Just curious what you think about the: Primary reasons people don't believe in our Good God? Perhaps the various levels of lack of exposure would be a key contributor? Thanks, JDA
Primary reasons people don't believe in our Good God?
- Thread starter Joseph David
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hmm..good question.
The ones I can think of at the top of my head are:
• Church hurt [those in the Church who have hurt them in some way that has caused them to put the blame on God Himself as a reason to avoid anything related to Him]
• strong ties to a different faith
• lots of trials and suffering that they have experienced that has left them angry with God or has led them to simply deny Him.
• the hypocrisy of the Church
• Christian extremists that they hear about on the news/media
• not wanting to be accountable to such a God.
The ones I can think of at the top of my head are:
• Church hurt [those in the Church who have hurt them in some way that has caused them to put the blame on God Himself as a reason to avoid anything related to Him]
• strong ties to a different faith
• lots of trials and suffering that they have experienced that has left them angry with God or has led them to simply deny Him.
• the hypocrisy of the Church
• Christian extremists that they hear about on the news/media
• not wanting to be accountable to such a God.
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People don't believe in God or become interested in His Word, because they have not seen the need to look beyond themselves. They think they are the beginning and the ending of all truth, and so feel invincible, I think. Hopefully such sites as here at CF some will see the "big picture" for eternity (which we must all face). When one begins to consider the possibility of a Creator-God, I like to also refer them to the sound site at biblecounsel.net, which I believe shows the full Bible picture which mankind needs. We all need to look up always to our Creator and learn to know Him.
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Great points! Knowing Gods word is enough to overcome these. However, those with strong ties to a different faith I believe would be a particularly difficult one for those folks to know the truth.
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Nice! I will look up biblecounsel.net. In a broken world, its hard to see lack of faith in our Good God. Gods team wins, we get to choose our team, and yet so many choose themselves. Thanks for your words, JDA
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A lot of people don't believe God is because it is the least talk about among people anywhere.
People don't typically believe in God is because the concept is rather abstract based on our knowledge. If you are raised by society, your knowledge about God had been overwritten by human teachings in school, which makes people stop thinking about God for a good first 20 - 30 years of their life.
We had long forgotten about God because of Science, since everything now is "Fact" base, therefore, unless you can show God right in front of them, they aren't going to believe it. If God is preached at that moment, you will automatically associate with pushy false teachings.
Second, a lot of the knowledge about God had been deliberately suppressed so that no one can prove biblical events.
For example, the existence of Nephilim had been severally hidden from us, why? Who knows. But yet, evidence is showing up in every nation that giants was once among us.
Third, even if there is a teaching of God, the teaching is skewed to fit a specific person's ideology and not biblical teaching.
We have so many teachings that is mind boggling and we all know that there is only 1 correct teaching. So the rest of the religion is spurring out lies for decades. When you speak enough lies, no one will believe any of it.
The worst part is, we are turning all the Sins into something "Honorable" and "beneficial"
All the things we have now is basically an instrument for Satan uses to get us to Sin faster.
People don't typically believe in God is because the concept is rather abstract based on our knowledge. If you are raised by society, your knowledge about God had been overwritten by human teachings in school, which makes people stop thinking about God for a good first 20 - 30 years of their life.
We had long forgotten about God because of Science, since everything now is "Fact" base, therefore, unless you can show God right in front of them, they aren't going to believe it. If God is preached at that moment, you will automatically associate with pushy false teachings.
Second, a lot of the knowledge about God had been deliberately suppressed so that no one can prove biblical events.
For example, the existence of Nephilim had been severally hidden from us, why? Who knows. But yet, evidence is showing up in every nation that giants was once among us.
Third, even if there is a teaching of God, the teaching is skewed to fit a specific person's ideology and not biblical teaching.
We have so many teachings that is mind boggling and we all know that there is only 1 correct teaching. So the rest of the religion is spurring out lies for decades. When you speak enough lies, no one will believe any of it.
The worst part is, we are turning all the Sins into something "Honorable" and "beneficial"
All the things we have now is basically an instrument for Satan uses to get us to Sin faster.
