I dont believe in god but I would like to. I cant help but take a step back and look at christianity from an open minded point of view. Since the beginning of man kind, almost every single group of human from anytime periods created their own gods. It is easy to see why humans would want a god: to make their lives seem important and to not fear death. I think it is instinctual to want a god. Even animals like to have a leader or another to look up to. Out of all the people and civilizations that existed before why should people trust christianity out off all others. Christianity has spead though war and politics and it seem to me that everyone that follows this religon do so because they were simply born into it. And I noticed Christians refuse to explore other religon which makes them even harder to trust. What advise would you have to people that have these concerns
2006-10-20 14:26:29 · 28 answers · asked by Jimmy S 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jimmy, I totally understand what you're saying. I also felt the same when I was going through a spiritual crisis. I did deduce and ask questions. I did reason that everyone likes the idea of a God. I hope you'll read what i'm writing with an open mind as I can see you are very open-minded. I was raised Mormon. I know, crazy huh. I started realizing at about 15 that something just wasn't right about it. So against my parents wishes I stopped going to church and started trying to figure it out for myself. I lived for the next 4 years without faith in any thing, sadly including God. I had just given birth to my baby and I had a 106 degree fever, I had strep throat. I couldn't talk. My throat hurt like hell. I couldn't afford to go to the doctor. I was crying I was in so much pain. So for the first time that night in 4 years I got on my knees beside my bed and apologized to God for not talking to him in that long and I asked him to please heal me. All of the sudden I felt a presence in my bedroom. I wanted to look into the corner where I felt it radiating from but was too afraid and ashamed to look. Anyways, I heard someone tell me to swallow, and when I did there was no pain. I started crying because I knew that God had healed me, he healed me when after I had turned my back on him. When I got up and got back in the bed my husband who is also non-religious said that he felt a presence in the corner of the room when I was crying and praying and he told me that he was so aware of it that he hid his head under the covers. GOD IS REAL. In what sense I don't know. I have explored other religions so that I could pick the one that would meet my understanding of who and what god is. I am currently a non-religious Christian. I beleive in my heart, my gut instinct tells me that he was the son of God. I don't beleive because someone told me that any more. I beleive because i've used deduction and reasoning and my heart to guide me to the truth. I hope that you find God.
2006-10-20 14:41:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You got the right guy. I have been many things in my life from not believing to a study of all religions.
I didn't come to Christ until I was 34. I was so far away it was ridiculous.
There are so many false Gospels and religions out there , but they are also prophesied.
Not everyone can be a true Saved Christian.
The Bible is the only source and has no contradictions. Does it contradict some sects , yes.
This is not a mind thing , but a soul thing.In 1979 I took a six year break from the world into the Bible. I found truths that changed my soul.
Get a King James study Bible for study a living Bible for history and a good Strong's Concordance.
This is the beginning.
Look for a Bible believing church after you can rightly divide the word of truth.
Notice, I did not mention my denomination.
If you are of the Chosen , You will find it.
2006-10-20 21:45:38 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an interesting take on this. I agree that people from the beginning of time have created their own gods. I believe that all people were created by God, who breathed life into us. The purpose of our creation was to worship and be in relationship with God. I believe this is the reason that people are inherently drawn to worship of God, or gods.
When you compare Christianity to other religions, it is similar in some aspects, yet very different in ONE point. In order to earn the favor of every other god in every other religion, the people must EARN God's interest/love/acceptance, etc. Christianity is the one religion where the believer does not have to do anything but believe that Jesus saved them when he died on the cross in order to be saved. All other religions require some sort of good works, such as praying every day at a certain time, making offerings, burning incense, doing dances, etc. etc. (Reading the Bible isn't even required to be a Christian, it just helps give better insight into God)
I can't buy that Christianity is a reason for so many wars. If you look at the actual reasons for those wars, then you will find that they actually have to do with conquering nations, money, and power. The people who started these wars just used Christianity as an excuse to do it. I can't say that those who started wars in the name of Christianity were true Christians.
The only advice that I can give you is that you should read the whole Bible with an open mind, which you say you have. Spend some time praying, and hopefully God will show you what is true and what isn't.
2006-10-20 21:39:13 · answer #3 · answered by shybusch 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
2 things...one, give up on your false assumptions...two, strive to have a relationship and prayer life with God and HE will reveal himself.
Assumption 1- "People follow God merely because they fear death." Just about everybody fears death that I know of atheist and Christian alike. Though Christians actually have hope. Unbelievers by virtue of their lack of faith have known.
Assumption 2- "Its hard to know what religion could be true because there has been so many." UNTRUE! Many religions of the past and present have been based on ancient animism, eastern philosophy, new age, and polytheism; NOT THEISM. There have been relatively few credible monotheistic religions and isnt it amazing that the top 3 of today- Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all follow the same God?
Assumption 3- "Christianity has spread through war and politics." Actually if you read the New Testament, youll find it teaches a non-violent act of witnessing. The early church that was founded by the apostles was also non-violent and spread because the message was GOOD! It is only when Rome took on Christianity and baiscally made it it into its own image did it start to go bad in that regard. After the reformation period, things quitted down.
