Can we not just accept that some people don't believe and don't have faith and let it be. I don't like trying to be converted all the time and being called a bad person because I don't believe. The real question is if I don't believe, what am I supposed to do to change that? I'm not seeing any visions or lightning bolts. I've been to church, I've read the bible, and it's not happening. Don't give me that open your heart or let God find you stuff. What does that even mean? Speak in real terms with real answers.
2006-09-14 08:41:22 · 38 answers · asked by Poppies_rule 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Shawn, I don't agree that because we don't believe we have no right to be here. Questioning faith is probably the primary purpose of this section, that's by far the most popular question, and I'm basically inviting you to help me see the light (if there is one) but so far I'm not seeing it based on the responses I'm getting. You should be excited I'm here.
2006-09-14 09:06:38 · update #1
Okay, real terms, real answers. First off, people shouldn't be pestering you - that's rude. Try to understand that at least some of them believe, truly believe, that you will be condemned to eternal torment if you don't find God, and they don't want to see that happen to you. That said, "no means no," and if you tell them, "thanks, but I'm just not ready to have this talk," they should let you be.
Judging you is also a big "no." Okay, hang on here, because I am Christian, so the viewpoint you're going to hear is one Christian's viewpoint (not all - if everyone agreed about everything, there wouldn't be so many flavors of religion, and not just Christianity).
"Judge not, lest ye be judged." Jesus told us specifically what we are, and are not, to be doing - and condemning others for being different, or disagreeing, is not on the list. Having faith doesn't perfect you - these are fallible human beings doing what human beings too often do - making mistakes. Please try to forgive them, for your own peace and happiness.
What do you do about not believing? Well, that's a personal journey everyone must take for himself (try telling that to your pests). Sometimes it happens in lightning bolts, but often just in a feeling of peace. That's the "let God find you stuff." Jesus spoke of having to listen to the "still, small voice."
Look around you at the wonder in the world. Have you been focusing on only (or mostly) the negative? If so, you're missing most of human experience, and limiting yourself. "Seek, and ye shall find." What you look for is what you likely find - if you approach the world with a "prove it!" attitude, you're not receptive.
This isn't like baking cookies, 15 minutes at 375 degrees and you're done. It's a process, one of getting to know yourself, and the world around you, and being willing to open your mind, as much as your heart. It's about choosing your approach to life - who you'll be in the world, how you'll interact with it. Read what Jesus says in the bible and see how that works for you as a way to live in the world.
It's between you and God, not you and your neighbor (or whoever), because it's a love relationship and every relationship is, at base, between two people.
Let the pests know that you are on a personal quest to figure out who you are and all the Big Questions in life, and speaking of questions, you'll call them if you have any - but meantime, you need peace to hear that still, small voice.
If you really do, eventually you will hear back. He always answers calls, just not always when, or how, you expect.
2006-09-14 08:59:58 · answer #1 · answered by peculiarpup 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No person can make you find the new birth, but you can read about it in John 3. The concept must have seemed strange back then too. As far as faith goes, God says that He's given everyone a measure of it, apparently enough to exercise, if we will. It sounds like you are seeking by the fact that you're even asking the question. And if we continue to seek, eventually we will "find" (another promise).
2006-09-14 08:56:22 · answer #2 · answered by John 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The issue is more along the lines of the fact that some people can't grasp that you don't believe. They feel that their religion is REAL and TRUE and cannot understand how anyone can see otherwise because, to them, there is no other option.
Many people are satisfied that God exists merely because the Bible says so. Those that require more proof "haven't let Jesus into their heart". This way, no theist ever has to blame or question God for not making you believe. They blame you.
2006-09-14 08:55:27 · answer #3 · answered by Protagonist 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Christians could say the same thing - they get slated for believing even when they don't try to convert everyone.
You are right to a degree - I believe that when the time is right for you then you will be open to more discussion. I think a lot of Christians bambard non-believers and it actually puts them off rather than converting them.
You are not a bad person if you don't believe, at the end of the day the decision to believe or not is yours and yours alone. No-one can make you believe anything you don't want to.
In the Christians defence I do have to say that they do believe that if you don't turn and believe in Christ that you will go to hell when you die. So it could be said that they are just looking out for your eternal soul.
