Why I am a Christian

Jackie Macadam asks seven prominent Christians why their faith matters.

The Rt Rev Dr Shaw Paterson, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2024/25.

“I have been asked to address ‘Why I am a Christian?’ ‘Why not?’ would be a simple answer.

“When I look around, I see evidence of God being at work in our world. However, not everyone is of the same opinion. My first academic discipline was biology and I am well acquainted with the assumption that one cannot be a scientist and a Christian. I disagree. Indeed, I have never had any issue with my scientific background and religious beliefs. When I looked down a microscope, I was in awe at the processes involved and was even more convinced that God was the creator of life. My faith, though, is more than just observational – it is experiential.

“I cannot pinpoint a Damascus Road type experience. I have always been part of the church but that, in itself, didn’t make me a Christian. My faith has grown throughout my life and nothing has convinced me that I am somehow mistaken. Yes, I have questions. Yes, I have come through periods of doubt. But throughout my life I have always felt God’s presence and love. I believe that God entered our world in Jesus, who lived, died and rose again.

I believe in the resurrection and the promise of life eternal. I can speak those familiar words from Romans 8: 38-39 in complete confidence:

For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below —there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.

“My faith has sustained me in life and in ministry as I seek to share the Good News with others and that is why I am a Christian.”

Murdo Fraser, Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife

“The Christian message is the single most powerful and attractive idea in world history. As the historian Tom Holland explains in his marvellous book Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind, what we now regard as universal truths – a belief in human rights, in equality of all individuals, of the need to put others before ourselves – all derive entirely, and exclusively, from Christian teaching.

“Christianity is the answer to the most basic question we have – Why are we here? The first question in the Shorter Catechism, once universally taught in Scottish schools, put it thus: ‘What is Man’s chief end? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy Him forever’. It is how we find a purpose in life.

“I look at the world around us, with all its beauty and diversity, and cannot believe that this is simply the product of random chance. Behind it must lie a Creator and sovereign Lord, and one who, gloriously, allows and encourages us to have a personal relationship with Him.

“For Christianity is not just an intellectual belief system. It is a direct encounter with the single most significant individual in human history, Jesus Christ, who came to Earth to suffer for our sins and through his sacrifice give us the opportunity to gain eternal life.

“Other religions require their adherents to follow strict rules and rituals to achieve harmony with God. Christianity makes no such demands, only that we believe, and embrace Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. What could be more attractive, more reassuring, and more wonderful? That is why I am a Christian, and it is my earnest hope that many more will join me.”

Val Brown, Head of Christian Aid, Scotland

“My faith is intrinsic to my being, and I’m never more aware of God than when I’m on a beach, or up a mountain, or in my garden, seeing the sheer intricacy and balance of nature. Aworld designed to nurture and sustain.

“ Yes, I have come through periods of doubt. But throughout my life I have always felt God’s presence and love.

“Being a Christian though, I think is more than being impressed with the evolutionary process and with the fact that food can grow from tiny seeds. For me it’s about trying to understand Jesus and his teachings and recognising that he said and did a lot of things that were very unpopular and actually fairly revolutionary. Ultimately, he was murdered by the Roman occupiers of Palestine because what he said was so threatening to their power and control.

“Working for Christian Aid and serving on the Church of Scotland’s (former) World Mission Council has given me the opportunity to meet people who follow Jesus in enormously difficult circumstances – people who constantly campaign for their rights peacefully and with dignity, in the face of atrocious injustices. And put themselves in harm’s way to do that because they believe in the greater good. People who hold the gospel stories as the hope that things must get better.

“I get to see the tireless work of Christians across Scotland who dedicate themselves to building community and working to make life better for people near and far, week in and week out, because like Jesus they know that you need to get your hands dirty to build a better world. That for me is both a constant inspiration and challenge.

“I recently read a blog by the Rev Dr Norman Shanks and was struck by his reflection on ‘Is the Lord among us or not?’ He suggests that God is a life force for us to connect with and when we do that, and connect with others, it enables us to grow towards fulfilling our human identity. Connection – that’s why I am a Christian.”

Dez Johnston, President of the Boys Brigade, Scotland and Director of Alpha Youth

“Why Iam a Christian? To me, it’s about more than just having a faith or being part of a church – it’s about the deep hope I’ve found in Jesus, the kind that carries me through even the darkest times. When I lost my wife, I felt grief in away I can barely put into words. But the reason I’m a Christian is that, even in that pain, I found Jesus holding onto me.

“Faith isn’t something that shields us from hardship; I think it’s what strengthens us to go through it. When life feels broken, that’s where I find Jesus most clearly – present in my grief, but offering a hope that death isn’t the end, that life has purpose, and that love doesn’t just fade away. Jesus gives me a promise that this life isn’t the whole story, and that promise keeps me going, even when things are tough.