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Lack of a moral compass, lack of wisdom and education, false religions, lack of faithful families, rampant sin without borders and acknowledgment that it is sin, inappropriate media, cross-cultural integration when other cultures have unGODly practices, disguised wolves, roaring of the enemy, idolatry, demonic possessions, witchcraft and satanism, false teachers and false prophets, etc. and basically the wiles of the devil orchestrating it and even though we have the resources and the TRUTH some are still entangled, ensnared and blinded......flesh nature; desires there in and life without genuine true GODly LOVE.
Only by the grace of GOD through his son lord JESUS whom is the way, the TRUTH, and the life can we have hope for salvation, redemption and discernment of the TRUTH.
Praise be to GOD the heavenly father and his son lord JESUS CHRIST forever>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Only by the grace of GOD through his son lord JESUS whom is the way, the TRUTH, and the life can we have hope for salvation, redemption and discernment of the TRUTH.
Praise be to GOD the heavenly father and his son lord JESUS CHRIST forever>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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I like this a lot! We all sin, but there are so many totally lost in sin. I would love to be able to see more folks learn the truth to improve the happiness in there lives. Make it a great day, JDA
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Rom 1:19-21 KJV
(19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
(20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
(21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
basically, self-centeredness; and we've all been there
(19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
(20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
(21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
basically, self-centeredness; and we've all been there
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I was talking to someone last night about God. I brought up the topic whether or not he believes in God and he's like YES!! Yet, he continues to reject its existence. I tried to talk to him as a person, but he is so full of pride and knowledge that he doesn't see how lost he is.
Everytime I tried to make a point, all he can say is "YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND!!" and went off in his own way until I tell him ok "I don't understand" just to make him feel more superior and better about himself. Haha
When it comes to God, he kept challenging God's creation with human knowledge and repeatedly asking me for scientific evidence.
Literally, I can't talk to him about anything. He knew too much that he has a defence in all angle.
So yea, Lack of evidence is good explanation. After this experience I had, I can say that being too smart is another reason why people don't believe in God.
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In times like this, it is hard to preach to anyone about the gospel because people's knowledge is too vast for anything unscientific. If you break out anything heavenly to them, they would simply brush it off by question its creditability by what they learned in school! If the person is really really intelligent, they would quote from "famous names" in their defence.
This is why Jesus says in Luke 18:17 "I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it"
This verse basically sums it all up. If you cannot be like a little child, don't bother thinking about going to heaven.
Also, people would rather pay to listen to motivational speech that will make them feel good and believe in "positive thinking" that they can do anything on their own, but failed to realize that this is what Satan wants them to do. It is designed to get you to worship the self over God.
Followers of Christ would understand that positive thinking theory doesn't hold when they realized that God is in Control!
The best way to do God's work at the moment is to eliminate yourself and your children from society.
Get rid of anything that the world values if possible and really walk with Jesus.
This means keeping all the entertainments to the minimal or non!
Be sober at all times
Don't lust for anything material
The greatest blessings that I had was not being apart of society, it gives you another perspective how delusional people are when you are looking outside in.
At the moment, if you are a follower of Christ, get yourself right with God and prepare.
If people wants to believe, welcome them with open arms.
This is not a church era, we are in the process of revival.
There are wise man that are walking the earth right now to help Christians prepared.
People are getting more vision dreams, if you are getting those. This is a calling. I had 2 of them already.
We must be vigilant and wait for the right time to act.
Until the day comes when the world is being persecuted by men.
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Joseph,
Well, below are my thoughts, and, perhaps more importantly, coming from a 'non-christian'. I am not a christian as of now, and never have been (45 years). In fact, up until several years ago, I didn't even know one character from the bible outside of Jesus, Mary, and Moses (and even then, about the only things I knew about them were their names), nor had I read or been familiar with either the OT or NT. And just so you know, I grew up in a very 'wealthy' and educated community in the U.S.. With that said, I'm working towards it...or at least, trying to learn what I don't know.
