Back when I was a Christian (I'm now an atheist), why didn't Jesus get me to stay pious? Furthermore, if God knew I would become an atheist, why didn't he take any measure to stop me? Doesn't he care if I'm saved? I prayed and prayed when I was little and my prayers were never answered.
Of course, I'm now an atheist for secular and scientific reasons, but I'm asking you from a former Christian viewpoint and I want to know your opinions on this.
2007-10-31 08:53:57 · 33 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I never tried to disprove God when I was a Christian. I was very into the religion and had no doubt in my mind that God existed. It wasn't until much later that I began pondering his lack of existence.
2007-10-31 08:58:37 · update #1
Hey, the way I see it is that if God exists, he loves all of his children equally and I'll go to heaven anyway. I think it's perfectly reasonable to dismiss his existence due to lack of evidence, but my eyes and mind are open.
2007-10-31 09:00:47 · update #2
I'm actually not blaming God, since I don't believe in him. I'm just curious as to why an omnipotent creator would let his children run astray without helping them back onto his path.
2007-10-31 12:44:27 · update #3
because jesus was dead by then, he couldn't hear you........
2007-10-31 08:58:05 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Why didn't Jesus get you to stay pious? That's not His job, that's yours. He did His work (redemption). The level of your piety is up to you.
What makes you think God didn't "take measures" to keep you from becoming an atheist?
Yes, He cares that you be saved. That's why Jesus came.
What kind of prayers did you pray when you were little? I find that most little kids pray for ponies and race cars and new puppies and that Grandpa won't die or that Mom won't find out that they tore their Sunday clothes climbing a tree or something of that nature.
Somebody should have taught you that (a) God is not a vending machine, simply doling out what you want. He gives us what we NEED and most of the time, what we want and what we need are two different things. And (b) God doesn't change, so prayer doesn't change God or change His mind about things -- prayer changes us, not God.
It's a difficult concept for little kids to grasp, to be sure, so it sounds to me like the adults in your life weren't doing a very good job raising you to understand God, prayer, etc.
How are you defining "lack of existence" for God? Do you say that since you cannot see, hear, taste, smell or touch him, he doesn't exist? Because there are a lot of people in this world who exist, regardless of whether or not you personally can see, hear, taste, smell or touch them.
I agree that He loves all His children but it is rather presumptuous to think that you could believe that there is no God and be even remotely happy finding out that there is one. Seems to me that if an atheist finds out upon dying that there is life after death and that there is a God, they'd want no part of either.
2007-10-31 09:10:24 · answer #2 · answered by sparki777 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is merely another opinion. If it works for you. great, if not discard it completely. I'm no expert on this topic, although I'm studying theology. I'm not God...
I quickly browsed through some of the anwsers you have recieved so far. There's some very nice soft soap theories about God and your condition. Unfortunately I'm a very cognitive person, meaning I want facts and not mere theories. So I'll flush most of those answers down the drain.
People love playing dress-up with God. They sort of create a little demi-god according to their own specifications. The truth is that at the end of the day it is God who chooses people and not the other way around. You can't choose God, in fact, we human beings most of the time choose against Him, because of our sinful nature and rebelious hearts.
The topic of salvation never ceases to amaze me. I still don't understand it and I've made peace with the fact that I most probably never will. You never chose God in the first place. Come to think of it, you don't sound like an atheist at all. Somewhere inside of you there's still a slight glimmer of faith in a higher being / power / a god of some sort...
You say that you prayed a lot and had none of your prayers anwsered - Bull! When you finish a prayer you (like most Christians do) say "Amen". See a lot of people doesn't really know what that little insignificant word means. Let me give you a definition. "Amen" means that it is sure and true because your prayer has surely been answered by God more than you feel in your heart that you desire it of Him. When you pray to God He looks at your heart a.k.a. the intention with which you ask something of Him.
I ask a lot of things from God and you know what, I hardly ever get anything... And yes, I'm studying to become a minister. (Somewhere something must be horribly wrong, I know?!!!)
When being a student the going gets really tough academically. Then I pray, pray, pray to God that He will help me score good marks in the upcoming test and you know what, then I almost fail the damn test. Initially God never promised that He would give me the marks if I asked it of Him, rather He did promised me that in the hard, crappy times of my life when I hopelessly fail my tests He would be there with me holding my hand (Metaphorically speaking).
You're asking a lot of great questions to which I will never be able to give you the answers. Quite frankly I JUST DON'T KNOW! I DON NOT KNOW. Maybe the problem is the way you're looking at the problem?
I know it's a lame answer, as I said at the beginning - Take out of it what works for you, and if none of this works for you flush it down the drain (with all the other Slush Puppy!).
God has always been in relationship with you, problem is you've merely become a little unaware of it. The question here isn't whether or not you believe. Interestingly enough every human being has some degree of faith nestled in somewhere inside them, the issue of concern is rather what you put that faith / belief in?
You're a big boy. Deal with it... All of the best!
