Should I feel sympathy with atheists?

Question

I am christian. My philosophy on life is that life is short and furious. I understand the need for thorough investigation, but considering that some metaphysical issues can't be resolved through senses or evidences, why do you still hold out? Isn't it your hearts unopened to the possibility of the goodness of God? Don't call me an evangelist; i am not.

I really feel this life is too short to understand anything substantially, including the things of God. Believing doesn't mean I am lacking intellectual tools. It could be a variation of an agnostic seeking after goodness but having benefit of doubt to bridge the gap between belief and nonbelief. Yes, how you say "it is ridiculous" makes sense but just be sure to thoroughly and humbly be thoroughly sure it wasn't for other reasons besides evidence. The things of God may not workin the ways we expect. When we "let go" of whatever that holds us back and open up our hearts and minds to the possibility, you may need no evidence.

I INDEED have sympathy for atheists because I feel a connection in regards to the very thing that makes us positively humans-reasoning, thinking, feeling---all forms of refined and high level of thought.

Atheists, esp the kind ones generally tend to think well and to satifying ways yielding meaningful replies. But tend maybe a bit dogmatic too (as are christians): once disbelief, always disbelief?

Answer 1

You seem like a nice person. But, sorry, I need evidence. Without evidence would you walk into a busy street without looking? Why is it that you don't apply this idea "you may need no evidence" to that behavior?

Answer 2

Possibility; Many 'Christians' may 'turn off' many atheists. The 'Christians' have not 'cleaned up' their own area, so why should 'atheists' believe the 'christians' in this country. Example; (first part of two) defining the old testament as Genesis-Malachi violates 2 Tim. 3:16-17. Second part; applying the two or more witnesses' principle (Matt. 18:16, 2 Cor.13:1), the old testament is the law of Moses; witnesses include here presently Joshua, David, Solomon, Nehemiah, Malachi,Jesus,God the Father, and Paul.
Need I go further?

Answer 3

People believe what they are taught, and only change their minds through trauma. It's got nothing to do with metaphysics... it's got a lot to do with familial social beliefs. Trauma and a maturing of personality will complete those beliefs.

For instance, a man in an accident, left dangling off a cliff who is only saved because a passerby looked over the ledge to see the river, might consider it to be an act of God, and become a believer.

On the other hand, a young lady might have a parent die slowly, her suffering long and drawn out, and decide there IS no God, or He wouldn't have let Mom suffer so.

Answer 4

I sympathize but I don't hold sympathy as I feel most of the atheists I know are intelligent, sensitive, caring and funny people who have already thought about the things you are asking or ruminating about yourself. I feel you've put your ideas in a very gentle way which is unusual around here and I admire this. The best thing is to accept that most of them are already past this point and have made their decisions and they are happy with the decisions. I'm not an atheist/not a Christian and don't want to go into long descriptions but a respect everyone's beliefs.

Answer 5

It sounds like you have yourself pretty well fooled into accepting that their just isn't time in your "short and furious" lifetime to find any evidence of all this stuff that you "believe" in. What about the sums of all the lifetimes in the last 6000 years?? Was that enough time to find any evidence? It seems to me, and a whole lot of other people, that 6000 years (according to biblical text) is plenty of time for "god" to have removed all doubt of "his" exisitance. Saying that it all must forever be based on "faith", and basically admitting that there will never be any evidence, is a very lame cop-out. Any "god" who did what "he" was supposed to have done (one Fundie said the other day, that "god" sunk the Titanic because someone supposedly said that "god himself couldn't sink this ship") certainly could have removed the necessity of "faith" alone in "his" existance.

Answer 6

Your premise is correct on one level.

Absolutism is wrong, especially when it comes to matters of subjective faith.

I am not atheist. I do not discount THEIR experience with life. I am not Christian. I do not discount THEIR experience with life.

I may question it. I may debate it or disagree on its nuances etc. But the fact remains, I cannot say ABSOLUTELY that MY way is 100% CORRECT for EVERYONE to follow.

I can only say, quite humbly that I have seeked, I have investigated and I have found something that rings true to me, answers my questions and works for me on a practical, emotional and spiritual level.

It is up to you to do your seeking, investigating and find your path as well. I cannot dictate to you what path to take.

If only more Christians and Muslims did this, the world would be so much better.

Really, the ONLY serious problem I have is with people who have NEVER searched, they just swallow the FIRST thing that feels good and never question it yet want to speak with 100% Absolute authority on EVERYONE's spirituality or lack thereof.

Answer 7

But I feel no need to " let go" as you say and believe in things without any proof. With that kind of criteria for my beliefs I could be convinced to believe that anything were true since as you say I would be doing so without any evidence. No thanks my beliefs require reasons and evidence not just hope that it all works out okay.

Answer 8

Is this a question or a blog? The fact is that you shouldn't concern yourself with the beliefs of others unless they're trying to force you in some way to change your beliefs. So you're Christian. Great. Enjoy yourself. Concern yourself with that rather than whether or not others are as well.

Answer 9

Life is not too short to seek answers. You're typing on a computer because people sought answers in quantum mechanics and engineering.

Try science, its the way humans get at the truth. We learn more, which is why science changes and grows. Its sad that that scares some people who want something consistent. Well religion never changes - because it cant admit its all wrong.

Answer 10

Santa Claus and the tooth fairy are also supposed to be pretty good, but I have no reason to believe in them, either.
I can respect what you're saying, and I can respect your choice to believe that there is a good and loving God out there somewhere, but I can't just decide to believe in something because it sounds like it might be nice.

Answer 11

This is just a long-winded version of "Let go and let God," and sorry, but I'm still not buying it. Give me that short, furious life; it's been a gas so far. Just giving in and letting some imaginary spirits take over is my idea of death. Not to mention incredibly lazy. No, thanks.