Are there any Christians that are former Athiests here?

Question

Just curious what that transition was like. What made you turn around. Did you have a spiritual experience or experience a miracle?

Answer 1

I wonder why the Christian argument for ex-Christian atheists doesn't apply in situations like this.

The argument goes like this. If you used to be a Christian and you are now an atheist then you were never really a Christian.

It is much more interesting when you play it the other way around.

Answer 2

I was an athiest.

It was not very exciting I guess from anyone else's perspective. I had questions and I started thinking that some of the scientific theories had been overstated as facts. I thought about the what ifs?

So I asked a few questions of people I knew were Christian, did not really like the answers. So I read the Bible. Started with the New Testament for some reason. I believe now that I was to read it that way. I got hooked on the philosophical side. Do no harm even when protecting yourself from harm, etc.

Then I started thinking about the ramifications if it happened today. If I were a disciple. It seemed that there may be more to it than just mere hoax. Then I read the Old Testament, and all sorts of little prophecies poked out of almost every chapter, that matched Jesus' life and teachings.

Abraham going to the mount (which is in the same mounts as the location of Golgotha- some believe) to sacrifice Isaac, and he proved he would have just because God told him too. On the way to the mount (on the third day of his journey) Isaac said to his father, where is the animal for the offering, I see the fire, the wood and the knife, but not the animal. Abraham told Isaac that God would provide for them a lamb for the offering. Sure enough after God told Abraham not to sacrifice Isaac they spotted a ram caught in the thicket. God wanted to see if Abraham believed enough, before God promised and knew that He would give His own son for Abrahams descendants.

Isaiah 53... I can go into more detail if you would like.

I just believe because the prophecies were written and taught before Jesus was born yet He fulfilled them. That is the case for Christ.

Answer 3

I was more of an agnostic than an atheist, but am a Christian. I have way too much to write on this question than I have time for right now, but here are a few comments. The short answer to your question (good question by the way) is a spiritual experience in my case. The intermediate answer is below, and the long answer is reserved for some future date when I have more time.

Whether one is an atheist or a Christian I have alot of respect for those on this board that ask legitimate questions and are seeking legitimate answers. Unfortunately, most people (on both sides) are here to use their flame-throwers toward one another. No one benefits from that.

Science actually is what caught my attention and made me seriously consider, and eventually accept, Christianity. It didn't happen overnight. It took years in my case. My background, education (undergraduate and graduate) and professional experience (25+ years) is in electrical engineering, nuclear physics and laser physics. I have been deeply involved in the application of the scientific method to help develop experiments to test hypotheses related to radiation effects on materials. I have seen theories come and go. Some have stood up to the tests and scrutiny of science, others have collapsed. On the topic of creation versus evolution (actually macro-evolution), neither (in my opinion) stands the test and scrutiny of the scientific method. If you choose to differ with that opinion, list out the scientific methodology steps and fill in the blanks with scientifically documented evidence. If you can do that, please post it. The question of which to believe is faith-based (either God or man).

I have read and, more importantly, studied the Bible, Darwin's writings and the writings of many philosophers and scientists. I started this before becoming a Christian and have continued ever since. Hopefully, this has helped me minimize bias. I would recommend a similar tact for anyone who really wants to expand themselves.

When I had questions in some areas, such as micro-biology, I asked qualified people (meaning those with the academic, research and work credentials) to help me out. Some were Christians, some were not, but all provided answers and clarifications to the best of their abilities.

I learned a lot about Bible translations. Many are corrupt. The KJV is the only one that translates the original texts verbatim. As such, some people find it confusing because our terminology today does not correlate well to the terminology when the translation was made. For example, the word "corn" is used in a number of passages, but our definition today (a yellow grain on an ear) is not the same as the original definition (any kernel bearing grain). Understanding of words and phrases changes over time. Those of us in the U.S. are not speaking the same language as our forefathers did. One doesn't get that point on a casual read through the Bible. The converse is true for those that take a casual approach to science and try to use it to refute evolution. Often people latch on to what they think they want to hear and try to run with it. In either case one has to dig deeper, which is what I have been doing, and will continue to do.

When I accepted Christ I knew without a doubt that salvation was real. I had a lot of pressures and burdens that were lifted from my shoulders. I could tell the Holy Spirit had entered. You can say what you want, but those of us who have truly experienced it know the feeling I am (admittedly weak at) expressing in words. It was manifest in a sense of peace that I had never experienced before and in changes to my lifestyle that I did not consciously try to make. If I had a few hours I could elaborate on this to great length, but I'll save that for another day.

The best I can hope for on a forum such as Yahoo Answers is that people on both sides of the Christianity\Atheism debate study both sides in detail. It may or may not change anyone's mind, but at least the caliber of the questions and responses will be at a much higher level.

I hope you find this at least worth considering.......

Answer 4

If someone can be a metaphorical christian, then I am. Jesus carried the cross, undeserved, alone. Until one person was somewhat forced into helping.
Anyway, that made me go to the doctor again when numerous doctors had failed me.
That doctor took some new blood tests, and saved my life, my mental life, my everything. I carry my cross, no matter how many times I fall.
But do I believe in magic?
In a stream of consciousness?
Uh, yeah right.

Answer 5

I am not a former atheist, but there are two pretty popular Christians that converted from atheism. The two that I am talking about are Josh McDowell and Lee Strobel.

Answer 6

Im an xian myself.

Answer 7

No of course not many of those idiots who locked themselves in their cocoon of ignorance are absent at this crucial time. What was it you wanted to tell them dear. I'll be glad to pass it on later.

Answer 8

I second Sho-Nuff's response.