“As the director of Alpha Youth and president of the Boys’ Brigade, I spend a lot of time talking with young people who are asking big questions, wrestling with life’s challenges. And I think they deserve honesty – being a Christian doesn’t make life easy, but it gives us a reason to keep going. It’s knowing there’s hope, even when we can’t always see it, and that God is real and present, right here in the messy stuff of life. That’s why I’m a Christian. Because through it all, I believe in a love that never lets go.”

“ My political beliefs, rooted in the idea that everyone who contributes to society deserves a share in its benefits, align with biblical teachings.

Bee Roy, Head of Tearfund Scotland

“To put this simply, I am a Christian because of LOVE. It might sound cheesy and obvious, but knowing that God loves me and Jesus died for my sins because of that love is the starting point of everything for me.

“Jesus demonstrated his love through action. And every day I get to live my life knowing that I am forgiven and valued to such an extent.

“But it doesn’t just stop with me. We read in John 3:16 that God so loved the world. You, me, and everyone in it. If God loves this world so much that he would send Jesus to die for those in it, then I know I am also called to love this world and to demonstrate this with my actions.

“I love that Jesus describes himself as the bread of life. He meets our spiritual needs but we also know him as our provider, someone who cares intimately about our physical needs. He showed this time and time again when he walked on this earth. Jesus’ example of how to love others is crucial to my faith and challenges me daily. How do I demonstrate God’s love for the people in this world through my day to day choices, both spiritually and practically? What action do I take to respond to God’s love for me by loving others well?

“Let’s not underestimate how important this is. Jesus said it was the greatest commandment after all – that we would love God with all our heart and soul, and our neighbour as ourselves.

“This is why I am a Christian and it is also why I love working for Tearfund. We come alongside the church worldwide to reach out into communities where there is hardship and suffering, equipping people to lift themselves out of poverty and experience life in all its fullness. This isn’t just a job, this is how I get to follow God’s amazing calling to love my global neighbours. And in doing so, I grow deeper in my understanding of his love for me and for the whole world.”

Dr Scott Arthur, Labour MP for Edinburgh South West

“Why I am a Christian? Many factors have shaped my Christian faith. My parents’ influence, attending the Alpha Course at Oxgangs Community Church, and the perfect balance of fellowship and faith I find at Fairmilehead Parish Church have all played a role. Ultimately, though, I’m a Christian because my faith guides me and fills me with hope.

“Like anyone, my faith has its ups and downs. This year, it has been a particularly strong source of strength, both during the election campaign and in the aftermath.

“Indeed, in the chaotic weekend between being elected and entering the House of Commons, I was graced with a moment of clarity. On the Sunday the congregation at my church prayed for me – an incredibly moving moment which really did energise me.

“The daily prayers in Parliament have also been a significant source of support.

“My political beliefs, rooted in the idea that everyone who contributes to society deserves a share in its benefits, align with biblical teachings. As Acts 4:34-35 states: ‘All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.’

“It is no coincidence that the Labour Party was founded on faith. However, I recognise that my faith is shaped by my upbringing. Had I been born in Gujarat, I might be Hindu, or in Algeria, Muslim. Despite our diverse faiths (if we even have one), we all share a common goal: a fairer world.

“Jesus’ teaching to ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’ (Luke 6:31 & Matthew 7:12) is a fundamental principle shared by many faiths. This universal message underscores the importance of working together for peace and justice.”

The Rev Professor John Swinton, King’s College, Aberdeen University

“At the core of my Christian faith is a quiet, profound truth: that we are loved, deeply and unconditionally, by a God who knows us intimately.

“To be a Christian is not merely to align with a set of beliefs or moral codes; it’s to live within a story that speaks to the essence of what it means to be human. In a world that often measures worth by productivity, success, and self-sufficiency, Christianity offers an alternative vision – one where we’re known not for what we can achieve but for who we are in the eyes of God.

“My faith is rooted in the presence of Jesus, who walks with us in our brokenness and joy, our doubts and questions. He doesn’t stand at a distance, asking us to clean ourselves up before we approach. Instead, He meets us in our mess and in our ordinariness, reminding us that God is present in the overlooked and the everyday.

“This truth transforms the way I see others and myself. It calls me to live in a way that doesn’t depend on my strength but on the grace and mercy of a God who draws close in love.

“Being a Christian doesn’t mean I have everything figured out. Rather, it means I live in the hope of a love that transcends understanding—a love that holds us when life is at its darkest, a love that celebrates with us in moments of joy.

“To be a Christian is to be part of a community that shares in this journey, carrying one another’s burdens, rejoicing in each other’s triumphs, and finding meaning together in our vulnerability. In a time when fewer people claim the name of Christ, I find myself drawn ever closer to this story of God’s faithful, life-giving presence.

“It’s a story I hope to keep living and sharing, for in its telling, I believe we find life.”