I know that even if you "wanted to" there would be no way you could stop believing in god. No one could tell you to stop. The same as you cant just tell someone to believe. Why do you think that non-christians have the ability to CHOOSE their beliefs? I dont chose not to belive, that is what my mind tells me from the information that it has recieved? I just dont understand when chistians say "you better accepted Jesus as your savior or else" If I just say that outloud I know that I dont truely believe that. I have read the bible, talked to preachers, and prayed. Christians dont choose to believe, they just do (that is obvious because they accept extremely far fetched stories as fact, even though the rational part of a human brain would say not to believe it) Dont you see that non-christians do not CHOOSE not to believe?
2006-10-30 17:27:54 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, I'm a Christian, and I CHOSE to believe in Jesus Christ, and since that time He has proven Himself to me by answering my prayers, healing my body, mind, and spirit, and giving me spiritual gifts when I needed them. I had the hardest time with the very same issue you're talking about, too, for quite a while. But then, I never doubted God's (the Father's) existence. All I can tell you is to keep on asking God to open your eyes to the truth. That's very important, to keep at it. Never give up; never quit praying for the truth to be revealed to you. It'll happen on His schedule, not yours.
Blessings to you!
2006-10-30 18:11:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Every religion has its own dogmas and beliefs. Non-chirstians and chirstians alike. It's not limited to the organized religion. The beliefs are also passed on from generation to generation through education.
The question is - do we need to believe? if so, what to believe in?
I think, we need to believe to do anything. Without believing that the land on which I am standing won't give in... I can't even take the next step.
Existence can be believed in. We can believe in Existence - whatever is. We need to understand existence, and then believe in that understanding. Existence is not a fiction. Existence is Reality. It is expressed in all the forms - as plants, matter, animals, humans - as co-existence. Co-existence is the reality of existence. Once man understands co-existence in all his interactions, at all levels - then that forms the basis for right beliefs. That really gives the sense of security. That really gives a sense of peace. That really gives a sense of happiness. That really makes one related with everyone else. That really gives a basis for humanity, family, and undivided society.
2006-10-31 01:38:56 · answer #2 · answered by Rakesh Gupta 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unbelievers have made a choice only because they are the remnant of sinners that are blinded by Satan and their hearts are hardened and their minds are unstable. Believing in God is more than faith. Believing in God isn't about the bible alone this is what unbelievers put their focus on instead of God. You have to see it to believe it which only brings more frustration within. Confession is not only by Mouth but also in the heart. Its all about personal and spiritual truths that brings about a relationship with God. If unbelievers put their focus on God and not on mankind and bible then the dark clouds or the skim over their eyes would be lifted. God chose me and I didn't choose him then when I hit rock bottom God spoke to me and I cried out to him and he saved me from myself. God is looking for those who will worship him in spirit and in truth not doubts or skepticism. It was the greatest experience of my life!
May God help you! Amen.
Shalom
2006-10-31 01:47:48 · answer #3 · answered by Pashur 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree that you can't force yourself to believe something you know to be untrue.
So it is somewhat disingenuous for Christians to think a non-believer can just CHOOSE to believe one day.
As a child, I had considerable "cognitive dissonance" over this. The church I attended nearly demanded I "accept Jesus", but I had no idea what they were talking about. So, I faked it.
That event planted the seed of my my eventually becoming an atheist. I know many others who had similar experiences.
2006-10-31 01:51:48 · answer #4 · answered by Wassana L 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Whether or not one acknowledges one's agency, one still has agency.
To throw up your hands in a helpless gesture and say, "I can't help it!" means nothing more than you either believe you can't help it or else you have effectively convinced yourself that you can't help it.
If you seek God in earnestness and humility, chances are exceedingly high that you will find him.
You chose to abandon your search for God for whatever reason. Perhaps it didn't bear fruit in the time frame you demanded, who knows? But the fact is that you made a choice to cease searching for God. Maybe based on your belief that you would never find him. But whatever the reason, it was a choice.
I hope that you reinspect your thinking in order to recover the reason(s) why you decided to end the search.
I'm not saying that you chose not to believe necessarily. I am, however, saying that you chose to stop seeking. And I would imagine that you would agree with this last statement, no?
2006-10-31 01:34:35 · answer #5 · answered by Gestalt 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Apparently God will call you when you 'hit bottom'. Just become a raving drug crazed boozer for a while.. then go see some fundies.. they'll be happy to accept you and whatever is left of your brain into the fold.
BTW i can just imagine real HELL.. no physical torture, just Satan saying over and over,"You chose not to listen to them, it was your choice, now look where your choosing has gotten you....", on and on.
2006-10-31 01:41:42 · answer #6 · answered by eantaelor 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree. There are causes that make you do the thngs you do. You are not outside of cause and effect. In a person's thoughts they may feel that they are but I believe this is and illusion. We are made of particles that will act in a certain way under the effect of other particles' motions, energies, and existences. There is really nothing you can do to change what you are. I would argue this with anyone if they care to e-mail me.
huntstomatopaste@yahoo.com
2006-10-31 01:47:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Thoughtful Christians don't say that. We know we are not as great as God to even think of judging another's relationship to him.
Faith is given to a lucky few. The rest of us usually have to work at it.
2006-10-31 01:42:23 · answer #8 · answered by Tryn2 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are right about one thing. Just saying words doesn't do it. I am glad you are still looking for answers. A lot of wisdom has been shared with you in this, and your other questions. I hope you learn from it. If you ask for wisdom and discernment He will give it to you.
2006-10-31 01:44:29 · answer #9 · answered by creationrocks2006 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can look at it that way...... as it is stated many are called but only a few is chosen....... So is it really ours' or God's choice? Question well taken...great question for deep drivers.....
2006-10-31 01:41:45 · answer #10 · answered by midavasha 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