As an atheist...?

Question

how should I differentiate among the various religious claims?

I have heard that many can feel the presence of God, but I haven't. I prayed about it, still nothing.

I have heard many have memories from past lives, but I don't. I meditated, nothing.

I have heard stories of angels, aliens, psychics, demons, etc, but without experiencing them, how can I tell who is believable?

Answer 1

I think the first question should be of yourself. Are you being honest in these questions or are you using them as part of a web of rejection?

When we hear of God we are both greatly attracted and greatly repulsed. We desire the idea of the love of our Creator but we hate the idea of an authority over us. Until we decide we want to know our Creator, we'll just invent reasons to not seek Him, e.g. "how should I differentiate among the various religious claims?"

Answer 2

Its just what they think is the truth. Religion is neither good or bad. Its just how people practice it that makes it. I'm not an Atheist rather, I'm Agnostic. I want to believe there's something out there, but there are so many different things that I cannot believe some invisible being created, that there will be judgement day, and that all souls will go to god and live forever in paradise. That, to me, is impossible. Although I believe theres something greater than us, we will never know in this lifetime, or anytime soon, and I hate it when people preach to me that I will burn in hell for what I believe. Its within human nature to question things. Its how I was always born, and it will never change, because its free will. Therefore, its foolish to believe that yelling, cursing and looking down on those that do not believe will convert them. I apologize if this offends anyone, but to hell with your consistent bickering.

Answer 3

If you are really an atheist, I would think that you would have trouble experiencing these so called feats of faith, for your mind already had a pre-conceived notion about religion.

Even for me, I had too tried to understand the logic and reasoning of faith, however, given my stance of my beliefs, these acts will not come at all to me. For I will always strive to find an logical explanation to reason my experiences.

However, for the believers, very little thing, would be exaggerated and amplified by their faiths.

Answer 4

Well, atleast you are an atheist who is open to the possibility of God existing, unlike some people who have their head stuck in the ground and pretend to be enlightened.

God can and does reveal himself to people in different ways, it will hit you the day you least expect it.

Answer 5

Maybe you have to search in a more pure and natural way. Try being of service to others in need. Learn the meaning of love. Awaken your heart and God will have a place to speak.

Answer 6

It's easy really, none are to be believed! What kind of Atheist are you anyways? You don't need some preacher or "holy man" to tell you what to think, think for yourself and the answers will come.

Answer 7

Stop calling yourself an atheist and open yourself to The Word without doubts and arguments.

Answer 8

I have seen those who do see angels and demons get better with the help of medication. So, that tells me, at least in part, that they get better because of the particular areas of the brain intended to light up, and associated neurotransmitters.

Answer 9

You can't. That is the problem. When it comes to such claims, if you don't have skepticism and deny their reality, then you must realize that all things are possible, and then become overwhelmed with random and ridiculous speculation.

Answer 10

It's hard to tell, because most of them believe what they are saying. So if you're asking how to tell who is truthful, a lot of them are truthful, because they believe it themselves. Those who aren't truthful are the ones who are trying to gain something by telling you things. (People trying to make money, like Benny Hinn, people like that.)