if we assume they told the truth that all of them slept on the spot, then how could they know who came to steal the body? How could they identify the body-thieves in the darkness of night or early dawn as Jesus' disciples?" Remember, when they tried to arrest Jesus in the darkness of night, they needed Judas, one of Jesus' disciples, to identify who Jesus is. ( there were no photo IDs in that ancient Roman period of time.) So if they were all truly asleep, there was no way for them to tell who came to steal the body. Their statement is contradictory by itself. They got to be awake if there is any possibilities for them to identify the body-stolen thieves.( The high priests also need to bribe the Roman governor, so that he won't execute those sleeping guards.) Furthermore, when Jesus was arrested, even the bravest Peter denied Jesus 3 times, how could he and the other frighten disciples came to steal Jesus' body to fool themselves and fool others?

However, this statement does testify that Jesus' tomb is empty, otherwise, the high priests didn't need to come up with the excuse that Jesus' body was stolen.

I hope by examining this, it may help you to come to the conclusion that Jesus' resurrection is real if His tomb is empty, although if you are bounded by your worldviews and materialism assumptions that resurrection is simply impossible or any miracle is simply impossible despite all the testimonies of eyewitnesses who were willing to be killed for their testimony about Jesus' resurrection.( 500 eyewitnesses at one time, click the link below for more details)

Can 500 People Hallucinate Same Thing at Same Time?

We may then ask" Who are the liars? The high priests and their bribed guards or Jesus' disciples and those 500 plus eyewitnesses?" You be the judge!

(Matt 28: 11-15 Meanwhile, the guards had scattered, but a few of them went into the city and told the high priests everything that had happened. They called a meeting of the religious leaders and came up with a plan: They took a large sum of money and gave it to the soldiers, bribing them to say, “His disciples came in the night and stole the body while we were sleeping.” They assured them, “If the governor hears about your sleeping on duty, we will make sure you don’t get blamed.” The soldiers took the bribe and did as they were told. That story, cooked up in the Jewish High Council, is still going around. (from the Message)

( if you are interested in tracing the debated timelines, here below are a few New York Times links for you)

In a Private Dinner, Trump demanded Loyalty. Comey Demurred
(May 11)( this article was leaked by Comey's associates and not directly from his memo)

May 12 5:26 AM

Trump's twitter post

"James Comey better hope that there are no "tapes" of our conversations before he starts leaking to the press!"

Comey's friend Columbia Professor of Law leaked Comey's memo to the reporter on May 16 

Comey Memo Says Trump Asked Him to End Flynn Investigation - The ...

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/.../16/.../james-comey-trump-flynn-russia-investigation.h...

May 16, 2017 - Comey Memo Says Trump Asked Him to End Flynn Investigation. By MICHAEL S. ...

What is the sign of Jonah?

Question: "What is the sign of Jonah?" 

https://www.gotquestions.org/sign-of-Jonah.html

 ( Note: ...Jonah was soon thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish where he remained for “three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:15–17). After the three-day period, the Lord caused the great fish to vomit Jonah out onto dry land (Jonah 2:10).)

Answer: The phrase “sign of Jonah” was used by Jesus as a typological metaphor for His future crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Jesus answered with this expression when asked by the Pharisees for miraculous proof the He was indeed the Messiah. The Pharisees remained unconvinced of Jesus’ claims about Himself, despite His having just cured a demon-possessed man who was both blind and mute. Shortly after the Pharisees accused Jesus of driving out demons by the power of Satan, they said to Him, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here” (Matthew 12:38–41).

To fully appreciate the answer that Jesus gave, we must go to the Old Testament book of Jonah. In its first chapter, we read that God commanded the prophet Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh and warn its people that He was going to destroy it for its wickedness. Jonah disobediently ran from the Lord and headed for the city of Tarshish by boat. The Lord then sent a severe storm that caused the crew of the ship to fear for their lives. Jonah was soon thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish where he remained for “three days and three nights” (Jonah 1:15–17). After the three-day period, the Lord caused the great fish to vomit Jonah out onto dry land (Jonah 2:10).

