Struggling with your faith

Lady Bug · Sep 12, 2007

I'm glad I found this thread too, because I definitely categorize myself as a conservative Christian (definitely not a liberal). I have two books by McDowell: More Than a Carpenter, and Evidence for Christianity (the latter is sort of a MUCH more elaborate version of the former and is a lot like Evidence that Demands a Verdict). There's some great research in Evidence for Christianity. I've read about 300 pages of that book but that book is almost 700 pages long, and I've not read the remaining chapters that I had vowed to read. It's a tough book to read because it is so long. I haven't read the chapters in order either.

I guess that's why it bothers me to get "doubts" here and there. Because I've read so much about this.

There's another book out there called "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses" and the author's last name is Bauckham (forgot the first name). But the language is so meticulous and elaborate and wordy that it is hard to get involved in the book. I checked it out of the library. But it could very well be the best book for the type of information that I see, but it is not easy reading, I can tell you. I haven't officially been reading it because it is difficult for me to grasp the way the author writes. The research he has delved into seems exhaustingly deep (I mean that in a good way).

Hentenza · Sep 12, 2007

ladybug1980 said:
I'm glad I found this thread too, because I definitely categorize myself as a conservative Christian (definitely not a liberal). I have two books by McDowell: More Than a Carpenter, and Evidence for Christianity (the latter is sort of a MUCH more elaborate version of the former and is a lot like Evidence that Demands a Verdict). There's some great research in Evidence for Christianity. I've read about 300 pages of that book but that book is almost 700 pages long, and I've not read the remaining chapters that I had vowed to read. It's a tough book to read because it is so long. I haven't read the chapters in order either.

I guess that's why it bothers me to get "doubts" here and there. Because I've read so much about this.

There's another book out there called "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses" and the author's last name is Bauckham (forgot the first name). But the language is so meticulous and elaborate and wordy that it is hard to get involved in the book. I checked it out of the library. But it could very well be the best book for the type of information that I see, but it is not easy reading, I can tell you. I haven't officially been reading it because it is difficult for me to grasp the way the author writes. The research he has delved into seems exhaustingly deep (I mean that in a good way).

Hi Ladybug and welcome to CC,

I have read both books by Josh McDowell and as a matter of fact, read "Evidence that demands a veredict" twice. Yes, I know.... I am a glutton for long reads.

Thanks for citing the book by Bauckham. I have not read it but it sounds interesting.

God Bless

GreenMunchkin · Sep 12, 2007

ladybug1980 said:
I'm glad I found this thread too, because I definitely categorize myself as a conservative Christian (definitely not a liberal). I have two books by McDowell: More Than a Carpenter, and Evidence for Christianity (the latter is sort of a MUCH more elaborate version of the former and is a lot like Evidence that Demands a Verdict). There's some great research in Evidence for Christianity. I've read about 300 pages of that book but that book is almost 700 pages long, and I've not read the remaining chapters that I had vowed to read. It's a tough book to read because it is so long. I haven't read the chapters in order either.

I guess that's why it bothers me to get "doubts" here and there. Because I've read so much about this.

There's another book out there called "Jesus and the Eyewitnesses" and the author's last name is Bauckham (forgot the first name). But the language is so meticulous and elaborate and wordy that it is hard to get involved in the book. I checked it out of the library. But it could very well be the best book for the type of information that I see, but it is not easy reading, I can tell you. I haven't officially been reading it because it is difficult for me to grasp the way the author writes. The research he has delved into seems exhaustingly deep (I mean that in a good way).

Do you mind if I ask how long you've been a Christian?

Am curious because your thoughts completely mirror mine when I first started researching the veracity of all of this. Honestly, identical. But approaching it all intellectually is great, because once you're convinced of the authenticity of it all, it holds you in *such* good stead. Analysing it all is great. Partiularly if you're consciously aware of its truth because the next step is taking that leap of faith, in terms of believing the historical accuracy, and that leap of faith is a gift from God :hug:

rebel_conservative · Sep 13, 2007

I struggle, a lot... throughout my life I have been very conflicted. I was raised an athiest and at times I would believe in my heart, but my head would not accept it, then... when I made the intellectual discovery that HaShem exists, it felt like I was not sure in my heart...

I most struggle with matters of doctrine, sadly, this is a barrier for me to get closer to HaShem

I go round in circles

I know He is my Creator, but I don't know that I can believe that He intervenes in our lives. The old 'Why help me and let Africa starve?' thing...

I don't know, but it is nice to know I am not alone

GreenMunchkin · Sep 13, 2007

My main problem is with people who are wilfully mean, but still clain they're Christian. We all have the ability to hurt people unintentionally, but it's the ones who do so gleefully that make me want to give it all up.

3girls2dogs · Sep 13, 2007

GreenMunchkin said:
My main problem is with people who are wilfully mean, but still clain they're Christian. We all have the ability to hurt people unintentionally, but it's the ones who do so gleefully that make me want to give it all up.

I understand what you are saying, GM. One of the biggest things that make my faith tremble a little is when the people who behave like that always seem to "win" in life, yet the best people I know seem to have to struggle for everything. It can be frustrating to watch cruel and hurtful, unChristian people suceed in everything while you know of people who are so good who have to suffer through so much.

Criada · Sep 13, 2007

Criada · Sep 14, 2007

What do you do when you find that you don't like God anymore?
I know how horribly wrong that sounds. Is.
And I know the answers...they just aren't working...

GreenMunchkin · Sep 14, 2007

Criada said:
What do you do when you find that you don't like God anymore?
I know how horribly wrong that sounds. Is.
And I know the answers...they just aren't working...

Why don't you like God at the moment, Sarah?

I know you love Him completely and utterly, so if it's that you're cross with Him, tell Him why, maybe :hug:

Criada · Sep 14, 2007

GreenMunchkin said:
Why don't you like God at the moment, Sarah?

I know you love Him completely and utterly, so if it's that you're cross with Him, tell Him why, maybe

Tried that.
:sigh:

Debi1967 · Sep 14, 2007

Criada said:
What do you do when you find that you don't like God anymore?
I know how horribly wrong that sounds. Is.
And I know the answers...they just aren't working...

Sarah,
Did you know it is ok to be angry with God? See most people think it isn't ok to have a purely human emotion when it comes to God and that he will not recognize it for that. But the problem is he knows us too well and knows that our anger does not usually mean we stop loving him, it just means that we are mad at him which is an emotion we experience from time to time.

Not saying that we shouldn't work on our anger and try to rectify where it is coming from because we should.

It is also ok to question God, most people think it is not alright to do this but I think that God wants us to so that we can learn more about him in the long run.

Look we are human beings that often get clouded by our emotions and we are not perfect. All God expects of us is that we do our best. So I ask you what is your personal best right now towards God? And remember sometimes unanswered prayers are really answered prayers the answer is just No and we may not like that answer from God but that is his decision to make.

Lovingly in Christ
Debi

Debi1967 · Sep 14, 2007

Also try this pray to God for him to show you patience in what you are having a hard time with understanding, and do that until such time as you are comfortable, usually I was told two weeks of continually praying for the same thing.

Criada · Sep 14, 2007

Debi1967 said:
All God expects of us is that we do our best. So I ask you what is your personal best right now towards God? And remember sometimes unanswered prayers are really answered prayers the answer is just No and we may not like that answer from God but that is his decision to make.

Lovingly in Christ
Debi

Thanks, sis!
I know it's all true - just struggling to accept it right now,
And to be honest, my best towards God right now is not swearing at or about Him.

And knowing how horribly guilty I am going to feel about that tomorrow doesn't help.
But - thank you for your concern. It is appreciated! And when I can, I may even take some notice of it! :hug:

Debi1967 · Sep 14, 2007

Criada said:
Thanks, sis!
I know it's all true - just struggling to accept it right now,
And to be honest, my best towards God right now is not swearing at or about Him.
And knowing how horribly guilty I am going to feel about that tomorrow doesn't help.
But - thank you for your concern. It is appreciated! And when I can, I may even take some notice of it!

Well for Cripes sakes swear at Him already and don't feel guilty about it either....

If right now you are disappointed tell Him you are disappointed and tell Him why, if that means you have to yell and swear by all means do so, he will forgive you for it you know.

I have done it many a times...... trust me

The answer will come Sarah I promise you it will but God doesn't expect you to not act any less human because He is God and you are human. Tell Him exactly how you are feeling because then you are discoursing with God and having real communication with Him and if that means you need to pick a fight with Him then do so. Trust me He has enough patience for it.

Lovingly In Christ
Debi

Criada · Sep 14, 2007

Thank you for being there!
And - am getting there. Slowly... :sigh:

God bless you.

Albion · Sep 14, 2007

Criada said:
Tried that.

My advice in this situation is always this: don't rush it.

Don't eat your guts out over it. Don't think about it all the time. He has a way of reconciling us in time, like it or not.

DerSchweik · Sep 14, 2007

Albion said:
I know exactly what you are saying here. So yes, it's natural to have doubts. But keep them to yourself. I remember sharing a concern I had with the pastor once, and he made a sermon out of it the next Sunday, so that's like the cold reaction you experienced when opening up to some members of your congregation, I guess. You will overcome the doubts, i.e. come to the answers, in time.

Brother, Albion - I had to laugh when I read that because I've experienced the very same thing! No, it's not funny, but I hope you understand my chuckle.

GM - my wife and I came out of what had been a great church that ended up turning to a cult, and we got embroiled in all that, at the very time we were getting married. It has tested our faith immensely since. But, we had great relationships in the Lord help us through it.

As Albion noted - it is not wise to share your personal struggles or concerns with anyone you do not absolutely trust AND with whom you have a close, spiritual relationship AND who is themself close to the Lord.

God Bless,

Moriah_Conquering_Wind · Sep 14, 2007

Criada said:
Thanks, sis!
I know it's all true - just struggling to accept it right now,
And to be honest, my best towards God right now is not swearing at or about Him.
And knowing how horribly guilty I am going to feel about that tomorrow doesn't help.
But - thank you for your concern. It is appreciated! And when I can, I may even take some notice of it!

Criada
You have been kind and supportive toward me
And I would like to return the favor
If you would like to talk about this please feel free to PM me
I understand, and can and will be there for you, and given what you know about me I promise I will NOT try to "take advantage" of you spiritually ...

Moriah_Conquering_Wind · Sep 14, 2007

Albion said:
He has a way of reconciling us in time, like it or not.

HAH! So true.

That last bit especially. LOL

Moriah_Conquering_Wind · Sep 14, 2007

GreenMunchkin said:
My main problem is with people who are wilfully mean, but still clain they're Christian. We all have the ability to hurt people unintentionally, but it's the ones who do so gleefully that make me want to give it all up.

quoted for ABSOLUTE TRUTH and THIS FORUM IS CRAWLING WITH THEM.

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