Ok, serious question for Christians, not trying to dog you in any way...?

Question

I was raised in a Baptist family, led to believe in a supernatural Creator and his Son. I'm 31 now, and struggle to find the faith I had growing up, in light of these observations:

1. It was easy for me to see the folly in stories from Mormonism and Islam. Stories about magical plates and seer stones, and flying horses. As a Christian, why is it so easy for one to see the mythological properties of other religions as fiction, and yet be able explain away the mystical elements of Christianity?

2. How do you explain the fact that the stories surrounding Christianity are not original, but rather remarkably similar, even identical, to ancient pagan beliefs? The immacculate conception, the rock tomb burial and resurrection after three days, communion, Christmas, Easter all have strong ties to pre-Christian pagan theologies.

I'd love to believe that accepting Christ will get me to Heaven, and I pray for that faith, but I can't force myself to believe. What do ya'll think?

Oh, my lack of faith is based on much more than just this. I only had 1000 characters to use. :)

Let me be a little more clear about the main question I'm asking:

Why do you choose to believe in the supernatural events in Christianity, yet catagorize events no less incredible from other religions (both dead and existing today) as simple mythology?

I appreciate your answers. Wish I could respond individually, but the quantity is a bit overwhelming.

Thank you IKB, for attacking the questions head on. I'd like to address a couple things:

1. You say that Mormonism and Islam are dead, yet supernatural power is given to Christians. Based on what evidence? No offense, but how can you simply claim that, and expect me to take it at face value?

2. You're right, I probably should have left out Christmas and Easter, as they don't quite fit into the context, but they are celebrations that most Christians participate in, that have pagan origins.

Additionally, I have read Evidence that Demands a Verdict, both volumes, and it is not as difficult to argue as you might think. My mother has these books and is still a very devout Christian.

What evidence are you talking about that relates to the resurrection and/or the immaculate conception?

Last thing to everyone else, the ties to pagan writings I talk about for the virgin birth and resurrection are from before Christ lived, so they are not merely "other accounts" of these event

I'm pretty new to this Y! Answers thing, and I'm finding that I want to use it more like a message board than it is intended to be. Not really set up to have discussions here, just questions and, duh, answers. :) Ah well, still a pretty cool idea.

Answer 1

It's good that you aren't committing intellectual suicide, but I hope you are asking God these questions and YA is just one source of your answers. This process you are going through is a transition from milk to meat and vegetables, from Sunday School to seminary. It's not an easy process. It requires that you dig deep and trust God in ways you haven't before.

1. The difference between Mormonism, Islam and Christianity is that the first two are dead, there's no power in them, only rules to live by. Yes, they are similar in many ways, including the mysterious and the stories. However, Jesus is alive today. He still changes lives and gives power to his servants to do the supernatural. You won't find this in Mormonism and Islam.

2. You bring up a bunch of issues in this question. I think you are going to have to do some research on them. I was surprised you put Christmas and Easter there. What do those have to do with the Bible? These are holidays concocted by us? As far as the other things are concerned, why does the one cancel the other? Is there not enough evidence in history and in the Bible to prove to you that these really happened? Have you read Josh McDowell's Evidence that Demands a Verdict? It's hard to argue with.

What I think you need is to search after God himself, though Jesus. A faith that comes from the mind is only good for so much, but a faith that comes from the heart, where you KNOW and LOVE God as a person, not as a religion, is very different. Approach him on His terms, with open hands, telling him you want HIM at all costs. He'll take care of YOU first, then all your questions.

Answer 2

Well, I'm sorry to do this to you, but I'm going to quote from the Book of Mormon...even though it's "folly", you might find some truth here:

"faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."

It starts out with a little knowledge. And then that knowledge becomes faith in more profound things...like I have knowledge that Jesus did exist. They have proven it, archeologically. And so I have faith that He is the Saviour of all mankind. And then I feel within my heart that He was sacrificed on the cross for my sins...so I have this belief and it is strong within me. I didn't see it. I didn't witness the event. But my heart tells me that it is so.

There is a lot out of the Bible that science can't explain. But there are occurances every day, all around us which science can't explain. That is why we call them "miracles". ...like my newborn baby boy, according to the doctors, should have died...or been very ill for a very long time. But he didn't die. He is so darned healthy and his pediatrician is stumped as to the reason. I think it was a miracle. No, I KNOW it was! (See? God's tender mercy even extends to us Mormons! *grin*)

What do you WANT to believe? What do you KNOW to be true? Start there. And while you are studying what you wish to believe, I would suggest that you look at other religions from their viewpoint. You will pick up threads of truth here and there; things which help you understand your own beliefs better.

By the way, the plates were not magical, and the "seer stones" have been completely misrepresented. I can't comment on flying horses or any other flying livestock, as we have no tradition of that.

God bless.

Answer 3

Wow, you bring up good points. But I think I may have a few answers.

Number 1: About Mormons. They can still be called "Christians" the only thing different is thier book of Mormon (from the golden tablets that no one saw).

Number 2: As for the mystical elements of Christianity. Wow, this is a toughy. I guess you're talking about resurection, virgin birth, creation, flood, and just about everything else. It just really takes faith. I know they have faith too though. I can't really answer this one any better.

