Ah, Christianity

[oolong]

Hello folks, I'm something of an atheist--or that's how I describe myself to everyone with whom I discuss religion with. I was never an intrusive atheist--going to Christian forums to ruffle feathers and such, but it was my materialistic worldview which lead me to this position. During the past few months, I had contemplated myself becoming a Christian, but because I was going through some troubles at that point, I decided it was not the time to give myself to Christ, as I want nothing of the whole "prison conversion" accusation or self-doubt. I want to genuinely give myself to Christ.

I still describe myself as an atheist, even though I have come to believe in a higher power. Why I choose the Christian God as opposed to others is not clear to me. I wouldn't personally like to think that it is because of my growing up and living in the nominally Christian West, but that's what my lingering atheist side tells me. I also describe myself as an atheist because I'm afraid of the whole "aww, he converted to Christianity, ain't that cute" bit, especially from family.

Is it a sin (beyond 'bearing false witness') to call oneself an atheist while one's heart lies with God? If I have answered my own question, I apologize. It's a confusing matter.

I also fear that I may be attracted to Christianity because of my traditionalist leanings, and not because of Christ's sacrifice, which again scares me somewhat, because it obviously means that Christ is not my top priority. (I guess this explains why I'm more so attracted to Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy rather than American-style Protestantism.)

I'll throw in a last question for good measure: are there any books or theological works which deal with the existence of the Christian God in depth, giving multiple points of view, and so forth? Websites would be even better, but I have often found they are less about explanation and more about getting people to Christ ASAP, which I suppose is a noble idea.

 

[aiki]

Christian Apologetics | Ravi Zacharias International Ministries

Reasonable Faith:

Stand to Reason: Stand to Reason: Equipping Christian Ambassadors with Knowledge, Wisdom, and Character.

Answers in Genesis - Creation, Evolution, Christian Apologetics

The Institute for Creation Research

Peace.

 

[Van]

Hi Oolong,

In addition to the viewpoints expressed in the books listed in post #2, I would add a study Bible, and a Bible dictionary.

Yes, I agree it is wrong to sail under false colors, the old "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" view. It takes courage to be a Christian, to suffer for the sake of Christ.

And you nailed it, you must give yourself to Christ, and your commitment must be full blown, for you are to love God with "all" your heart and not continue to also treasure the things of this world that might hinder your relationship with Christ.

Yes, many people are attracted to Christianity because they want its benefits, i.e acceptance within the believing community, eternal life, avoidance of Hell. But that ain't the gospel. Jesus said you will suffer and be persecuted. Christians have the ministry of reconciliation, that means you cannot hide your light, but must let it shine.

 

[Hentenza]

I also fear that I may be attracted to Christianity because of my traditionalist leanings, and not because of Christ's sacrifice, which again scares me somewhat, because it obviously means that Christ is not my top priority. (I guess this explains why I'm more so attracted to Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy rather than American-style Protestantism.)

Hi oolong,

I am a bit perplexed by your statement above. Could you please expand how you understand the relationship among the RC, Orthodox, and protestants regarding the priority placed on Christ? Thanks.

 

[aiki]

Van:

The list you see in my post on this thread is actually of websites, not books. Check 'em out!

Peace.

 

[Harry3142]

One of the best books that I have read is Cross of Christ, written by John R. W. Stott. It is comprehensive without being 'preachy'.

 

[ebia]

Is it a sin (beyond 'bearing false witness') to call oneself an atheist while one's heart lies with God? If I have answered my own question, I apologize. It's a confusing matter.

Look, its going to take time to settle in. Actively denying Christ isn't a good idea, but feeling reluctant to go around with a cross tatooed on your forehead while you are still getting your head around stuff is also understandable.

I also fear that I may be attracted to Christianity because of my traditionalist leanings, and not because of Christ's sacrifice, which again scares me somewhat, because it obviously means that Christ is not my top priority. (I guess this explains why I'm more so attracted to Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy rather than American-style Protestantism.)

God uses all sorts of things to draw us to himself - don't stress about how he is calling you, just be responsive when he does.

I'll throw in a last question for good measure: are there any books or theological works which deal with the existence of the Christian God in depth, giving multiple points of view, and so forth?

How much depth and how what points of view are you looking for?

I would highly recommend reading Simply Christian by N.T. Wright. Or anything else by him - some of it is very scholarly, some is very accessable.

Websites would be even better, but I have often found they are less about explanation and more about getting people to Christ ASAP, which I suppose is a noble idea.

