christians please give me rational thoughts, i am an athiest?

Question

i am new to Q & A, and enjoy it very much, to the point my whole yahoo 360 blog is dedicated to my experience on Q & A,
i have always givin real thoughtfull answers when i am on Q & A, for serious questions and enjoy the fun questions for a smile and a little laugh BUT.
when i see... athiest please answer..... i reply with honesty, and direct my answer to your question,, i have always wrote with kindness and understanding .
today and yesterday i received very nasty emails about "burning in hell" because i don't believe in the bible...as i was writeing about this in my yahoo 360 blog, i relized why is it?? so why not post the question, maybe there is a reason .
now if i would explain in detail why i am an athiest, on sunday in my yahoo 360 blog, do you think as a christian you can .
1-explain true rational reason, why i should beleive in christianity
2-explain why i "will burn in hell"
3-explain why the bible is not just another book
4-explain without fear of the unknown

i am truly curios, im looking for honest answers from christians from you as a person, and not based on the bible only from you..what you truly feel inside
i know i can go elsewhere and do other answers to questions, there are many but i am intriged at some of the ignorance that has been put forth against athiest, i became an athiest for a reason, its a choise and i do not push it on anyone else, so why do christians feel they have to push their beleif and if that does not work, end it by a threat of burning in hell

on sunday i will put a full day dedication to why i am an athiest and my experiences that led up to being an athiest, on my yahoo 360 blog, and i will post again the question to Q & A

http://ca.360.yahoo.com/dragonfly2dreams

i want to learn and understand, not become a beleiver

i have always been open minded and if i don't truly understand something i ask

Answer 1

Dragonfly, my friend, what you have been experiencing here (which you have described in such an honest and heartfelt way) is not so much a Christian thing as it is a human thing. Several Christians (just lately, even) have asked similar questions about the rancorous atheists who have insulted, demeaned, and ridiculed honest question askers, just because said askers were Christians.

Writing "with kindness and understanding" is always the way to go. Well done, for that. Let's see if I can address your four questions:

1 - Why should you believe in christianity?
Actually, the question is really, "Why should you believe in Christ?" Without Christ, nevermind christianity. As an octogenarian Christian once told me, "Without Christ, 'Christian' is just 'i-a-n', and without Christ, that would stand for " I Ain't Nothin'."
Reasons you should believe in Christ would include these:
He is real. He's alive, and He is not silent, unless you choose to have "eyes that do not see, and ears that do not hear." (Romans 11) Psalm 19 starts off talking about how the sky daily "proclaims the glory of God, and the heavens declare the work of His hands." (Have you ever stood on a high mountainside? I recommend it, as someone who's been to the top of Mt. St. Helens twice. But be sure to wear sunscreen.)
He helps those who ask honestly. Give Him a chance. Talk to Him. Let Him prove His presence, His existence, and His worth. But He's not a telemarketer, nor a televangelist -- He likes to work on a very personal level, which is the real reason there isn't billboard-style proof. On a one-to-one basis with someone who truly wants to know, He proves Himself incontrovertibly.
He's the only way to permanent life, as in Life with a capital "L". "For there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved." He's done the hard stuff (like paying a death sentence for a worldfull of messed up people). All you need to do is believe.

I'd love to talk with you some more on the subject, but I've been getting long-winded, and I have three more questions to go!
So here we go...

2 - explain why i "will burn in hell"
People (Christian or otherwise) who use the phrase "burn in hell" in all probability have no real idea what hell is there for. Hell is not a place to torture the "naughty people". Scripture says that it wasn't made for humans at all. It is the "eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." (Matthew 25:41)

Hell is seperation from God. Many atheists will want to say, "I ignore God now, and I'm doing just fine." But honestly, they're not "just fine" -- In reality, they're pretty miserable. They would be far worse, but God is actually making things better than they would be if He weren't there. It is as if someone claimed, "I don't see any of this 'air' stuff you claim is here! I'll do just fine without it."

That would be something I would doubt.