2007-10-31 10:55:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It's hard to know what you mean by staying pious. If you had some addictive behaviours it would have been more beneficial to speak to a councillor to specialises on those subjects. I can understand a person's resistance to trying these solutions. But God isn't going to force anyone to seek help and we need to get to the place where our pride isn't a hindrance. I know it's not easy, some in the Christian circles don't always know how to help but it would be worth the time and energy t try nd find someone with expertise i the area that you are having problems with rather than allowing discouragemtn to overcome you. Peace.
2007-10-31 09:08:11 · answer #4 · answered by Edward J 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just because you didn't see the answers doesn't mean they weren't there. You were blinded by what you were doing with your life. It's not Gods fault that you didn't stop to listen. Hes talking to you now and you still aren't hearing Him. Shake yourself and wake up. He was trying to show you your path and you were too busy to work with Him to see the answers. If I care that you're saved or not and I'm a total stranger then you can count on it that God loves you. He does love you mistakes and all. Stop acting like He needs to come to your front door and do everything for you and show Him that you are at His front door. Pray for strength and understanding not for all of the things He can do for you. You have a purpose and a lesson to learn. Start it now and stop all the nonsense of questioning Him. I know this sounds harsh but you're cheating yourself.
2007-10-31 09:12:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
First off, it's not wise to be an atheist.
The fool has said in his heart,
“There is no God.”
They are corrupt,
They have done abominable works,
There is none who does good. Ps. 14:1
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse. Rom. 1:20
Did Jesus really convert you? Have you truly repented for breaking the Ten Commandments?
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment. Heb. 9:27
We are judged by the Ten Commandments.
Ever told a lie?
Ever hated anyone? See 1 John 3:15
Ever lusted after someone? See. Matt. 5:27-28
Ever blasphemed?
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all. James 2:10
Lawbreakers go to hell.
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6:9-10
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Gal. 5:19-21
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Rev. 21:8
This is clear and humbling. However God made a way so we wouldn't have to go to hell. Jesus (God in flesh) came to earth, lived a sinless life, and was crucified on our behalf. He rose three days later defeating death and in turn giving us an escape route from hell. But Jesus did command us to repent. That means to turn from sin to God. The perfect example of repentance is found in Psalm 51.
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15
I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3
Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3
You see when you repent God gives you a new heart and new desires and they are desires to serve Him. As a result you are biblically born again! That my friend is good news!
2007-11-01 03:55:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
All I can say sweetheart, is, that you never really had an encounter with Him, because if you had, you would never turn back, being that there is nothing to go back to, you speak of being religious and that never saved anyone
Being in love with Jesus and fellowshipping and communing with Him will fill you up so much you won't want the things of this world
Now, I did not say this to hurt or offend you, but am speaking the truth in love
He's real and He loves you and will forgive you and take you into His Kingdom anytime you decide that life has no meaning apart from Him
Really, that's all I can say...I do respect your right to choose and in my heart I hope you will choose Him
2007-10-31 09:08:12 · answer #7 · answered by sego lily 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Luke 15:11-32
2007-10-31 09:26:06 · answer #8 · answered by NickofTyme 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You may have done the "stuff", went to church, went to Sunday school, etc., but that doesn't mean you were saved. If you were truly born anew, indwelt with the Spirit, and given the faith to believe, you are His forever, He does not lose one of His own. Those who belong to Christ are chosen out by God, it is not our decision. So, there are three possibilities, you are one of His and are running, in which case, there will be a time when He brings you back, you are of the elect, but have not yet been filled with the Spirit and born anew, or you are not one of His, in which case, He is perfectly fine with you remaining on your course of life which will end in eternal judgment.
2007-10-31 09:05:05 · answer #9 · answered by BrotherMichael 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
god has given you the knowledge and the will, you have to want to make changes no one not even god can make you believe.
no matter what religion you go into it's your choice.
the fact that you even are asking means you still have a question and need answers. you ought to find classes or a church that offers class discussion groups to learn more about the bible and about yourself.
and why would you blame god for not getting your prayers answered, they might have been answered but you were to blind to see it. answers come in so many different ways.
don't give up on faith at lease learn more about it.
good luck
2007-10-31 09:03:34 · answer #10 · answered by jeanniep 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No one of The True Christian Faith has ever turned atheist...or "converted" to some man invented "religion"... no one who knows The Truth will ever turn from The Truth.
The Faith may not be imposed upon anyone... God Him self would never impose His Will upon you... Only those who come to God in The Way He prescribes receive His free gift of Salvation.
No man, priest or pope, may decree any one to be a Christian. No one may just assume the title of Christian. No man invented "religion", doctrine, or dogma can make any one a Christian.... ONLY those whom God Himself has appointed may honestly claim the title of Christian... though many falsely do claim it... that does not make it so.
There is no such a one as an "ex" True Christian.
2007-10-31 09:04:14 · answer #11 · answered by ? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