When I was a child, I was taught to be a good catholic, just as my parents were taught, and their parents, and theirs... I have never personally known anyone whose belief in god(s) stems from a personal kind of revelation or experience with a diety or "miracle". Actually, one person told me this once, but he is such a lier that he can't be counted.
I have more respect for theists that are theists precisely because they believe they have experienced direct evidence of their deity.
Thanks for any thoughtful responses.
2006-12-08 20:05:46 · 6 answers · asked by HarryTikos 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Well, I don't know of any statistics on that... I suppose you could pull out a phone book, call 100 people, and ask the ones who are theists. Not that doing that would be scientific, but it would be better than Y!A's pool of samples...
My guess is there are probably plenty of believers who had religious experiences like the one Julia Sweeney describes. But they were probably already believers.
I doubt any atheists have converted as a result of that kind of experience, because our minds wouldn't be predisposed to it, barring any childhood indoctrination.
2006-12-08 20:10:22 · answer #1 · answered by STFU Dude 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because it cant religion is faith based even when it feels and research proves things to be wrong. I believe the earth is round and not in stoning my child at the edge of town for not being a virgin on her wedding night. I was a Christian and now Im not I never felt this never had miracles my prayers never came true and I "woke up" one day and realized the truth.
2006-12-08 20:13:21 · answer #2 · answered by Arizona is Hot 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I lived my life as an atheist for years and years. I recently dedicated my life to Christianity. Not because anyone taught me, not because of another person's influence. I have studied tons of religions. I've heard the arguments for both sides. I used to be the most stubborn atheist there was. But then I started to think that atheism was just as dogmatic as religion. So I took the agnostic standpoint. Then I began really contempleting God. I became to obsessed and overwhelmed by it all that I asked God over and over again to show himself to me if he was really there. He did. He did it in so many ways. I cant even write it all down. All I know is I have completely changed, and I'm so in love with life. I'm so in love with Him. I personally believe that if in order to have God show himself to you, you need to be in search of Him. You need to want Him to come to you. All you have to do is honestly ask. And be ready, because once He comes theres no more doubt, theres no more fear. Its so amazing how I went from atheist to who I am now. If you are in search of Him, don't worry, it won't be long until you are in tears of joy over His love. Its the only true love you will ever find. And it is forever. There are countless second chances. There are countless mistakes youw ill make, you will falter and run away from Him. But He will never do those things to you. He is patiently waiting
2006-12-08 20:14:13 · answer #3 · answered by latenightdrives 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have experienced a few events, that I cannot explain without a belief in some sort of "divine intervention"....but I have learned that each person will define a miracle differently than another person.
I could tell you my stories, but you may ignore them or not believe me......so it is best that you know yourself and believe your own miraculous moments in life.
Peace!
2006-12-08 20:15:36 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never seen of this verified beyond hoax or coincidence or just
something like I'm alive it's a miracle or he was born it's a miracle .. these are normal things excluding all theist believes they would happen regardless.
peace out
2006-12-08 20:11:48 · answer #5 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where is ANY proof?
2006-12-08 20:07:35 · answer #6 · answered by Terry H 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