all my life i have been raised as an atheist, but im getting older and being exposed to a lot of religions and beliefs. I guess im in the stage of questioning reality and life and all that. I dont mean to sound too deep but its a serious question how do i know if i believe in God?
2007-10-01 14:59:22 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
why would you need to ask anyone else about this?
it would be obvious to you!
there is nothing "deep" about something that you would KNOW
things external to you may require confirmation from others, but good lord, we're talking about YOUR own thoughts here, who else would be able to confirm them?!
2007-10-01 15:03:17 · answer #1 · answered by FORMER Atheist Now Praising FSM! 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That is entirely up to you. It depends on how you feel about what you've read, heard, and seen. Don't think you have to belong to a specific religion to believe in God. It doesn't hurt to learn more about the various religions and see which you side with more, but know you don't have to agree with everything that is fed to you in the religion you pick if you choose to do so. For some people God's definition is a combination of different aspects of various religions. Also, as we get older and wiser, our views of God (or lack thereof) can change. Use common sense and your feelings.
2007-10-01 15:10:23 · answer #2 · answered by Me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's two scriptures that I want to present to you, that explain the way one walks towards God, or the light and it is nothing to be feeling condemned about because is a sure way:
These are from the Amplified version:
John 3:19-21
20For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, and will not come out into the Light but shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed and reproved.
21But he who practices truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are--wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God's help, in dependence upon Him].
Proverbs 4:18 But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day [to be prepared].
I believe these are self explanatory but it's worth a comment or my opinion, He who is searching for God will find Him. I believe also that when a person is honest and of a pure heart, not perfect but trying to do good and not evil to others and himself He is walking towards this light.
You shouldn't feel anxious about it, or pressure from others, we leave this world by ourselves and will account solely on our own deeds, and the opinions of others shouldn't matter, God has a unique path for each one of us, and a time, and it is not man who draw us to Him but the Holy Spirit, this is my belief because I'm a Christian, but you keep seeking without trying to accomodate to others and I believe He will meet you when you least expect it, just don't betray your concience which is the candle of the Lord-He shows you the right path through it, it's like a knowing inside of you, but He is gentle, any confusion, fear, doesn't come from Him and He does'nt talk like that, He whispers gently, and is very patient, when your mind is too busy or there are too many voices around you. He is an eternal being, faith doesn't rush.
2007-10-01 15:24:35 · answer #3 · answered by Maria 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only you can answer that. Do you believe in God? It's okay to sound deep. This is a very meaningful question, and the answer can change your life forever.
You can always start studying different religions and cultures. It will help you on your path of discovery.
2007-10-01 15:04:38 · answer #4 · answered by justanotherone 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO NO NO NO NO not to dis other religions....but they are not true ... sry but i gotta be blunt here Christianity is the TRUTH ask any mormon and ask them how many times their bible has been changed, same with Islam and Especially Jehovas Witnesses they change their scripture alot... Now...(John-New testament in the bible) in the beginning, the Word was already there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the Beginning. All things are made through him....
THIS IS THE TRUTH... CHRIST CAN CHANGE EVERTYTHING TRUST ME
and because i love the world as brothers and sister i will ESPECISIALLY be Praying for YOU
oh yeah and about ur parents look at John 1:13 in the bible
-TO BE A CHILD OF GOD HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HUMAN PARENTS. CHILDREN OF GOD ARE NOT BORN BECAUSE OF HUMAN CHOICE OR BECAUSE A HUSBAND WANTS THEM TO BE BORN. THEY ARE BORN BECAUSE OF WHAT GOD DOES....
BELIEVE IT
2007-10-01 15:08:47 · answer #5 · answered by High-Flyer 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well my dear, The first thing you do is Talk to Him and ask Him to come into your heart to live, In Jesus' Name. Tell him You want to live for Him from now on. Tell Him You are sorry you Sinned, and He will Forgive You Instantly, And Welcome You into the Family Of God! Now, It took Your Faith to Say these things in Prayer....and God says to "Call upon the Name of The Lord, and Thou shalt be Saved".
You Know When you go to sit down on a chair, You believe it will hold You. Right? Well, That is the same Faith and Belief That you have, to Believe in God. And you can ask God To Help Your Unbelief, and He will help you with that.
One thing that helps, is to Pray a lot, and Read your Bible. YOUR FAITH & BELIEF WILL GROW STRONGER EVERY DAY. > TRUST HIM EVERY MINUTE. You will be just fine. (smile)
2007-10-01 16:22:12 · answer #6 · answered by minnetta c 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No man can come to God unless the spirit draw him. There is a time to be born and a time to die. That means spiritually too. there is a time to be born again.
A christian is born twice and dies once and a sinner is born once and dies twice.
Reading the bible without someone explaining the meaning to you or the Holy Spirit revealing to you the meaning it can be confusing.
I would visit around to all of the churches in your area until you find one you like. God will lead you to the right one and the right people that can minister to you....blessings...
2007-10-01 15:54:31 · answer #7 · answered by mary 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just ask God for yourself! There's a version of the Bible that I love, its called the New living translation, it is so easy to read! My advice to you is to read a little bit and pray as best as you know how that God would lead you to what He wants you to believe! If you allow Him to work through you, you will not be confused anymore! He can instruct you and be present in your life in a way you can't imagine.
2007-10-01 15:06:23 · answer #8 · answered by kelsey 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wasn't raised in a religious household either.
But, I do know that most valued, precious relationship is with God.
Belief in God is not genetic or hereditary, nor is unbelief.
Edit* If you have question, e-mail me, and I will try to answer them for you. If I can't I will find someone who can.
God Bless!!
2007-10-01 16:47:06 · answer #9 · answered by Jaye16 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you are sure there is no god-you are athiest.
It you are unsure, you are agnostic
I was challenged to read the whole bible (king james version) about 10 years ago. I read the whole book I am no longer christian. The atrosities the god of the old testament created, allowed or promoted was too much for me to continue to believe that could be the same god of love the preacher professed to exist. I believe in a god of unconditional love that created our souls with free will (not humans) in his likeness. many souls could not bear to leave fathers side for the loss of love. many souls went out and returned to share their adventures. Some souls rebeled wanted to be a god themselves. This place (earth system) WAS CREATED FOR THE SOUL TO MAKE ITS FINAL CHOICE. Do they really want to be a "little God and live in dominion=lordship over others. or return to father of love/fellowship/joy/sharing/ab... bliss.
What if heaven and hell are exactly the same except for one difference? What ever you picture in your head heaven to be, imagine hell to be the same except for one difference. Everything you can do in heaven you can do in hell except for one difference. The difference is love or dominion. If you choose love you are in heaven, you are sharing love/joy/fellowship, absolute bliss in all you do.
If you choose dominion you are in hell, everyone will be dominion bent, acting without regard to anything but personal pleasure, personal gain, exercising power over others. Everyman for himself in all that is done. Everything else is the same.
Now which path do/will you choose? LOVE or DOMINION
Need more info: http://thebridgeseries.tripod.com
P.S. Doesn't hell feel a lot like earth?
2007-10-01 15:14:28 · answer #10 · answered by happy_kko 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way is to search and ask God,,if He is real..you have to want it in your heart..Why I say this is faith comes from the heart not the mind..Your mind will reason everything away but your heart will not it will discern the truth...I have videos if you would like to watch them on my info,,feel free to watch..This is only your choice...
2007-10-01 15:03:52 · answer #11 · answered by I give you the Glory Father ! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