Quick background on me so you know where I'm coming from: When I was 6, my father shot himself in the head and attempted to kill himself. When I was 14, my mother died from medical problems. My siblings and I, all under the age of 18 had to fend for ourselves. The state came in and made us a Ward of the court. We had to find homes to live in or be placed in 'state' homes which technically, were for delinquents. It was difficult to say the least. Between the time of my father and mother dying, we didn't go to church. Primarily because my mother was so exhausted from working and raising 4 kids, that she didn't have the energy to argue with us that we didn't want to go. Why didn't we want to go? Well, why would a kid that can go play with his friends want to go to school on Sunday too? So after her death, we were much more concerned at where we were going to sleep that night or eat for dinner. That continued until 18. After turning 18, we were legally no one's 'problem' anymore and had to fend for ourselves once again. So, we kept busy with school and work for another 10+ years... I could go on with many more 'challenges' we had during this time, but you got the idea.
So, to revisit your question, I think the primary reasons have already been cited above, but perhaps it's better to ask what are the causes for those reasons. Although this is certainly non-exhaustive, I've listed a few below based on my experience:
1) Lack of Knowledge
Well, below are my thoughts, and, perhaps more importantly, coming from a 'non-christian'. I am not a christian as of now, and never have been (45 years). In fact, up until several years ago, I didn't even know one character from the bible outside of Jesus, Mary, and Moses (and even then, about the only things I knew about them were their names), nor had I read or been familiar with either the OT or NT. And just so you know, I grew up in a very 'wealthy' and educated community in the U.S.. With that said, I'm working towards it...or at least, trying to learn what I don't know.
Quick background on me so you know where I'm coming from: When I was 6, my father shot himself in the head and attempted to kill himself. When I was 14, my mother died from medical problems. My siblings and I, all under the age of 18 had to fend for ourselves. The state came in and made us a Ward of the court. We had to find homes to live in or be placed in 'state' homes which technically, were for delinquents. It was difficult to say the least. Between the time of my father and mother dying, we didn't go to church. Primarily because my mother was so exhausted from working and raising 4 kids, that she didn't have the energy to argue with us that we didn't want to go. Why didn't we want to go? Well, why would a kid that can go play with his friends want to go to school on Sunday too? So after her death, we were much more concerned at where we were going to sleep that night or eat for dinner. That continued until 18. After turning 18, we were legally no one's 'problem' anymore and had to fend for ourselves once again. So, we kept busy with school and work for another 10+ years... I could go on with many more 'challenges' we had during this time, but you got the idea.
So, to revisit your question, I think the primary reasons have already been cited above, but perhaps it's better to ask what are the causes for those reasons. Although this is certainly non-exhaustive, I've listed a few below based on my experience:
1) Lack of Knowledge
- Formal schooling: 'God' is not taught in schools, where would you learn about him if you didn't (or don't have the opportunity) go to church? That stranger at the door - if your even lucky enough to have a door? Your question assumes that one is already aware that god exists, perhaps that's part of the problem. One can't deny god, if he's not aware of god. Look at my example, I was born in an affluent town within the most developed country in the world, and have a graduate degree - yet I knew almost nothing about the bible until I was 40. If that's true; what is the liklihood of others not knowing about the bible in 3rd world countries? Or a host of other scenarios? I don't know what the statistics are, but in my experience most christians I have come to meet grew up in a church family. Well, not everyone is afforded this luxury. Further, what's the mentality of a 8 year old vs. 40 year old? I can get an 8 year old to believe in Santa Claus in two minutes.
- Poor living environment: How can people be expected to learn about God, much less believe, in God when they live in such harsh and/or hostile environments? And I'm not referring to my situation, but to other foster kids, 3rd world countries, dictatorships, bad parenting, etc.? It almost angers me to hear the responses of some -even in your post here, look at some of the responses, 'self centered', 'ignorant', etc. - surely, there are people like this, but there may be many underlying reasons they act in this manner - what I see and hear above in some cases is ignorance talking about ignorance (see point #4 below).
- Poor teachings/bad teacher - No information is better than bad information. I can't say this has really been my experience, but certainly could be a cause of some people's distorted knowledge base.
