The Rational Truth of the Bible and the Accusations of Madness

One can easily dismiss the claims made in the Bible as Bronze-Age tales, but when it comes to our mental health, is there any substance to these accusations of madness?

Indeed, there is a historical and theological context that speaks to the rationality of Christian beliefs. A notable instance is found in the book of Acts, specifically in Acts 26, where the character of Festus makes a telling remark during Paul's defense:

And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice: “Paul, you are out of your mind! Why do you bring all this learning to such madness?” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus; but I declare with certitude and sound mind what is right.” (Acts 26:24-25)

The Gospel is truth and is entirely rational. However, it can seem quite 'crazy' to others when we claim that God became flesh and died for our sins.

A Great Example: Paul's Defense

One of the most compelling examples is what happened to Apostle Paul in Acts 26. Festus's statement highlights the societal and cultural aspect of accusations of madness in the early days of Christian belief.

The Last Days and the Accusation of Madness

The Bible also warns about the end times, specifically in 2 Peter 3:3, where it discusses the coming of scoffers who will mock the truth and follow their own desires:

Dearest friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an expiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. In this way we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and bear witness that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. So we know and believe the love God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. In this way, love is perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment, and the one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us. If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a brother or sister, he is a liar; for, if anyone loves God, he must also love a brother or sister.

The Wisdom of God and the Accusation of Madness

Moreover, the Bible also speaks about the call of God to the foolish and weak, rather than the wise and powerful, aligning with the idea of madness and folly:

Remember, brothers and sisters, that at one time you were Gentiles in the flesh—called the uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision, which is made by human hands. Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who used to be far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, making the two groups into one and destroying the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in his flesh the enmity, that is, the law with its commands and regulations. In his flesh he made both groups into one and broke down the wall of hostility by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations, that is, those expressed in laws. In this way, in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near in the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. He set aside in his flesh the enmity, as stated in the law, ‘Both of you must stop your temple sacrifices, take away the stone that marks the dividing line, set it aside to your north, and build the house of the Lord.’ Thus he ended the hostility between the groups, and brought peace, by pouring out on both groups his Spirit of grace and appeals. Thus, you too, are now in Christ Jesus by faith, who made you also to be kings and priests to his God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

God chose what the world considered foolish and weak to shame the wise and powerful, emphasizing that wisdom and intelligence do not make one immune to criticism or accusation. It is precisely this wisdom of God that challenges our understanding and can lead to accusations of madness.

The Conclusion

Ultimately, the Bible teaches us not to be deterred by accusations of madness, but to stand firm in our faith, knowing that we are following a divinely revealed truth. The reasoning for Christian beliefs can be rational, and the claims made in the Bible are part of a larger narrative of love, grace, and salvation that transcends human understanding.