3 - explain why the bible is not just another book
The Bible is remarkable. It's an anthology of over sixty seperate works (law books, history books, poetry books, prophecies, letters, etc.), written over thousands of years, and with all of that, although critics do their best to claim it has contradictions and mistakes in it, they still cannot make a believable or anywhere close to solid case for that flippant accusation. Its historical accuracy is unimpeachable -- far better than the ancient texts of its day.
And its good advice extends to all areas of life. “If a man loudly blesses his neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse." (Proverbs 27:14) (Ain't that the truth!)

4 - explain without fear of the unknown
You should never fear the unknown. Just ask for wisdom.
"If anyone among you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all, and does not rebuke, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, doubting nothing, for one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, tossed about and wind-blown (James 1:5-6)."

Anyway, I hope this answer helps, somehow.

Barjesse37

Answer 2

You claim to be an athiest. Are you sure you're an athiest or just a non Biblical believer? I would enjoy reading your blogs, to get another perspective to my own beliefs. Maybe there is no Hell after life. Maybe Hell is now. No person alive knows for sure. I'm not saying you should believe in Christianity, you might be a Buddist at heart. Only you know that answer. Before anyone can decide what to believe, they first have to study all solutions to the problem. There are a good many people in the world that believe in creationalism, over evolution. But to be fair, it stands to reason that the human race as we know it, had to begin somewhere. Sure, you say we evolved from a single cell organism to the present day form. Where did that single cell originate? I don't know the answer to that or many other questions, pertaining to evolution. So for now, I'm going to have to put my beliefs to where i think they need to be. I wish you well, and may you find your answer in your own heart, and mind. If you're wrong, then what? Where do we go from this life? Is there an afterlife? Is there a Heaven and Hell? What you are comfortable with is your concern, and result.

Answer 3

What great questions. However, if you are not going to change your mind no matter waht we say, why bother justifying our beliefs to you? You don't sound open-minded at all.

I think the reasons people reject God are the following:

1. He doesn't give them what they want
2. He requires that they live in a way that's self sacrificial
3. He doesn't appeal to the senses
4. His ways are not our ways

Think what the world would be like if everyone had their own truth and did whatever their impulses told them to do. We'd be a lawless society, full of chaos and we'd destroy ourselves. The evidence of God for me is all around me. I've seen in my children that we are born with curiosity about God. Personally, though, God has changed me over the years. I have seen many miracles. I have seen people transformed into better people. I have learned the spiritual world is more real that the physical one. Is this all rational? Yes! I think it's irrational that a person would believe there is not God when they look at the vastness of the university (it never ends) and when they ask the question how did nothing turn into something.

Answer 4

Catholic Christian here.

Thanks for your question. I, too, enjoy my time here on Q&A. I appreciate your honesty and kindness. I think the world needs more of it.

As far as your questions 1-4, I can only answer them through my own experiences. I have always been a Christian, was a "lost" Christian for many years. It wasn't until I decided to study my faith did I discover the Catholic Church and finally find home. I began to understand Jesus' love for me for the first time, and come to know Him personally. At times it is hard to describe the love I feel from Him, but it's there, and it saves me everytime I need it.

If people are sending you hate emails and screaming that you're going to burn in hell, please don't pay attention to that. No one can judge another person's final destiny, and those people should not be doing that in the first place. Christ taught love, and IS love; He would only be wanting us to show love to each other, showing Him to each other, whether they believe or not.

As Christians, we believe the bible is the inspired written Word of God. It is a collection of letters and books spanning thousands of years. We believe the writers penned their writings under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit, pointing us to Jesus Christ. I think most people initially approach the bible like a history or science book, academically, which is a mistake (one I used to make also). The bible does have academic aspects, but that is not its purpose. When reading the bible, it must be approached prayerfully, and with the understanding that the entire book, from cover to cover, is about Jesus Christ. Keeping this in mind will help one to see the meanings of the scriptures as they are meant to be seen.

Anyway, thanks again for your question, and I hope my answer (my LONG answer, lol) was helpful.

God bless.