Assumption 4- "The only people that believe it are born into it." In the NT again, it was a new message and spread to people who had never heard but believed! I myself used to be an atheist and was born in an unbelieving house but eventually came around and recognized God. The Gospel (good news) has that amazing ability to reach people that want God and his truth to people that have never heard it before!
Assumption 5- "Christians dont explore other religions." We do indeed explore other religions for the purpose of holding it up to the truth of the Gospel and potentially helping the people trapped in them! My professor at Bible College knows more about the history and theology of Islam than many Muslims I have met!
God can be known but you have to be ready for him in your heart, once you are ready for that, you can recieve Jesus Christ. Until then there is a veil over you.
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. -2 Corinthians 4:4
2006-10-20 22:00:56 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You asked a great question. Sadly, the world is filled with tons of people are don't practice what they preach. C'est la vie (that's life, but it shouldn't be). I can totally understand that as someone on the outside looking in, you will see things that are disturbing and confusing and can make you have some serious second thoughts.
I would suggest this: first, take a step back and understand that your new faith is between you and God. Period. No one else enters the picture. Take some time and pray to Him and just let it be the two of you. Next, do some reading about what Christ taught. There are tons of educational books to help you so that you won't have the clutter of people's opinions. I was a protestant that converted to the Catholic Church; I did a ton of study on Christianity and found the Catholic Church as the original church founded by Christ, so naturally I would point you to do some reading in that direction. I'm still studying and finding troves of treasure in my new Faith.
Keep in mind to that the atrocities that have happened in history are the fault of men, not God. It is sinful men that distort and twist God's truth and then cause such chaos on the world. Keep that in mind, and ask God for understanding in that also.
Stick with the basics: a solid prayer life, worshipping God in prayer. Start slow and keep it simple. God knows what you're ready and not ready for. He'll be with you the whole way.
If I can help with anything, ask anytime.
God bless.
2006-10-20 21:41:31 · answer #5 · answered by Danny H 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you want to know there's a God just pray and for Jesus to come into your heart. Talk to God, let Him know how you feel. Ask Him to let you know He's real. Ask Him to let you feel His presence.
If you have a a true heart for finding God, He will help you.
Take note that when you are seeking God , Satan will throw doubt, guilt and many things in your way. It's not always an easy road, but I promise you when you walk the path with the Lord you will see all that you have been missing. You will have a great peace in your life, and you will know that you are a child of God - the true and only God.
In response to your concerns. Have you considered the fact that all things long for a God because all things were created by God.
We feel a desire for our creator even when some aren't sure what or who that is. It's only when we find Him that we realize the truth. Good luck and God bless.
2006-10-20 21:54:00 · answer #6 · answered by Cjs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a King James Bible, and Start Reading at the Beginning of the New Testament.
Study Jesus.
Watch how Jesus Acts and Talks.
Watch what Jesus Does.
Men go Astray, even when trying to Follow Jesus.
We are Not suppose to Follow Men as Children of GOD.
We are Suppose to Follow Jesus.
Keep your Eyes on Jesus and you will Make Heaven your Home.
You keep your Eyes on Jesus by Reading the Bible, hopefully everyday and alot.
Stay out of the Old Testament.
It is hard to figure out.
It is hard to figure out even for Children of GOD untill they Grow a Whole Lot in the Lord and can Understand it.
2006-10-21 01:14:14 · answer #7 · answered by maguyver727 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look around you . God has created every thing you see. That is awesome. You are here because you were created by God. Things don't happen just by chance. God has a reason and a time for everything and every one. There is only one true God and that is Jesus Christ. All you have to do is just ask him to forgive you where you have failed in your life. Then ask him into your live, and he will forgive you . It's that simple. And in the end you have a choice Heaven or Hell. All things come to a end .You have to decide where you will go . I hope you choose and everlasting life in heaven, and not burning in hell. I just don't understand how anyone can't believe that he is not real. I guesses the question is are you willing to take the chance.
2006-10-20 22:03:42 · answer #8 · answered by Rebel mom 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The centerpiece of Christianity is Jesus. The place where Christians learn about Jesus Christ as God, is the Bible.
Many book store have a religious section, or you can go to a Christian bookstore. Find books on the topic of the origins of the Bible, and how we got what we now know as the Bible.
Read up on it, then begin to read the Bible for yourself. Find a Bible TEACHING church (not just a Bible believing church).
Go on-line and check out some reputable Bible teachers and listen to their teachings on-line.
There's a lot you can do before you commit. But you sound pretty analytical, so you'll need to be convinced first before you make a commitment. Go slow if you want, but move forward in one direction or another. The Bible itself is the place to start. It self-affirms based on the theme(s) and the extended time period of its authorship.
66 books - 40 authors - same message
2006-10-20 21:38:22 · answer #9 · answered by Bob L 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well I think your observations are intelligent on all points. I am christian but not blindly so. I have my doubts and questions and certainly not absolute or rigid on most any point...including abortion. I don't like or want to even discuss it but it is not a choice I'd want to even contemplate or judge. I have looked into other religions and the more I do the more I realize they mirror each other in many ways. The thing that bothers me is all the blood shed over the subject. I can't reconcile any of that and never will. Thumbs up for all your fine and fair observations.
2006-10-20 21:36:33 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