Is an athiest out there able to say he or she has researched the Lord and given him a try?

Question

What do you have to lose???

Answer 1

C.S. Lewis was and did.

And any atheist can claim to have done some research, but if they really did, then any of the following would have happened:

1.) They would have written an article pointing to a single verifiable fact that is contradicted by the Bible;

2.) They would have won a Nobel prize for explaining how to overcome Newton's 2nd Law of Thermodynamics; OR

3.) They would have won a nobel prize for explaining how a rock acquires a life force; OR

4.) They would not bother answering this question, because life has no meaning to an atheist, so why bother trying to "fix" a Christian's view of the universe (for if the atheist's view is correct, then the rightness or wrongness of any individual's view is of no concern to anyone).

Answer 2

I did that, I believed in god once. I've read the bible from cover to cover twice. The first time I read it, I did it as a believer. My parents indoctrinated me with awful ideas about atheism as well.

Now, since my best friends and family are religious, I visit church or attend other religious practices, including retreats, where my friends and family participate, sometimes I have a good time but such experiences have convinced me that there is no such thing as a god or any other personal deity.

Before turning into an atheist, I tried other beliefs, since being an atheist was "a terrible" thing.

Been there, done that. I don't see them attending any event that contradicts their belief though. I know a lot of atheists have similar stories than mine. A good portion of atheists were theists before. I can't say the same about believers.

Now, have you tried being an atheist? Have you give it a try? Have you questioned your beliefs?

Answer 3

As you can already see in the answers you've gotten, most atheists already were theists (and like me, most American atheists were already Christians). We've seen both sides, unlike most Christians. I'm sure I'm not the only atheist here who has read most of the Bible, and been baptized, confirmed, and preached in a Christian church. I even took additional Bible studies courses when I was an undergraduate.

So, the ball is back in your court. You clearly believed that atheism was a matter of ignorance about religious faith. You can now see that you were wrong. The honest thing to do now is to change your mind, and admit that atheism is not a matter of ignorance. You don't have to admit that atheists are right, but clearly if you persist in the belief that atheism is the product of ignorance you'll be living a lie. Can you rise to the occasion, and demonstrate the honesty that I'm sure you believe Christians should demonstrate?

Answer 4

I am an atheist and I was once a very strong christian. I went to church every sunday and youth group twice a week and I was so into religion. I slowly fell out with religion as I took more classes in high school and learned more about religion and its history and I started to realize that religion is made by man. The bible was written by man. There have been so many religions throughout the ages, its all just made by man because they need something to look up to and forward too and they dont want to accept death as the end. I read tons of philosophy on religion and I have talked to priests about it and my decision stands as an atheist. I am by no means an ignorant atheist. I know religion and I made my choice.

Answer 5

I already have.

I've learned quite a bit about the Christian religion. While it's interesting, the glaring flaws turned me away.

And for such a ubiquitous god, the Christian god sure is quiet. Supposedly, you feel him when you open your heart. I did that at a younger age. It felt inspiring. Then I figured out that I gave myself that elated feeling. Once I learned that all that grace and joy I felt was brought about by myself, I became a better person.

I tried. If there's a god, it's up to him to make himself known to me. And if it's the Christian god, he can't really blame me for not believing in him.

The offer is extended to any other gods, as well. But no gods have answered the call, so that is why I'm an atheist. It's the default "religion."

Answer 6

Oh boy - you really should have that question the other way around. I was raised as a catholic, went to church, went to sunday school, had many discussions with some priests, whom I counted amongst my closest friends. I read the bible a lot. But, in asking questions and trying to find answers for myself I came to realise the truth. Fact is, most religious people never really try to investigate things for themselves - "it's all a matter of faith" - they keep telling us. Oh well. But the facts, and the truth, are out there. Keep an open mind and have a look.

Answer 7

No, because that is impossible. That is why Christianity is a "faith," not a science. They can say that, but that proves why they have no religion. My best friends in high school were all atheists, and that was their exact reason, their minds could not comprehend faith, only physical evidence, saddening as it was. God has left us with no "proof" for a reason, for if he did, would not everyone believe? Which would defeat the purpose of us trying to be good Christians on our own free-will? Indeed.

Answer 8

What lord? Allah, Odin, Zeus? I am not going to discriminate, and just try yours. I don't have the time to look at them all. Have you given atheism a try? Have you given the tooth fairy a try? Have you tried all religions? Even the ones of the amazon tribes that no one has seen yet, even you? How do you know yours is correct? I looked into religion, and know it is BS. Would you believe me if I told you there is a 6 headed elephant/bat behind me, and he ruled the universe, but is beyond your understanding and you can't see him? If you would that is bad. If you would not, you see where I am coming from. You know better. I know better than to believe in god. I looked into it, yes.

Answer 9

I actually believe in God but do not follow any particular religion, but I assume since you refer to Him/Her as "the Lord" you are either Jewish, Christian, or Muslim and are asking this question of people who do not share your view of God. Yes, I have done my reseach. I guess I feel that God would probably rather me make an informed decision rather than follow blindly. I guess I would rather be honest with myself and God than just follow a religion because I feel obligated or have been guilted into it. I'm not saying you are wrong, but I was not satisfied with what I learned in researching the makor religions, incl. Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Wicca, among others.

Answer 10

I was a Jesus freak in high school, majored in Religion in a Methodist college, and spent 1 year in Methodist seminary. I then divorced the Methodists, refused to return the Baptists' calls, fled abuse from the Catholics, engaged in heavy petting with the Episcopalians & Unitarians, but fell in love with the Buddhists because with them, "no-God" is also a spiritual path.