If im atheist, but wanted to believe in GOD?

Question

Is that possible? I was brought up in an atheist family so ive been taught to believe god aint real.

However, sometimes i want to believe in a god, i mean... what if God IS REAL? I guess im more agnostic than atheist because i dont deny god nor do i believe in him... but that doesnt mean i cant lean either way - id like to look deeper into Christianity.

However is that possible? I am now 18, brought up atheist, can i be converted or is it to late? Think of it this way - 18 years of athiesim will leave me always doubting certain aspects of christianity. Most christians were kinda born and raised christian, but u dont hear of fully grown people converting. Because of this, i may never be able to fully accept god because it is mentally impossible for me to believe in him 100% from the way my brain has been wired from childhood by my parents and education, my way of analysing information (such as the bible) is concrete in my athiest bred brain.

So how would you rescue an ex athiest?

Answer 1

Assuming you're serious...

There is Agnosticism.

Agnostics believe that it is not possible to have absolute or certain knowledge of the existence or nonexistence of God.

There are different levels of Agnosticism:

A strong agnostic would say regarding the existence of God, "I don't know, and neither do you."

A weak agnostic would say, "I don't know, but maybe you do."

Strong agnostics hold the belief that the existence of God is truly unknowable by reason of our natural inability to verify the existence or nonexistence of God with anything but subjective experience.

Weak agnostic hold the belief the existence or nonexistence of God is not necessarily unknowable, therefore will withhold judgment until evidence proves or disapproves God's existence.

It sounds to me like you're an: Agnostic.

So while some Atheists will deny the possibility of the existence of God, an Agnostic does not deny that possibility.

No one will ever be able to *prove* to you with absolute scientific certainty the existence of God, that is something that will be left to self-discovery. That is why religion is based on faith, not science.

Answer 2

It's much easier to believe in God than not to. If you saw a painting- you know a painter created it. When you see a car- you know that people manufactured it. Look around you- the world could not have created itself! Lots of grown people do become christians all the time. My husband- for one. He is 35, not raised in a religious house, and just gave his heart to God 4 months ago. He is peaceful now. He's much slower to anger, has stopped drinking, wants to stop smoking and feels remorse for things he never would have before. I gave my heart to God at 23 and was also different after. I had a peace and joy that I didn't even know could exist. I know God is real because only He could change a person like that. And, I know He is real because He talks to me. No- not in a schitzo kind of way- but, lots of ways. Like sometimes, a bible verse will jump out at me, or a few times really obvious signs. A month ago, I was praying while at work about wanting something and not being happy, I didn't have it yet. I walked into another room and the Rolling Stones song, You can't always get what you want, was on the radio! Instant answer to prayer! I know God is real because I know Him! I see things all the time that only He could do. If you want to see if He's real -- ask Him to show you. He will! You will lose nothing if you get no proof from Him ( you will). He will show you amazing things!

Answer 3

It sounds like you're searching for God.... that's wonderful! If you search, you will find - that's God's promise. I'm a pastor and I can testify to you that many, many, grown people have converted to Christianity from other religions and many who believed the were atheist or agnostic, have also. Understand something very important my friend, just concentrate on the basics. Basic facts about Jesus and what Jesus asks of you. As far as your brain being 'wired' from childhood and you can't every believe 100% in God.... trust me, that is not a stumbling block to God. When you come to the point that you believe in Jesus, and even though you don't have all the answers, you 'still' want to ask Him into your heart, that 'belief' will change your heart. That's what 'born again' means. Remember this about every Christian, no matter how young or how old, or how their brains have been wired, or for how long, we are Christians under construction, and God will finish the work He begins in you. He loves you. He truly, honestly, loves you. I will pray that you will find a pastor to help you on your journey, and Christian friends to give you the support you need. Have you heard Brooks and Dunn's song, "I Believe"? Please listen to it and after that, please look at the video, "The Passion of Christ"....... YOu will learn more in these two beautiful pieces of work, than listening to all the lectures that's out there. Let God speak to you...... the truth is a choice away. God bless.

Answer 4

you have been brought up to be an atheist and for you to go right into a religion would not be fair to you or the religion. But there should be a few questions, like where did everything come from? The tides? The weather? The stars, moon, sun so many questions... Listen to your heart and try a little experimenting. i.e. Some Sunday go to a church doe not matter what kind but the smaller country church is best. Then look at the pros and cons on Atheism. Go to the library... You will find a wealth of knowledge on both Atheism and Christianity and you don't have to buy any books.. I do wish you well and if you have an inkling to know God who do you suppose put that idea there? Good luck Grant M in Pennsylvania

Answer 5

Actually, I know of several people who converted later in life, and they are usually the people with the strongest faith. Often, they go into ministry themselves (the people I know personally both did) Faith is something you can't be taught. It is just something you feel strongly. There's no reason to it. That's part of what faith is. It is taking a step off a cliff and knowing that something will stop your fall even though you have NO proof of it. It's a little crazy sounding, but that's what it is. If it could be proven, it would be too easy. Everyone would believe. The only thing that can be proven is that it is better to believe than not to. If you bet that there is a God and there isn't what have you lost in the end? Not much. You probably lived a good life and went to church. If you bet that there isn't a God and you're wrong, what have you lost? Eternity. And of course if you bet that there is a God and there is, you have gained everything.

Answer 6

Anything is possible, as long as you believe it is, and are realistic about it. It's never too late. It's normal to have dualistic beliefs; one side says yes and the other says no. It's just how life is, we're complex and you're allowed to have conflicting thoughts, it's a sign of being intelligent. No matter what these religions tell you, you're allowed to have your OWN thoughts, and not to be brainwashed into a sheep. Come on now.

