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would God give credit for effort? Whose fault is that? Will he/she go to hell?

Please don't say "try harder." That's not an answer.

This is a serious question, because as a child I never felt this in my evangelical church and it is one of the main reasons I became an atheist.

2007-01-09 16:06:11 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

13 answers

Could it be that you have never been saved in the first place? Have you said the sinners prayer and meant it? Did you make Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior?

2007-01-09 16:14:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 3

You are trying too hard. Maybe you don't belong in an Evangelical church. There are other places when "feeling" the spirit is not pushed. Never fake anything. Part of come to have a deeper relationship with God is letting go of our false self, so 'fake it till you make it' does NOT apply here!

From your question I get the sense that you are just playing with us, but if you are serious as you say, try this. Get a good translations of the Psalms, one is "The Psalms, Singing Version" by Paulis Press. (If you like inclusive language use The Psalms, Grail Translation, ISBN;1-57999-080-0 by GIA) Go somewhere in nature where you can be alone and enjoying the trees, grass, birds and small animals. No one else around, no traffic sounds in the distance, a quiet peaceful place. Then with no thoughts or expectations in mind but to enjoy the peace and beauty of the nature around you read slowly out loud Psalm 148, 150. Do it as a form of meditation if you like as many days as you are able for at least 30 and come back and tell us about your experience.

You may also write me off list if you wish.

2007-01-10 00:21:45 · answer #2 · answered by tonks_op 7 · 0 0

I personally come from an evangelical background but, most of my close friends are atheists.

I believe that currently there is a large push for revival and feeling the spirit in evangelical churches that alienates a lot of people.

I believe what I feel is the love of Jesus which is bigger than I am.
I don't think that you should feel forced to fake "the spirit". Especially when churches are suspossed to respect people and not distance them.

And I do not believe in any way that you could go to hell for not feeling the spirit. Especially since this is mostly built on church doctrine and not on theology in the Bible.

But that's just me.

2007-01-10 00:44:50 · answer #3 · answered by Bee. 1 · 0 0

That's a pretty good question. No, don't fake it. Not everyone will feel the spirit the same way or in the same time.

I think I have only truly felt the spirit and God being with me a couple times out of 10 years. If your sincere about having a relationship with God and are sincere about being at church, praying and studying the bible, then someday some how you will feel it, and you will know with out a shadow of a doubt what it is!!!

2007-01-10 00:11:18 · answer #4 · answered by Bride2Be 2 · 0 1

The Bible says that we are not to depend on our feelings, but on the truth of God's word, the bible. "The heart is deceitful above all things." I do not believe that emotion is part of faith. Many evangelicals disagree with me on this. But I don't find that emotion is necessary for faith. The Bible does not demand this. It asks for you to receive Jesus by faith, not by emotions. You will know when the spirit indwells you, when you start to make decisions based on the truth of the Bible; not your feelings.

2007-01-10 00:47:00 · answer #5 · answered by Freedom 7 · 0 0

Don't fake it. You will feel the Spirit in time. When you really need God, He will be there and you will feel His presence. In the mean time, relax and get to know God for yourself. Read the Bible, listen to some Christian music or just go to a park and enjoy nature. You'll feel Him, I promise and so did He.

God Bless.

2007-01-10 00:16:32 · answer #6 · answered by WillLynn 1 6 · 1 2

Sometimes it is the only way to get the bonafide super-crazy religious wackos off your back. I faked it when I was twelve, drunk, and at church camp just so they would let me go to bed...

2007-01-10 00:15:48 · answer #7 · answered by Emma 2 · 2 0

Helloooooooo,

the spirit is not just FELT. Go read the book of ACTS.

The spirit manifests itself through tongue speaking.

Of course, many of these tongue speaking people have the false spirits, you are EXPECTED to test the spirit.

2007-01-10 00:12:55 · answer #8 · answered by Marshal 2 · 0 2

what a copout....there are other churches to try that you might like...Methodism is great...no faking necessary but dont just give up so easily....ive been through alot but never gave up my beliefs..

2007-01-10 00:11:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1 2

If your life depended upon being spiritual (maybe they will make life hard one way opr another), I would say fake it, it wouldnt be too hard to fool them.

2007-01-10 00:11:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1 2

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