What do I do? They'd take it personally. How do you decide what to believe or not?
2007-08-22 18:35:36 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Beleive in God.
Or...
No Heaven for you.
2007-08-22 18:37:30 · answer #1 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 6⤋
Among the MANY things that I pesonally like about God is
that He gives us Free Will. You literally can decide (FOR YOURSELF) whether you believe in God or not.
I would suggest that you do some personal research ... Like
you would if you were trying to decide if Coke was REALLY
better that Pepsi ... You would ask "some" people ... But then
at some point ... You KNOW that you will eventually have to
try each of them; and ultimately decide for yourself.
Well, it is the same with God. Ask both those that claim to
have a personal relationship with God to "share their faith"
with you. And then ask those that do not believe in God
to support their position.
Take some time to read about God ... Take some time to
pray to God. Tell God about your unbelief and ask Him to
minister to you!
As far as your family goes ... It is hard for me to answer the
question "What should you do?" I do not know the "dynamics" of your family. I will say that if you are an
adult ... Then you have to me mature and confident enough to
accept their disappointment. (For example if you don't like
spinach ... And spinach is your Mom's favorite thing to cook,
She "might" be "disappointmented that you don't like it ... But
you BOTH would have to live with that!) (I realize that whether
or not you believe in God is NOT that simple ... But I am trying
to make a point!)
I believe in God and I believe that Jesus is the Son of God,
and that Jesus died for our sins. I believe that because of
my belief ... That I have the assurance of eternal life. I make
a CHOICE to believe. And that's just want you will have to do!
Make a CHOICE!
I wish you the Best in your Quest! (And I pray that YOU
choose to Believe!)
2007-08-23 01:54:51 · answer #2 · answered by kjh 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This issue was featured in the lead segment of last "CBS Sunday Morning"
Here's a link:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/08/16/sunday/main3174781.shtml
Julia Sweeney tells how she and her family dealt with this same situation.
She has done a monologue "Letting Go of God" that may just help you "ease" into the situation; view it with your family and see what's the reaction.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1027091/
You may initially encounter disappointment.
It might be expected in a number of issues between family members.
You might also be surprised that what you Imagine/predict is far worse than what will actually occur.
This is the best answer and information that I can provide for you at 1:52 EST.
nighty night
2007-08-23 01:53:57 · answer #3 · answered by B C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they'd be more disappointed if you didn't have your own mind.
What do you do? You study up on religion. Read "Fathers of the Faith" so you can get an idea of the origins of Christianity. Study up on ancient Judaism and whatever other religions interest you. One thing is common in all of them: a belief in a supreme being.
Where there's smoke, there's probably fire, so take the time to investigate it.
2007-08-23 01:42:01 · answer #4 · answered by artsy_lovely_lady 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't say anything. If you create conflict, it will result in disappointment, just as you predict. If you get the chance without them hovering over you, read the bible so you can make a fair decision. If you still don't agree with Christian beliefs, just tell them so. Don't repeat other's mistakes, and be whoever everyone else wants you to be. Although I am a Christian, I'm not gonna force it on you, and neither should your folks.
2007-08-23 01:43:11 · answer #5 · answered by Adam M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well you could go the long road like me and spend a decade studying all religions from all perspectives.
In the end though I became an atheist because it is the only philosophy that seemed tenable.
As far as telling people... only do it when you are at a point where you could defend your position completely, calmly and rationally.
It sounds like you are not quite there yet so I would just tell people that you are "searching."
2007-08-23 01:40:31 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
You can't believe or disbelieve because of someone else, including your family. You have to decide for yourself; that's what being an adult is all about. It's one of the reasons we have free will, whether you believe it came from God or simply exists as a natural right.
As it happens, I do not believe in the same way as my family (I was raised Christian, but converted to Judaism). You might be surprised to find out how your family reacts if you tell them about your beliefs, or lack thereof. If they are true to THEIR beliefs, then they will love you no matter what.
2007-08-23 01:39:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
It's basically your decision.
If really want to find out if God's really there, you'll have to go find a bible school and have someone explain to you what you might have missed.
If you'd rather not, then decide not to believe. Don't pretend you want to be a Christian when you'd really rather not. It won't do you or anyone any good. You'll just be a bad example for Christians.
2007-08-23 01:46:00 · answer #8 · answered by Mars 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I was your family member, I would rather you found out if God is real for your self then pretending that you do. How can someone expect to know if something exists without looking into it themselves? My advice is to read whatever holy text your family believes in, and then pray to know if it is true. If you are sincere, I think you will get an answer.
2007-08-23 01:40:10 · answer #9 · answered by Pace 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No one is saved because they do what their families want them to do. It is a personal decision. You must decide if you want what Jesus has to offer to you or not.
Some people don't believe because they don't understand the Bible. Breakdown of the Bible The Bible was written by
36 human authors inspired entirely by God over 1600 years.
There are 66 separate books
39 Old Testament
Genesis- The creation of the world, sin, flood and birth of Israel
Exodus to Esther- History of the nation of Israel
Job to Proverbs- the books of poetry and wisdom
Isaiah to Malachi- Prophecy or foretelling of the future events to come.
27 New Testament
Matthew to John - Four Gospels representing the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ now with all authority in Heaven and earth.
Acts- Birth of the Church (The Bride of Christ)
Romans to Jude - Letters to the Churches
Revelations - The ultimate future plans for: The Church, Heaven, Hell, a New Heaven and a New Earth.
Here are some Bible Study Resources for anything you may want to look up:
http://www.Biblegateway.com
http://www.Ntgateway.com
http://www.Bible.org
http://www.bible-history.com
http://www.answersingenesis.org/
2007-08-23 01:40:41 · answer #10 · answered by 4HIM- Christians love 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
Not as disappointed as you will be when you fall dead and the angels come to take you and yours into account. Were you not a Nothing before coming into existance. Cannot God resurrect you as he did the first time. Islam will explain everything.
2007-08-23 01:43:35 · answer #11 · answered by me 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