It is this three days that Jesus was referring to when He spoke of the sign of Jonah. Jesus had already been producing miracles that were witnessed by many. Jesus had just performed a great sign in the Pharisees’ presence by healing a deaf man who was possessed of a demon. Rather than believe, they accused Jesus of doing this by the power of Satan. Jesus recognized their hardness of heart and refused to give them further proof of His identity. However, He did say that there would be one further sign forthcoming, His resurrection from the dead. This would be their final opportunity to be convinced.

Jesus’ paralleling of the Pharisees with the people of Nineveh is telling. The people of Nineveh repented of their evil ways (Jonah 3:4–10) after hearing Jonah’s call for repentance, while the Pharisees continued in their unbelief despite being eyewitnesses to the miracles of Jesus. Jesus was telling the Pharisees that they were culpable for their unbelief, given the conversion of the people of Nineveh, sinners who had received far less evidence than the Pharisees themselves had witnessed.

But what are we to make of the phrase “three days and three nights”? Was Jesus saying that He would be dead for three full 24-hour periods before He would rise from the dead? It does not appear so. The phrase “three days and three nights” need not refer to a literal 72-hour period. Rather, according to the Hebrew reckoning of time, the days could refer to three days in part or in whole. Jesus was probably crucified on a Friday (Mark 15:42). According to the standard reckoning, Jesus died at about 3:00 PM (Matthew 27:46) on Friday (day 1). He remained dead for all of Saturday (day 2) and rose from the dead early on Sunday morning (day 3). Attempts to place Jesus’ death on Wednesday to accommodate a literal 72-hour period are probably unnecessary once we take into account the Hebrew method of reckoning of each day as beginning at sundown. So it seems that the expression “three days and three nights” was used as a figure of speech meant to signify any part of three days.

God would often use signs (or miracles) in the Bible to authenticate His chosen messenger. The Lord provided Moses with several miraculous signs in order to prove to others that he was appointed by God (Exodus 4:5–9; 7:8–10;19-20). God sent down fire on Elijah’s altar during Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:36–39). He performed this miracle to prove that the God of Israel was the one true God. Jesus Himself would perform many miracles (or “signs”) to demonstrate His power over nature (Matthew 4:23; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 8:22–24; John 6:16–24). The “sign of Jonah” would turn out to be Jesus’ greatest miracle of all. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead would be God’s chief sign that Jesus was Israel’s long-awaited Messiah (Acts 2:23–32) and establish Christ’s claims to deity (Romans 1:3–4).

This Do, In Remembrance of Whom?

Dear SS( Sincere seeker): 

Today is our national memorial day, Whom are we trying to remember? Those who have sacrificed their lives for us, for our country, right? But do we know all their names? Perhaps no. Maybe we don't pay attention to them at all, we just enjoy to have a Memorial long weekend?

Memorial Day 2017: 'Freedom Is Not Bought Cheaply'

In the article to the above link, JERRY NEWCOMBE said 

"This Memorial Day, we should, if nothing else, thank the Lord for those who laid their lives on the line for us. We enjoy the freedom we enjoy because they shed their blood for us — reminiscent of the freedom the Christian enjoys because the Savior shed His blood for us at Calvary." 

 Let's have a loud "Amen" to what he said.

   
As I reflect on our recent discussions about " This Do, in remembrance of Me" inscribed in the communion table in the front podium of the church of last concert we attended. Indeed this ancient English style of this inscription greatly puzzled you. However, if you check 1 Cor.11:23-25 then obviously, It means the same as" (Do this (ye), in remembrance of Me." So this is what Jesus asked His disciples to do in remembrance of Him, on the night He was going to be betrayed by Judas.

