A Lesson in Faith

 A Lesson in Faith

The old clergyman's response challenged the young man's boastful claim about only believing in things he could see and understand. The conversation unfolded as follows:

The foolish young fellow proudly declared, "I don’t believe in anything I can’t see and understand." This proclamation caught the attention of an old clergyman, who decided to engage in a thought-provoking dialogue.

The clergyman, with a hint of amusement, questioned the young man, "Do you believe there is such a country as France?" The young man, considering it a reasonable exception, replied, "Yes, because, though I have never seen it, I know people who have."

Seizing the opportunity to challenge the young man's rigid stance, the clergyman continued, "Then you refuse to believe in anything that you or others haven’t seen?" The youth, maintaining his position, confidently affirmed, "Most certainly."

The clergyman, with a twinkle in his eye, posed a clever question, "Do you ever see your brains?" The young man, realizing the trap he was falling into, admitted, "Of course not." The clergyman pressed on, "Do you know anybody who has seen them?" The young man hesitated before reluctantly responding, "No."

With a touch of humour and wisdom, the clergyman concluded, "Do you think you have got any?" At this point, the young man, recognizing the irony of his rigid belief, knew that he was defeated. He hung his head in shame, acknowledging the flaw in his logic and the limitations of his narrow belief system.

This story serves as a witty reminder that there are aspects of life, knowledge, and existence that go beyond what we can see or understand directly. It encourages humility and openness to the mysteries and complexities that exist beyond our immediate perception.