I have found that many atheists are very intelligent and analytical people. Where as the christians I have encountered are more emotional, and driven. Which do you think is the way to god.
Now I know Athesists say they dont believe in god, but to me from the responses I have received from atheists they are very caring respectful people. So although they dont believe in god, it would seem that they live the principles of god. NOw is it that they understand that god is god, and no god, but more of a way of spirit.
And by knowing this does it allow them to be more honest, because they do not fear the consequences of sin? Or is the devout believer who sees sin as a way of keeping them from heaven, and lives their life in fear of sinning that better knows and lives the example of god. Just wondering?
2006-11-06 02:55:48 · 17 answers · asked by fryedaddy 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It doesn't require a belief in a supernatural god to have a conscience. Most humans are born with a conscience that grows and develops in the early years. Atheists and other non-theists try to do what is right because society works best when people do what they're supposed to do. Anarchy is not in the best interest of anyone.
As for understanding the complexity of God: religion is clearly a very emotional experience. Believers are every day pointing out that they don't believe because their minds tell them that God exists, but because they FEEL the love of God working in their lives. Myself, reading the Bible stirs both my intellect and my emotions. Much I can admire, but there is more that I find appalling. Such immorality. How can that be reconciled with the belief that God is love? Both my intellect and my emotions reject the idea.
2006-11-06 02:59:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your premise is that one can actually understand the complexities of God. That will never be true. Man can never fully understand God. You are trying to intellectualize faith and by definition that won't work. My belief in God is through faith, my faith is continually strengthened by my intellect.
More directly, I think that it is an individual point of view. I'm an educated man. Very analytical and precise in my thought. I believe in God, without a doubt. My wife is much more emotional and believes in God.
I would never question the intelligence of an atheist, although they frequently question mine. They have analyzed the data and made a decision based on that analysis. I have come to a different conclusion. The difference truly rests with the Spirit of God. When and where a non-believer converts is ultimately a spiritual encounter.
God uses everyone for his purpose, believers and non-believers. Intelligent, less intelligent, artisans and craftsmen alike.
2006-11-06 10:59:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am just one of the silly emotional people who believe in God. I have no intelligence (I guess).. Still without understand some science I couldn't hold some of the mysteries of God with such awe... I have meant no one on answers that can explain even the creation of God (How it all began) much less the Creator.. But maybe I just don't understand their incredible explanations because after all I'm a stupid Christian... Jim
2006-11-06 11:15:26 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to open your heart and your mind to accept the love and mercy of the one true God, and salvation thru His Son, Jesus.
For many, they have to come to peace with BOTH the emotional and intellectual conflicts at that moment.
Then they begin the journey of spiritual growth (ie, growing in faith). Some do so by serious study. Some by emotional experience. Some by both.
Be careful to avoid generalizations because they are generally wrong.
Good question.
2006-11-06 10:59:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Open honest mind and right hearted attitude
Prepared to change your beliefs when contrary to scriptures.
Haughty or stubborn people never glean the jewels of truth as God keeps it away from them. Even a right minded child is revealed the truth yet a haughty intellectual one he is blind.
Luke 10:21
In that very hour he became overjoyed in the holy spirit and said: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones, and have revealed them to babes. Yes, O Father, because to do thus came to be the way approved by you.
Jesus petitioned his followers in Matthew 6:33
“Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you"
2006-11-06 10:57:40 · answer #5 · answered by Spadesboffin 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I personally don't think the complexity of God can EVER be understood by anyone. I don't think religion is about understanding God; I think it's about loving and caring about God's creatures, because all of God's creatures are a part of God.
Atheists look at God and see nothing there. They are skeptics, and very scientific in their ways of thinking. I find that very admirable. Maybe their concept of God is what the human heart is capable of.
2006-11-06 11:00:32 · answer #6 · answered by Maria Isabel 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You effectively rephrase the atheistic view to make it more palatable to christians, but the fact remains that Atheists know with their whole being that not only is there no deity or deities, there are no spirits or souls either.
I have never met an atheist who believed he was anything more than a complex arrangement of atoms. Nothing more, nothing less. Just a complex structure of atoms.
2006-11-06 11:00:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think that we all need something to believe in. Whether it be that God exists or doesn't. God doesn't ask for much of us. All he wants is for us to act right. My husband was an atheist for a while - and he slowly dropped out because life became meaningless. Funny, all it took was a stoke of bad luck, my fading health and me loosing my faith at times to make him see that there is a higher power - whether we choose to acknowledge him/her or not. I think that people use God as a scapegoat at times to blame him for all the crap that we humans do to ourselves. We have become a society where we basically rendered God to be a myth and live in such chaos that at times we want to believe that this world just "poof! - appeared". Personally, believing in God makes me a little bit better everyday and provides me with stability, purpose and hope. To me - having nothing to believe in makes for a chaotic and selfish life. Always remember - when a person is in danger (whether atheist or not) what's the 1st thing they shout? "OH, GOD".
2006-11-06 11:12:07 · answer #8 · answered by Sasha 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The only way to God is through Jesus Christ.
For He says: "I am the ONLY WAY, truth and life, no one can come to the Father but through Me" John 14:6
It is by believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins- and rose again 3 days later- defeating death. Putting your trust in HIM and repenting of sin. Because we have all sinned against God- Romans 3 tells us that we have all sinned and fallen short of God's glory. We need redemption and God made a way- through Jesus Christ- He became a man to suffer OUR death so we could live with him eternally, and be forgiven. Those that do not put their trust in Christ will be separated from God forever....cast into the outer darkness as the Bible calls it- which is Hell. I would wish that upon NO ONE! So you see, there is only one way to heaven- and that is through believing in Jesus Christ.
John 5:24
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
2006-11-06 11:14:14 · answer #9 · answered by Mandolyn Monkey Munch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To grasp God you need a combination of emotion and intellect. The emotion is verified by the intellect. That's what I think.
2006-11-06 10:58:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