You can have faith and still think like you do.

Please don't doubt your own intelligence/intellect, because that's a very n egative aspect of religion, as it's known to encourage sheep mentallities, and take personal intellect and power away from you.

That's pathetic and very unlikeable.

If you have conflicting beliefs, then you'll only reach a certain point with the religion, and may not become a full-fledged christian, etc, and that's okay. A little faith is better than no faith.

Don't buy into their whole extremist notion that if you don't behave completely strict like they want you to, you're going to hell.

That is completely and utterly ridiculous. Why is it ridiculous?

Because if God loved us and cared about us, he wouldn't have made some strange men who don't pay our bills, care about us really, or what not, preach these stories to us every sunday, and make us donate money to their organization.

God would let us know somehow. He doesnt.

And these men, priests, whatever, believe me, care more about their stupid organizations and making them thrive, then they care about saving you. As if such a thing is possible. No man, can offer another salvation anyway. Even the bible says that.

Basically dude, this whole world is Fcked up and deluded and strange, so it's up to you to believe in what you want.

Realistically speaking, in the natural world, there is no God. People get sick, suffer die, animals same thing. It's a pretty cold reality out there.

The human MIND produced technology, homes, everything else around us.

Mentally, and spiritually there may be a God, a force that can drive us to feel compassionate towards others, happy, and just reassured that we're all okay, but in order to experience that, it's hard to really know where to start looking.

I've had similar problems and all I can say is good luck, and be careful because there's alot of bs out there even within Christianity.

Answer 7

The first step you should take is sincerely seek an answer if god exists. If you are willing to find an answer to that question which means you act on your willingness to make necessary changes in your lifestyle and pray, then you will be able to gain that knowledge. This takes time but some small discipline and sacrifice will give you indication that it is true in your heart. I know the in your heart line sounds corny but you will be amazed at the way perception through that medium can be an accurate predictor of the world around you. Also, I would be careful of taking any one Christian religion's teachings as a representation of the whole since by the very existence of differing opinions some of them must be false. Once you learn how to communicate with god you can listen to where he takes you for more information.

Answer 8

GOD is real... Im not just saying that because of what other people say. I had 3 real life experiences as well as 2 near death experiences. BUT...Do your research. I was born into a GOD believing family that was not really church go'ers. I have studied both Christianity and Islam later on in my adulthood. I have found out that Christianity had split up so man denominations between Europe and United States that it ended up to be up to over 20 branches on this Christianity tree. Found out that the bible was written by many men that have translated it and changed it and left many many events and even chapters out just so that nothing looks bad (in that era) or embarrassing.
Then I studied the Islam religion.... found out that the word "Islam" means peace and the word "Muslim" means submission to GOD. Found out that the Quran was never altered because they fear GOD. God told us to not change HIS word. So HE choose another prophet and revealed another book. The amazing thing is that the last prophet (Muhammad(pbuh) did not know how to read. Being that I knew a few Muslims personally and they are very sweet hearted, I knew there was something wrong about the Muslims that are terrorists. I knew there were terrorists in Russia and Columbia and other places so I had done more research.
I know that athiests and agnostics alike want scientific proof.
GOD is all about science. The Quran proves that in medical terms because the Holy Quran was given 1400 years before the invention of the modern microscopes and the science of embryology. Allah gave us in the Quran the precise stages through which the human embryo goes in the course of its development.
insted of giving you the written proof in the section below I give you more than one resource it here...
http://www.islam101.com/science/embryo.html
http://www.quran-islam.org/144.html
http://www.quran.or.kr/Islam/1_9.html

I read what our US government says about Islam and is peaceful just as Christianity is.
Just when you do your research.... dont get your info from what people say..... get your info from the "main" source. I gave you those sources. If you go to a non-christianity site, you will get info that is against it. If you go to a non-Islam site you will get info that is against it. They will give the wrong info.

if you need to ask me any addition questions, just go thru my profile and email me thru my yahoo 360.
Good luck.
GOD bless
~peace

Answer 9

actually if you want to believe in GOD its never too late and questioning is perfectly good which is why we have bible study to help answer our questions and such, besisdes if no one questioned anything there wouldnt be so many cult secs which is what all the smaller forms of christianity are. before there was only one church then after half the worlds population died during the black plague people started to question thier religion ands it leaders and other smaller churches with slightly different views emerged, truthfully it is how you interpret what you learn that forms who or what you are as far as your religious identity goes so if you want to explore any religion at any age GOD never turns away one of his children! you just have to find where you feel your thoughts, ideas, and questions are most welcome and feel like you fit in, wanting to or believeing makes life a little easier because it gives a little extra something to the life you have here and now!

Answer 10

There are so many negative answers on here. I would search into your heart and soul. You can feel truth!

You can find God. Christianity is not a religion, it's a faith and a belief based on the bible. Search for a non denominational church and talk to people who are Christians. You are never too old to change your life.

I was born and raised Catholic and discovered that religions are man made. A real Christian is not of a religion, but of spirituality. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and guide you to the right path. You will feel him and you will know you have made the right choice. God comes to us when we ask him for help. He loves us very much. He will come to you, just ask him into your heart.

Also some preachers are very good like Charles Stanley. He is on Sunday around 8 am. This can help too. He is on now talking about this, how odd is that? He is on channel 5 in the NY area.

I pray for you. :)