King James version
1 Cor. 11:23  For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:

24 And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.

As I shared with you before, it is very odd and strange to celebrate and remember Jesus' death all the time and not celebrate His birthday( His birthday seems not so important, only once a year in Christmas season not to mention that some Christians don't celebrate at all.Though we definitely should remember Jesus' death since He has died for all mankind.)

There are at least 2 reasons I can think of:

1. Because of Jesus' resurrection, therefore we do His memorial often since He died for all our sins and has brought our salvation( so we can drink the cup of eternal salvation instead of the cup of God's wrath.)

 2.Jesus didn't command Christians to celebrate His earthly birthday, because He is God the Son, He pre-existed in eternity past as Trinity God. ( I AM Who I AM) Jesus' preexistence is totally different and unique in human history. And Christians are looking forward to His 2nd coming soon.  ( click  the link below for more about Jesus' pre-existence)

Did Jesus Exist in the Beginning?

Furthermore, because of His resurrection, the most shameful symbol of Cross has become the most glorious symbol, do you realize that??

Let us think a little bit deeper!

The French are famous for their guillotine which executed their King Louis XVI and his queen, other aristocrats ...etc. around French Revolution time back in 1793 AD. I am surprised to find that the French only abolished guillotines after capital punishment was abolished in 1981.( last execution in France was 1977)

So, can you imagine, King Louis XVI's descendants have put out many replicas of guillotines in front of their houses, inside their houses, or on top of their roof in memorial of the beheaded ancestor King Louis XVI?  Of course not, unless they are out of their minds, right? ( note: further readings have horrified me to realize that the French were so fascinated by the guillotine executions that they became public entertainments and children's toys later on. Nevertheless, there is still no way that King Louis XVI's descendants would use the replicas of guillotines around their houses,around their necks...etc. in memory of King Louis XVI.)

I am saying the above crazy stuff to illustrate how odd and irrational that the shameful terrible symbol of unfair execution of Jesus has been put everywhere in churches, on the rooftops of churches, or even as necklaces...etc. And the memorial of Jesus' death which took away the Cup of God's wrath and give us the Cup of eternal salvation, is done Sunday after Sundays.( Some churches do it every week and Catholics can have Mass everyday I think. some churches do the Communion every month）

The only reason, Christians are doing this often is because Jesus asked His disciples to do so and also because of Jesus' resurrection and triumph over death, that the cross and symbols of His body and blood have become a celebration instead.( of course, also it is the time to repent to not bring shame to God's name) Christians are definitely looking forward to Jesus' 2nd coming soon. Recently, Communist China are so against the crosses that they want to remove them from churches' rooftops and demolish them; in ISIS' craziness, they have executed many Christians on crosses again.( They all demonstrate so much hatred towards the cross.)

I am trying to say originally the "cross" should be the worst kind of symbol but because Jesus has risen from death and has accomplished God's plan of redeeming the mankind through the crucifixion, so the cross has become a glorious symbol now.

 If Jesus died and never rose again, if Jesus hasn't offered us the cup of eternal salvation to drink, then the cross should remain the worst kind of symbol, but since Jesus has risen from death, He has overcome the power of death forever, the cross has become a triumphant symbol of God's sacrificial love. ( This is the same logic behind " Good " Friday, all because of Jesus' resurrection.)

• Why Good Friday Is Called "Good"?

 I am trying to ask you to look at this odd practice of Christians to realize Jesus' resurrection has to be true, otherwise, perhaps His disciples would remember Him as long as they lived, but then Jesus' movement ( Messiah's movement or even if you like to think it as a political movement) would die out, nobody would remember Jesus any more, just as many false messiahs died and their followers dispersed and those movements disappeared from Jewish history pretty soon.

On the contrary, Jesus is still living today and when we repent and accept Him as our Savior, we still can experience the indwelling Holy Spirit, that made the cross and communions meaningful even today.