Number 3: Lacking originality. As for the holidays, yes they are Pre-Christianity pagan things. But remember, the Bible never says to celebrate Christmas or Easter, that is something man has brought into the picture himself. As for the "stories" I think it was C.S. Lewis who said something to the affect of "everyone got a piece of the puzzle, Christianity put it together" or something like that. (Even if he didn't say that, I highly recommend him. I'm rereading Mere Christianity now).

I think you've got it though. Just keep praying about it, and I'll be praying too. It's not easy, God never said it would be easy, esspecially in our world we live in. Just remember that we can't know everything, at least not in this life.

Answer 4

I too grew up Baptist.
It is my understanding that those tales of mythology have some truth to them, though not complete or perhaps literal
Which may be why there are similarities. As to why I believe that ultimate truth is found in Christianity...
It's more than just a religious point of view based on stories in a book
It is because I have had a powerful and real encounter with the livingGod. Something I pray you come to know.

Answer 5

It is not necessary to believe in mystical events. You are probably not a mystic. There are very practical people who give backbone to the faith, and if you are struggling with your faith, many of us go through that spiritual desert. It is at this moment for you to persevere in faith and good works, and continue on, which takes more strength than anything I know.

The atmosphere of today, where there is so much knowledge available to us it can be a devious road to dispair, and we may end up yearning for simpler times.

Just remember that everything you see tells a story, and this experience, if anything, will teach you to listen more closely for His voice. It is in the silences that we learn to hear.

Truth be told, He is shouting. There are plenty of mystical events happening even now. Don't compare your religion to anything or anyone else. Just seek the Truth and be faithful.

Faith is a gift. You cannot force yourself nor anyone else to be faithful. But if you don't nurture your faith, it becomes as your body would if you never exercised it or fed it.

Answer 6

Check out Buddhism or Hindu beliefs, Maybe Native American. Different cultures altogether. Get away from Jewish, Christian, and Islam religions for a while and see if any of those other beliefs mean anything to you.

Maybe read a little on Isis & Osiris and sun worship - sun seems like it's dying on winter solstice, weak & feeble like a new-born baby (Dec 25) then is "reborn" again in spring (easter) on vernal equinox.

Research the similarities between the Hindu Krishna and Christ. May you will see that Krishna really wanted the same things as Christ. Without all the hatred, mind control, and nonsensical rituals of other religions.

Also try to find the "Actual" words of Jesus - http://www.wcg.org/lit/jesus/realwords.htm

You might also look into Deism. definition: "One who believes in the existence of a God or supreme being but denies revealed religion, basing his belief on the light of nature and reason."

It sounds like you might be tending toward Deism, or God without the religious trappings.

Good luck to you in your search for truth.

Answer 7

First, I'd like to say that this website is not going to help you much. With all the doubt and the smasing of faith on here, it's hard to stand up and believe. May I suggest this website? http://www.bustedhalo.com/ It's for struggling Christains in their 20s and 30s. Try to keep the faith, and look for a strong Christain community to build you up, not tear you down like here. God loves you. Always remember that.
Also, I'm just wondering how the Immacculate Conception (Mary being conceived without the stain of original sin) is a "pagan thological idea"

Peace and Love

Answer 8

The Hebrew language is a modern version of ancient Aramaic. Both are very prophetic. I spent years editing works and critiquing non-fiction books. The ones that blew me away, were the ones that unleashed Torah Codes.

Begin by putting in such words as Solomon Temple as search words for major bookstores. Spend time with the prophetic messages that such release. For instance, if you take the names of 7th generation male patriarchs from Adam downwards, you will get a prophetic picture of the plan of God through His Messiah redeemer.
After the flood, seed of disbursed survivors took oral accounts of past and prophetic events. However, because Hebrew letters have specific numerical equivalents, it is very easy to see which accounts are original and which are transplants. Also, the seed of Abraham are traceable: numerically, prophetically and historically.
To add icing to your cake, go on a fast and visit the Upper Room in Israel. Make sure you ask God to remove all leaven before you breach provisions of Psalm 34:3. Then, without opening your mouth, ask God to show you His truth, way and life. When you do that, ALL DOUBTS WILL EVAPORATE FOREVER.
Boaz.

Answer 9

It is difficult, I'm not going to lie.

Here's something that you might have missed: All religions have some aspect of the Truth.

BUT as a Christian I believe that the mysteries of Christ are the fullness of truth.

If you've found someone to explain all the mysteries of Christianity, please point them out.

Really though you have to keep yourself open to God. Most, if not all, things grow in silence. Our faith is sort of the same. We're taught, but we also have to listen to God. Give him some time in the evening or whenever. But you're right, you can't force yourself to believe something. However it seems like you care a lot, so even through your doubts maybe you believe? Christ never forces himself on you. Have you seen that picture of Jesus at the door? Its all covered in vines and moss, and Christ is there in white with a lantern, but there's no handle or knob to the door. YOU have to let him in.

Answer 10

Do you think God was invented all at once or that the only people who knew the prophecies were the Jews?

So some people found out some of the prophecies and made up stories about them to suit their own religions.

And your lack of faith is based on their stories?

Quit trying to force yourself to believe while at the same time refusing to see God.

You sound like you might have read about different religions. In Zen you learn that finding enlightenment is like finding your keys in your hand. Finding God is the same.

If you look directly at something at dusk you might not see it well, but, if you look at it with your peripheral vision you will see it. Finding God is often very much the same.