- Weak Christians. What do I mean by 'weak' christians? Well, ones that are ignorant themselves, lack knowledge of the christian life, and/or lack the devotion to truly help others.
- Am I wrong to say that Jesus said the 2nd highest commandment is 'Love thy neighbor like yourself? I'm not sure it's related, but I've heard one of the highest christian values is to 'spread the word' - yet I don't see much evidence of this occurring; just looking throughout this forum I see comments from 'christians' whether they should 'trust others', 'live with non-christians', etc. etc. Even in a few posts above someone goes against this very principle (in fact, breaks it numerous times). This is god's army to help other non-christians find the way?
- Do you think someone that has gone through significant trials and errors, has little to no prior education/knowledge of the church/bible/jesus, and lacks knowledge in general is going to be converted in a day? in a week? A year? I don't believe that most christians have the steadfast or patience it requires (as shown above).
- Agreed with comments above, particularly, rosewater's comments, as I'm one of them as many people are. However, I find it funny that when I have asked for 'scientific' evidence in the past, from pastors to other christians to non-christians, not once, did I ever hear someone tell me any evidence that I can recall. They cite the bible, miracles, the apostle's stories, etc. Well, this evidence to some degree, largely indirectly and/or requiring the full knowledge of the bible to be able to put these 'stories' or other scriptures into context. I'll give you one right now that I wish someone told me (and that I posted on CF). Isaiah 53: was the most full book found (and subsequently, determined only 17 letters were ever in question and even then, were only related to style and not context) in the dead sea scrolls that was scientifically dated back to 200-250 B.C. before the birth of Christ that describes exactly how he was going to die, that he would be pierced, next to criminals, and laid to rest in a rich man's grave which is exactly what happened. This IS evidence. Turning water into wine is nice, but give me something with some more meat on it. I suppose this could also fall into the category of being a poor teacher as well.
- Well, I can certainly relate to this, as many people can. Was I 'angry' at the world? Absolutely. Did I feel that there was some 'all loving' God...nope. Did anyone during this time share with me anythinevidence of God? Nope. Do I blame them. No. But this experience certainly didn't lead me to God.
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quietpraiyze
In The Secret Place
2Co 4:1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2Co 4:2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
2Co 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2Co 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
*I also think the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not being preached. Instead people are being fed "another gospel" and being deceived. Whether it be prosperity, seeker friendly /feel good, traditions of men, new age, etc.
Rom 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
Rom 10:15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Rom 10:16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Rom 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
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I really like this response, thanks! It appears as if folks are not effectively informed of the truth, and many who claim to be Christian are luke warm. It really hurts just to write this, but I am afraid it is true. I would love to connect with some forward thinkers to take action on turning this around.
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Wow! You have really been through a lot! I commend you for seeking more knowledge. I hope this comes across right. We are provided many great promises from our good God. One of which is "seek and you will find". If you look for more from God, with time, he will give it to you!
I think you are correct on the points you made.
I would love to connect with some forward thinkers to take action on effectively sharing the truth!
Have you read the Gospel of John in the bible yet? This has been one of the best places for folks to spend there time reading... When you get more comfortable with the truth, connect with some healthy Christians, many are luke warm, so find some strong ones.
You are more then welcome to visit with me any time, just be patient on my response time
God made you and me to love and be loved and to spend eternity in perfect heaven, and loves us enough to give us our choice. God's teams wins! It is a promise from perfection.
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What a great perspective and advice! Hope this is not too harsh, but it is hurtful to see so much suffering from a lack of love and to see so many luke warm Christians. I am interested in finding a new approach to reaching people with the truth. With the information age and technology, it would be neat if we could find a cool way to get folks interested in the good news
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Thanks for your contribution!
There is countless excuses folks can use to discount God.
Jesus was, is, and always will be the answer to everything.
He is all the physical proof someone that wants to believe needs.
Good for you for planting the seeds of truth! Often times, these seeds fall on infertile soil. Sometimes, with time, those seeds you sowed, will be the very ones that eventually take root in fertile soil.
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