I've recently started dating a guy who's Christian. I, myself am Agnostic. I'm interested in learning more about Christians. IF YOU ARE GOING TO TRY AND MAKE ME BECOME CHRISTIAN THEN DO NOT GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION. I DESPISE PEOPLE LIKE YOU.
2007-03-21 19:36:30 · 19 answers · asked by Keyleigh 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I don't despise of Christians, I despise of people who are constantly giving me crap about not being Christian.
And he's Lutheran
2007-03-21 19:42:18 · update #1
Start with The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran. Although it's probably cliche by now, I've found that's a good book on reconciling agnosticism and Christianity, as its philosophy is largely equally applicable to both (speaking as an agnostic). The writing is beautiful, and it gets to the heart of what's good about Christianity.
There are also breathtakingly beautiful passages in the Bible, so if you feel up for reading it, it's worth a read. The fundamental virtue of the New Testament is love, and reading it with that in mind makes it a much more palatable read. For pure poetic imagery and linguistic beauty, I'd suggest the KJV.
Ask your boyfriend what translation his church uses, too, and look into that, since he's going to be exposed to it at least every Sunday, if not more often, if you're interested in learning where his particular beliefs stem from.
Furthermore, speaking as someone who attends (Lutheran, nominally unaffiliated but largely Missouri Synod) Valparaiso University, I've found the chapel ministers here to be nothing but friendly and approachable, even though I don't share their beliefs. I believe you could E-mail the chapel here (university webpage: http://www.valpo.edu) and ask them for suggestions and that they would respond charitably and informatively.
Hope that helps!
2007-03-21 19:48:36 · answer #1 · answered by Kate S 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm not saying this to put you down or anything, but we all must start somewhere. Try a childrens' bible. It's easier to understand. From there you can 'graduate' to other bibles with more information. You could also watch movies. I know for a fact that Netflix has a whole slew of movies covering just about every book in the bible. I know for *me*, that watching movies is far easier to understand, than actually 'reading' the bible. The up-dated version of The Ten Commandments is superb! It has *far* more information in it than the first movie did. So much so, that it prompted me to pick up my bible and read that story again! I forgot alot! There are also such a thing as 'audio books' you can listen to while driving in the car. These audio books can be found at most christian bookstores.
I hope this helps, and, if you don't mind me saying, I hope God blesses you on your journey.
2007-03-22 02:58:44 · answer #2 · answered by MilkWeed 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Coming from 30 yrs of atheist and still a "newbie" for most part, I would recommend starting off on base 1. Knowing G_D's true name.
God, Lord, Allah, Elohim all are the same thing = God, Godly, God like. Just titles like Mr, Mrs in way.
G_Ds real name is:
YHWH
YAHWEH
Yehowa
ha YAH asher ha YAH
HIS name was removed from the Bible back in 1929 due to a fight between JW and Christains, they placed LORD or GOD in its place, know this as you follow, it will clear up confusions at times. Wilhelm Gensenius is who is responsible for translating the hebrew into enlish in 1530 and to find the YHWH. Same name in all the ancient scrolls as well as many other locations.
Jesus is not a proper name, His real name is Yahushua or Yeshua. Some say Jehovah. But in Hebrew there is no J so its an imporper translation. Just know the fact, don't try to change others, they will get very defensive unless they read the facts themselves.
Here are some videos explaining G_Ds name, be a good base to have to help understand it all as you go through it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfP-MxEjK_Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfP-MxEjK_Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-uq-rv4uN0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4W_vEmQ03A
None of these vids are preachy, just info ones done by people. Nice to see you take interest in something your mate has interest in, no matter what it is. Few take the time to "learn" about someone else, specially someone they love.
2007-03-22 02:51:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
If religion does not enter your conversations then you could well be OK.
I am an atheist of some 53 years standing and am married to a born-again christian. Religion is not discussed and is not allowed in the house.
It could be that he might start to try to convert you. You know what you must do. The choice is yours.
Just know that god is an imaginary being and does not exist. Therefore, neither does hell, heaven, satan, angels or the soul ... all lies to back up the main lie.
Atheism is the only logical choice for anyone with intelligence.
Summing up. Christians are much like everyone else but they have this design fault and believe that there is an imaginary friend out there somewhere. That may not be a problem. That may be a problem. Choose but discuss it honestly with him. If he is intelligent and open-minded, able to debate such issues in a mature fashion, you could avert any problems before they occur. Give it a whirl?
2007-03-22 02:45:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I don't think anybody will try to make or force you to be a Christian-just give you reasons for their faith. Isn't that what you're asking for? Reasons. Christians see God as the author of life and as the creator (as opposed to Darwin theory, evolution theory, etc) and can give reasons for such. The main thrust of Christianity is faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the only way to forgiveness of all sin, redemption, salvation, and eternal life in Heaven. A Christian believes in, and tries to keep, the 10 commandments. Everyone sins and breaks the commandments Sometime out of anger,haste, spur of the moment. Sometime out of a desire to do something wrong (foul language, theft, sex, lying, etc.) sometime by just wrongful thoughts, sometime by wrongful words, sometime in wrongful deeds, and sometime without even being aware of it. Since we all sin we need the love and forgiveness won for us by Jesus. A Christian knows that it is by grace we are saved through faith. I'm not preaching to you but more like explaining to you as you requested. As a Lutheran, he follows the explanation, and reasoning of Martin Luther. Hope this helps. Best wishes and God Bless You....
2007-03-22 03:13:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I also wondered why not learn from your boyfriend. I know that you know quite well that no one can "make' you become Christian. I do understand that you find it distasteful if you think that is their intention. It is a part of my Christian faith to inform others of my beliefs.It is important that people make informed decisions about whether or not to become a Christian.(Ezekiel 3:17-21) I would gladly help you to learn anything you'd like about the Christian faith. E-mail me any questions you have.
2007-03-22 02:43:25 · answer #6 · answered by babydoll 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What part of the world do you live in if you haven't learned much about the Christians?
Here in the USA you can't turn on the radio, watch TV, or even read the classifieds without some Christian input.
EDIT: My wife is Lutheran, I'm atheist former Seventh Day Adventist. Can't convince me to go to church (she has never tried), but we get along great.
2007-03-22 02:43:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I admire you for your desire to learn more about Christianity. My first advice is to study what Christians are supposed to be like, and do not try to discover what they are by studying them. Second, study the general principles that a Christian should live by and not the specifics. How a Christian handles specific situations should be guided by the general qualities of a Christin lifestyle. And since the general characteristics of a Christian lifestyle are the characteristics of Jesus Christ, it is necessary to study the life of Jesus Christ.
Take your time and good luck.
2007-03-22 02:43:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Christans believe that there is a God who sent his son Jesus to save our souls from hell ( that was prepared for Satan and his angels) we believe in living a life according to Gods scriptures , my fav. is the love chapter 1 Cor. 13
that a true committed life bears good fruits, in Jesus second coming, life everlasting, brotherly love,and service to mankind
and free will it's a choice we each have to make,
much more but I tried to sum it up quick, hope this helps, have a nice day.
2007-03-22 02:48:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If u would like to learn more about God or religion, plz click the following link.
http://www.sultan.org/articles/QScience.html
May God help u to understand the religion.
2007-03-22 02:57:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