Do you realize that without Jesus' resurrection, there won't be any Christianity at all? And His resurrection is unique and the many reliable eyewitnesses had sacrificed their precious lives to testify Jesus really is God! The persecutions of early Christians had testified their firm belief in a living God, not man made or man promoted god.

In one word, Jesus is God the Son and is our resurrected Savior who has eternal life Himself; only He can guarantee our eternal life, since He has overcome death and thus has demonstrated His resurrected power. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, the Life, only through Him we can have eternal life.

p.s. Christians don't worship the cross at all.( They are not supposed to worship even angels, let alone the cross.) The cross shouldn't become an idol at all. The cross only serves to remind us the unfathomable love of God because God the Son, Jesus has died for us on the cross. He has paid for all our sins on it. So the cross serves to remind us to be thankful to God's great sacrificial love and reminds us to repent and not doing things to bring shame to God's name...etc.

( Click the link below to find more about King James version English style)

WHAT IS TRUTH: King James Version: Elizabethan English?

 ( ...compare the language used around 1611 from Shakespeare's plays and from Chaucer's " Canterbury Tales" and found out its style is not the spoken English at that time.

In fact, it can even be said that the English of the King James Version is not the English of the 17th century, nor of any century. It is an English that is unique, for it is Biblical English-an English formed by the Hebrew and Greek of the Bible. It is Biblical English because the translators were more interested in being faithful to the originals than in making their translation in the street language of the day, as do translators today...)

Can You Reprogram Your Nervous systems and Brains?

The Octopus Outsmarts Darwin Again

...In a paper published in the journal, "Cell," Tel Aviv University researchers Joshua Rosenthal and Eli Eisenberg report that unlike almost all other animals, cephalopods routinely bypass the instructions in their DNA and 

In biology class, you probably learned that ribonucleic acid, or RNA, transcribes and carries the information coded in deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, to protein-factories in the cells. These proteins, built based on instructions from the DNA, are what make up our bodies. But what if we could edit the messages in our RNA to change the kind of protein produced? As it happens, that's what cephalopods do — on a scale unknown anywhere else in the animal kingdom, and specifically in one area of their bodies: their nervous systems and brains.

The Tel Aviv researchers found "tens of thousands" of such RNA recoding sites in cephalopods, allowing a creature like the octopus to essentially reprogram itself, adding "new riffs to its basic genetic blueprint." In other words, these invertebrates don't care that they didn't inherit the smart genes. They make themselves smart, anyway.

Of course, an animal can't be the author of its own intelligence, and this is not a process anyone believes cephalopods perform consciously. Rather, it is a marvelous piece of "adaptive programming" built-in to their biology.

Darwinists have tried to spin this feat as "a special kind of evolution." But the folks at Evolution News cut through this nonsense and identify RNA editing for what it is: "non-evolution."

"Neo-Darwinism did not make cephalopods what they are," they write. "These highly intelligent and well-adapted animals edited their own genomes, so what possible need do they have for…blind, random, unguided" evolution?

This is also an emerging field of research, which means it's possible, in theory, that other organisms make extensive use of RNA editing, and we're just not aware of it, yet.

If, as one popular science website puts it, other creatures can "defy" the "central dogma" of genetics, the implications for Darwin's "tree of life," and his entire theory, are dire.

But if cephalopods and the complex information processing that makes them so unique are in fact the result of a Programmer — of a Designer — the waters of biology become far less inky.

Originally posted at breakpoint.org.

Rational Faith is Reason Plus Revelation & " The Language of God"

Collins: Why this scientist believes in God

 By Dr. Francis Collins
 Special to CNN April 6, 2007

Editor's note: Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., is the director of the Human Genome Project. His most recent book is "The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief."

ROCKVILLE, Maryland (CNN) -- I am a scientist and a believer, and I find no conflict between those world views.

As the director of the Human Genome Project, I have led a consortium of scientists to read out the 3.1 billion letters of the human genome, our own DNA instruction book. As a believer, I see DNA, the information molecule of all living things, as God's language6, and the elegance and complexity of our own bodies and the rest of nature as a reflection of God's plan.