Answer 5

I am of The True Christian Faith. If you choose not to accept God's call to you that is your choice. I would not even try to convince you otherwise, given your statements here. As you are clearly not open to God. That is the first thing that must occure for one to start on the path to God.... even though I know with absolute certainty that your are maiing the wrong choice... there is nothing I, or any one of The Faith can do about it...so... as to #1...there is no reason any one of The Faith can give you that you will accept because you are not open to God.

as to #2... There is some debate on exactly what will be the fate of those who reject God... except that God will reject those who reject Him... for a certainty you will be eternalyseperated from God and that will not be a good thing for you... again your choice

#3... The Bible dose not prove God... God proves The Bible... the Bible of The True Christian Faith is not for the non-believer... there is nothing in it for you... unless... you are open to the leading of The Holy Spirit... which, by your own words, you are not... so do not concern yourself with what is in The Bible... you are not bound by any thing in it any way.

I do not uderstand #4...except that for me,and for all of The Faith, God and our futures are not unknowns... I know with absolute certainty that God exists... and that my place in Heaven is absolutly assured.

you state... "i want to learn and understand, not become a beleiver".... do not concern your self with understanding of The Faith... those of The Faith have no interest with bothering you and there is nothing of The Faith that you need fear. should you ever come to an understanding of The Faith you will be of The Faith... no one who comes to knowThe Way, The Truth, and The Life, of The True Christian Faith will refuse to accept it...

Go and enjoy your life as best you can... Be the best thay you can be... love as much as you can. be kind and conciderate of others... When the day comes that you come to know that you need God... listen... you will Hear His call... You will have the choice to answer or not... I hope that you do...

I am 60 and have been of The True Christian Faith since May 6, 2000.... took me a while but I finaly came to God in The Way He prescribes... no man, priest, pastor, book, doctrine or dogma of man involved... just me and God...I attend a small Concervative Baptist church which God led me to after my Salvation. Iam a member... but more importantly I am of The Body of The Church of which Jesus The Christ is The Head... only those of the Church will enter Heaven... God is not concerned with man's "Denominations"

If you ever have any honest questions concerning the basics of The True Christian Faith feel free to email me... one honest question will receive one honest answer to the best of my ability.

I just do not have time for 360s and all that blog stuff

Answer 6

1-explain true rational reason, why i should believe in Christianity

Because you are incapable of being good enough to make it to Heaven on your own. We are all in the same boat. God loves us, even though we don't deserve it.

2-explain why i "will burn in hell"

No one should say this to you. They are in danger of condemnation themselves for saying it. No one can know the disposition of your heart except God Himself. What I can tell you is that God says those who do not believe in Jesus Christ will go to Hell. If you spend your whole life telling God you don't want to have anything to do with them, then why would He force you to be with Him for an eternity after you die?


3-explain why the bible is not just another book

For several reasons. Entire books have been written on this subject. I'd suggest Lee Strobel's "Case for Christ" for starters.

First, because the text has not changed. We know this because of the Dead Sea Scrolls and because of thousands of other copies and pieces of ancient manuscripts. This is not true for any other work in history.
Second, because it works. Everything the Bible lists as a sin is harmful to us. If the Bible had been written by some "old men" thousands of years ago, then the truths wouldn't still apply to us to today. But guess what? They do apply. That indicates Divine inspiration to me.
Third- every year we find more and more copies of biblical texts. Again, this is not true for any other work in human history. Homer's works number than one thousand, they all vast differ in story and content, and each year we lose one or two of them (theft, damage, etc). God's Word, on the other hand, (Bible) will never be lost.


4-explain without fear of the unknown

There is no need to fear the unknown if you have Jesus Christ in your heart.

Answer 7

I'm not a proselytizing type of christian. I have faith that I believe there is a higher power. I don't believe the bible is the answer to everyones salvation. Hell...I don't know if you are going to hell or not, heck if you are I may see you there. I don't know all the answers. I just know that in my daily life......I try to live right, help others when I can, and enjoy what life I have.
If you are getting bashed I am truly sorry. I enjoy Q&A, because I believe that I can learn a lot from others, and I relish in the fact that people are so different. I hope at times I give a valid answer that will provoke some meaningful thought. Anyway......good luck.