The fact remains though that you are the only one to make up your own mind on anything.
2006-09-14 08:51:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you can't believe that is all right.
The fact that you are searching for God puts you on the right path.
Never try to force belief.
You will just set yourself up for other, negative influences to come into your life.
It says in the book of Revelation that ALL souls will be raised up and judged.
That means that at some point, during your lifetime, or after your lifetime, God will show you the truth and give you the chance to follow Him.
If you are a good person, doing what you can to make the world a better place and abiding by the laws and commandments then you are on the right path.
God knows your heart and He will come to you when you are ready to accept Him; without hostility, without dis-belief, without doubt, into your heart.
Have patience and wait upon the Lord.
All of His children are worth so much to Him and He doesn't want to intrude until you are ready to have Him come into your home and your heart.
2006-09-14 08:51:48 · answer #5 · answered by sworddove 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do not know if you are a good or bad person by mortal standards... you might be very good by man's standards... No one of the True Christian Faith is to judge any one concerning whether or not they are good by God's standards... only God may do that... And he has in your case...just as he has determined what is acceptable to him regarding every one else... God makes the rules... all must play by God's rules or ultimatly suffer the concequences... for now... in this mortal world you are free do do whatever mankind will let you get away with...
I accept email questions concerning the basics of The Christian Faith... It seems you may not have had your questions answered where you were seeking befor... I invite you to read my testimony of my first day of The Christian Faith.... then if you like you may read on in my website... there is a contact page and you may ask a question if you like... I'll do my best to answer.
Here is the direct link to my testimony
http://pages.zdnet.com/mikevanauken/outreach/id109.html
All honest seekers welcome
2006-09-14 08:51:19 · answer #6 · answered by IdahoMike 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, they're trying to help you. In asking you to believe and put faith in Jesus Christ, then you will not perish- no-one deserves to go to hell in perpetuum. Instead you have the promise of eternal life, and treasures in heaven.
Personally, I cannot accept that you are a complete atheist, but are unsure and so you are rather an agnostic- you must believe in SOME higher power.
You make the fatal mistake that many people make- God isn't about lightening bolts, visions or magic tricks. Instead it is about guidance in life, that the Creator God who created you from dust is not going to abandon you or turn His back on you, and that if you truly believe that His only begotten Son Jesus died for you, then your sins are forgiven and you will be guided in a better life path according to His word, the Bible.
The 'Open your heart' is asking you to think- do you seek spiritual happiness or material happiness? It also asks you to reassess your morals- do they reflect a truly 'good' moral path or are they rules that suit your life and tastes.
Christianity isn't about God controlling people, but asking people to ask God themselves to help them change.
2006-09-14 09:00:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My question to you is what are you doing to bring that out in people.....I have traveled all over this country (Lived many places) and all over the world....I spent a lot of time not saying what I believed or what I did not believe and I have not had anyone trying to convert me.....are you bringing it up with people....making off hand remarks (if so reverse your question and why can you not let "religious people be...don't know if you do this just a brain storm)....why are you putting yourself in a position that people feel enough for you that they want to convert you.....questions questions questions...
2006-09-14 08:52:51 · answer #8 · answered by chico2149 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What do you believe? When you are in desperate need, who do you call on when no one is around? Oh God! Oh Lord! Have mercy..whaddya say? It's in your mind. With your mind you serve the Lord. Stop trying to figure the things that complicate your mind. People shouldn't judge you, because they were once in a state of unbelief--or they wouldn't be where they are now.
But it was something that triggered them to believe..what was it? All people are bad when they judge. Don't let that bother you, if you want 2believe ask God, not people! And there you will find your answer.
2006-09-14 08:53:11 · answer #9 · answered by Doll eyez 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Because you're going to Hell. at least that's what they think, so I little hassle now will save your life later.
Religious people can be very persistent. I find the best response is to joke with them. Say, "Oh you believe in Jesus! How quaint!" Treat them like you would a child who asking you what you are going to ask Santa for this year.
Caution: this makes some people very angry. But this is the best way to get the point across that you just don't believe what they do.
2006-09-14 08:49:56 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