I did not always embrace these perspectives. As a graduate student in physical chemistry in the 1970s, I was an atheist, finding no reason to postulate the existence of any truths outside of mathematics, physics and chemistry. But then I went to medical school, and encountered life and death issues at the bedsides of my patients. Challenged by one of those patients, who asked "What do you believe, doctor?", I began searching for answers.

I had to admit that the science I loved so much was powerless to answer questions such as "What is the meaning of life?" "Why am I here?" "Why does mathematics work, anyway?" "If the universe had a beginning, who created it?" "Why are the physical constants in the universe so finely tuned to allow the possibility of complex life forms?" "Why do humans have a moral sense?" "What happens after we die?" (Watch Francis Collins discuss how he came to believe in God )

I had always assumed that faith was based on purely emotional and irrational arguments, and was astounded to discover, initially in the writings of the Oxford scholar C.S. Lewis and subsequently from many other sources, that one could build a very strong case for the plausibility of the existence of God on purely rational grounds. My earlier atheist's assertion that "I know there is no God" emerged as the least defensible. As the British writer G.K. Chesterton famously remarked, "Atheism is the most daring of all dogmas, for it is the assertion of a universal negative."

But reason alone cannot prove the existence of God. Faith is reason plus revelation, and the revelation part requires one to think with the spirit as well as with the mind. You have to hear the music, not just read the notes on the page. Ultimately, a leap of faith is required.

For me, that leap came in my 27th year, after a search to learn more about God's character led me to the person of Jesus Christ. Here was a person with remarkably strong historical evidence of his life, who made astounding statements about loving your neighbor, and whose claims about being God's son seemed to demand a decision about whether he was deluded or the real thing. After resisting for nearly two years, I found it impossible to go on living in such a state of uncertainty, and I became a follower of Jesus.

So, some have asked, doesn't your brain explode? Can you both pursue an understanding of how life works using the tools of genetics and molecular biology, and worship a creator God? Aren't evolution and faith in God incompatible? Can a scientist believe in miracles like the resurrection?

Actually, I find no conflict here, and neither apparently do the 40 percent of working scientists who claim to be believers. Yes, evolution by descent from a common ancestor is clearly true. If there was any lingering doubt about the evidence from the fossil record, the study of DNA provides the strongest possible proof of our relatedness to all other living things.

But why couldn't this be God's plan for creation? True, this is incompatible with an ultra-literal interpretation of Genesis, but long before Darwin, there were many thoughtful interpreters like St. Augustine, who found it impossible to be exactly sure what the meaning of that amazing creation story was supposed to be. So attaching oneself to such literal interpretations in the face of compelling scientific evidence pointing to the ancient age of Earth and the relatedness of living things by evolution seems neither wise nor necessary for the believer.

I have found there is a wonderful harmony in the complementary truths of science and faith. The God of the Bible is also the God of the genome. God can be found in the cathedral or in the laboratory. By investigating God's majestic and awesome creation, science can actually be a means of worship.

What is your take on this commentary? E-mail us

The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer. This is part of an occasional series of commentaries on CNN.com that offers a broad range of perspectives, thoughts and points of view.
Your responses

CNN.com asked readers for their thoughts on this commentary. We received a lot of excellent responses. Below you will find a small selection of those e-mails, some of which have been edited for length and spelling.

Lorri Carlson, Prescott, Arizona
I am greatly encouraged to read about Dr. Francis Collins' intellectual and spiritual perspective. It is positively refreshing. A thinking person who recognizes the complementary relationship of faith in Jesus Christ and science! Thank you so much for making this article available.

...

James Lampert, Fountain Valley, California
The best case of all for the existence of a supreme being is in the very laws of physics: the fact that physics HAS laws, and that those laws are knowable, internally consistent, and elegant.

...