Answer 8

If you are saying you will never become a believer,then it doesn't really matter.My heart breaks for you.Out of love I will answer.You cannot separate Christianity from the Bible,because whatever I could come up with to say,it could be found in scripture. 1-You use the term "rational".Faith is not rational.Who has faith in what he sees?It is no longer faith then.2-You have heard the Gospel message, I'm sure.The fact that Jesus died and He rose from the dead is undeniable.There is no other explanation for the sudden boldness of the disciples, do you honestly believe they would ALL go to their martyrdoms over something they knew was a lie?You have in effect said "I will not have this Man rule over me" when you reject the Gospel.Sin must be payed for(and it's not the amount of sin that condemns you,but the mere fact of sin), and you have chosen to pay for it yourself.3-If you truly seek the Knowledge of God, this will answer itself. 4-I do not need to fear the unknown, because nothing gets by my God to me unless He allows it, and if He allows it,He will see me through it.If I seem rude please understand this is very important.We're talking eternity here.my hope is that you will have a change of heart. This is nothing to be played around with. Thank you

Answer 9

I consider myself a christian. I grew up catholic although as an adult i dont like the caltholic church and wont go to one. I feel as a person you have to listen to your heart. I can't tell you if the bible is real or not. It was wrote by man.... I dont think your going to burn in hell if your a good honest person. You should believe in yourself always and be good to yourself and others. Everyone has a fear of the unknowan. Were born with it. It is part of that 6th sence we all have. Type that in your search bar a read up on it. I do believe there is a higher power out there. Just not sure what it is yet. Good Luck and always listen to what you feel.

Answer 10

HOLY BIBLE(Old and New Testaments)
Da 10:21 but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth.
Mt 21:42 Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:"
Jn 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
Jn 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
1Th 4:8 Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
Rev 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
HELL(Eternal or 2nd Death)
Mt 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Mt 25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Mt 25:46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment.”
Rev 20:14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.
Rev 20:15 If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Rev 21:8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars-their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.
IS THE BIBLE IMPORTANT?
The Bible is probably the most maligned Book that ever has been written. It has been attacked as no other book has ever been attacked. Yet it has ministered and does minister to literally millions of people around the globe, and it has been doing this now for several thousand years. A Book of this nature and with this tremendous impact upon the human family certainly deserves the intelligent consideration of men and women
In many ways the Bible is a most unusual Book. For instance, it has a dual authorship. In other words, God is the Author of the Bible, and in another sense man is the author of the Bible. Actually, the Bible was written by about forty authors over a period of approximately 1500 years. Some of these men never even heard of the others, and there was no collusion among the forty. Two or three of them could have gotten together, but the others could not have known each other. And yet they have presented a Book that has the most marvelous continuity of any book that has ever been written. Also, it is without error. Each author expressed his own feelings in his own generation. Each had his limitations and made his mistakes—poor old Moses made mistakes, but when he was writing the Pentateuch, somehow or other no mistakes got in there. You see, it is a human Book and yet it is a God-Book.
Now, on the basis of all this, I would like to ask you what I believe is a reasonable and certainly an intelligent question: Isn’t it reasonable to conclude that God has communicated with His creatures to whom He has committed a certain degree of intelligence and whom He created in His likeness? May I say to you, if we did not have a revelation from God, right now I think that you and I could just wait and He would be speaking to us, because we could expect God to speak to us. You will notice that the writer to the Hebrews says that God in the Old Testament spoke through the prophets, and He now has spoken through Christ. Both the revelation to the prophets in the Old Testament and the revelation of Christ in the New Testament are in the Word of God, of course, and that is the only way we would know about the communication from either one. The Bible has sixty-six books, and God has spoken to us through them.
This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian’s character. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good is its design and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is given you in life and will be opened in the judgment and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.
—Author unknown

McGee, J. V. Notes and Outlines for the Five-Year Study Plan. Thru the Bible Radio Network.