Someone told me that as a former Christian whose faith has waned over the years, he now believes in empirical evidence and sound logic rather than "myths" and "wishful thinking".
When I hear such statements, I always doubt the person's claim to have been a Christian at all. The definition of being a Christian is very narrow and doesn't leave room for interpretation.
First, it is important to distinguish between being "a Christian" and being "a Jesus follower", which can be two completely different things. The latter usually has occasional doubts, which is a normal part of being human, but in the end, their faith is unshakable.
On the other hand many honest "Christians" might write touching sermons or songs, devote themselves to church, do good deeds, and so on, but they may never have experienced the faith that comes from the hope of eternal life that Jesus promised. A faith "in Jesus" that not only hopes for the good things he can give me in this world, but also anticipates the suffering he allows, and despite the prospect of suffering, finds joy in my walk with him. A faith that doesn't need all the answers the world tries to find. A faith no matter what. (Hebrews 11:1)
When that faith is not there, it's easy to walk away and side with "empirical logic," which seems convincing but has even fewer answers to our existence than faith can give.
If you ask such Christians if they think they will go to heaven, you usually get the answer "I hope so" rather than "absolutely".
Faith is not dependent on empiricism, it is dependent on Jesus. (Romans 10:17)
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