You might like to check out some of the lectures at www.ntwrightpage.com

 

[JSGuitarist]

Hello folks, I'm something of an atheist--or that's how I describe myself to everyone with whom I discuss religion with. I was never an intrusive atheist--going to Christian forums to ruffle feathers and such, but it was my materialistic worldview which lead me to this position. During the past few months, I had contemplated myself becoming a Christian, but because I was going through some troubles at that point, I decided it was not the time to give myself to Christ, as I want nothing of the whole "prison conversion" accusation or self-doubt. I want to genuinely give myself to Christ.

I still describe myself as an atheist, even though I have come to believe in a higher power. Why I choose the Christian God as opposed to others is not clear to me. I wouldn't personally like to think that it is because of my growing up and living in the nominally Christian West, but that's what my lingering atheist side tells me. I also describe myself as an atheist because I'm afraid of the whole "aww, he converted to Christianity, ain't that cute" bit, especially from family.

Is it a sin (beyond 'bearing false witness') to call oneself an atheist while one's heart lies with God? If I have answered my own question, I apologize. It's a confusing matter.

I also fear that I may be attracted to Christianity because of my traditionalist leanings, and not because of Christ's sacrifice, which again scares me somewhat, because it obviously means that Christ is not my top priority. (I guess this explains why I'm more so attracted to Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy rather than American-style Protestantism.)

I'll throw in a last question for good measure: are there any books or theological works which deal with the existence of the Christian God in depth, giving multiple points of view, and so forth? Websites would be even better, but I have often found they are less about explanation and more about getting people to Christ ASAP, which I suppose is a noble idea.

Hello oolong, it's good to find you here. I think aika's given some very good resources, particularly Answer in Genesis, which I've always enjoyed.

You say you're interested and want to know more, and that you want your conversion to be a sincere one, and so I want to ask a relatable question that will take you right to the heart of the Gospel, as we call it: How do you feel about your own sin right now?

 

[salida]

More sites are: www.TheBibleProofBook.com, www.equip.org, www.christiananswers.net, book are, The Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell. This originated when Josh tried to prove the bible wrong but it backfired on him-this book has overwhelming circumstantial evidence of bible that could stand up in a court of law. Examine the Evidence by Muncaster (a former athiest). I have studied other religions and none have a book that even comes close to the bible.

Are you a good person? The Good Test Can you keep all 10 Commandments all the time 100% of the time? Only Jesus could.

 

[salida]

Biblical Circumstantial Evidence (Scratching the Surface Only)

Internal Evidences
Prophesies that are confirmed within Bible

- Life of Christ
The Tribe of Judah, Gen 49:10 - Luke 3:23-28
(Genesis was written 4004 BC to 1689 BC)
(Luke's time period is 60-70 AD)

Royal Line of David, Jer 23:5 -Matt 1:1
(Jeremiah 760 to 698 BC)/(Matthew 60-70 AD)

Born of a Virgin, Isaiah 7:14/Matt 1:18-23
(Isaiah 760 to 698 BC)/(60-70 AD)

**I can list at least 20 more of these.
-Rise of Empires
In the book of Daniel, Chapter 2 - four kingdoms are described in the interpretation of the dream of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greek - Daniel 8:21, 10:20) and a fourth great kingdom to follow - part iron and clay - which is the Roman Empire - during this empire Christ came and the church was established - Daniel 2:44.

-Historical Accuracy
The Bible is loaded with historical statements concerning events hundreds of years ago, yet has not been proven incorrect on any.
(Bible compared to other ancient documents):
New Testament - starts at 25 years - between original and first surviving copies
Homer - starts at 500 years
Demosthenes - at 1400 years
Plato - at 1200 years
Caesar - at 1000 years

Number of Manuscript Copies
New Testament - 5,686
Homer - 643
Demosthenes - 200
Plato - 7
Caesar - 10

Consistency
Written by at least 40 men over a period of time exceeding 1400 years, and has no internal inconsistencies.



Claim of Inspiration
It claims to be spoken by God, 2 Tim 3:16-17). No other religious book makes such claims.

External Evidences
(Prophesies Outside the Bible)
These cities were prophesied to be destroyed and never be built again.
Nineveh - Nahum 1:10, 3:7,15, Zephaniah 2:13-14
Babylon - Isaiah 13:1-22)
Tyre (Ezekiel 26:1-28)

Bible before Science
He hangs the earth on nothing - Job 26:7
(Job was written at least 1000 years ago - some scholars think it could be even 3000 years ago)
Note: Man only knew this for 350 years
Earth is a sphere, Isaiah 40:22
Air has weight, Job 28:25
Gravity - Job 26:7, Job 38:31-33
Winds blow in cyclones, Eccl 1:6

Documents that Prove Bible is True
Gilgamesh Epic, The Sumerian King List, Mari Tablets, Babylonian Chronicles

Archealogoical Finds
Excavations of Ur, Location of Zoar, Ziggurats and the foundation of Tower of Babel

 

[Deba]

How do you feel about your own sin right now?

^This. If you will acknowledge you are a sinner to yourself and God, ask His forgiveness and desire to turn from your old ways, His Holy Spirit will energize you. . Jesus provided this for us by submitting to the cross.
Then the readings will be of more value to you, but you may find that everything you want to know is right there in your Bible.

 

[seashale76]

Is it a sin (beyond 'bearing false witness') to call oneself an atheist while one's heart lies with God? If I have answered my own question, I apologize. It's a confusing matter.

I'm not qualified to judge you here. However, if I may, you remind me a bit of my husband back when he was agnostic, except that he was adamant of saying nothing beyond, "I don't know."

I also fear that I may be attracted to Christianity because of my traditionalist leanings, and not because of Christ's sacrifice, which again scares me somewhat, because it obviously means that Christ is not my top priority. (I guess this explains why I'm more so attracted to Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy rather than American-style Protestantism.)

Well, there isn't an emphasis on penal substitutionary atonement in Orthodoxy, if this is what you're attempting to say. Our emphasis is about Christ defeating sin and death. Other than that, I'm a bit perplexed at what you're saying. Orthodoxy is extremely Christocentric. However, the Orthodox have a very different way of looking at things as opposed to any other form of Christianity, I've found. I highly encourage you to go to Divine Liturgy, if you haven't.

Go here to help find an Orthodox church in your area: Orthodoxy in America

I'll throw in a last question for good measure: are there any books or theological works which deal with the existence of the Christian God in depth, giving multiple points of view, and so forth? Websites would be even better, but I have often found they are less about explanation and more about getting people to Christ ASAP, which I suppose is a noble idea.

Here's a website with many articles on the faith in English, though I'm not sure how many deal with the existence of God. They are all from an Orthodox perspective though: Page Title

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roRp4UQQbRk

 

[theFijian]

Hello folks, I'm something of an atheist--or that's how I describe myself to everyone with whom I discuss religion with. I was never an intrusive atheist--going to Christian forums to ruffle feathers and such, but it was my materialistic worldview which lead me to this position. During the past few months, I had contemplated myself becoming a Christian, but because I was going through some troubles at that point, I decided it was not the time to give myself to Christ, as I want nothing of the whole "prison conversion" accusation or self-doubt. I want to genuinely give myself to Christ.

I still describe myself as an atheist, even though I have come to believe in a higher power. Why I choose the Christian God as opposed to others is not clear to me. I wouldn't personally like to think that it is because of my growing up and living in the nominally Christian West, but that's what my lingering atheist side tells me. I also describe myself as an atheist because I'm afraid of the whole "aww, he converted to Christianity, ain't that cute" bit, especially from family.

Is it a sin (beyond 'bearing false witness') to call oneself an atheist while one's heart lies with God? If I have answered my own question, I apologize. It's a confusing matter.

I also fear that I may be attracted to Christianity because of my traditionalist leanings, and not because of Christ's sacrifice, which again scares me somewhat, because it obviously means that Christ is not my top priority. (I guess this explains why I'm more so attracted to Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy rather than American-style Protestantism.)

I'll throw in a last question for good measure: are there any books or theological works which deal with the existence of the Christian God in depth, giving multiple points of view, and so forth? Websites would be even better, but I have often found they are less about explanation and more about getting people to Christ ASAP, which I suppose is a noble idea.

Tim Keller's Reason for God is one of the best apologetics books to come out in the wake of the 'New Atheists' wave. He isn't addressing anyone in particular like some of the other books and crucially (imo) he doesn't hang everything on the Evolution v Creationism debate. Keller mines a wide range of literature and philosophy to present his case for the Christian God and conservative christian theology (he signed the Manhattan Declaration). He comes across as a humble man who is non-confrontational in his approach, quite a change!

The associated website contains articles and mp3s on the topics in his book.

The Reason For God

 

[ephraimanesti]

.

I also fear that I may be attracted to Christianity because of my traditionalist leanings, and not because of Christ's sacrifice, which again scares me somewhat, because it obviously means that Christ is not my top priority. (I guess this explains why I'm more so attracted to Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy rather than American-style Protestantism.)

MY FRIEND,

Not to be argumentative, but as a former Roman Catholic and a present member of an Eastern Orthodox Church, i find your "Christ is not my top priority" quote above very curious and more than a little problematic.

i am very curious as to what has led you to believe that Christ's sacrifice is less important to Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox than to those adhering to "American-style Protestantism."

Would you care to expound on the subject?

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim