Believing without believing?

[mulimulix]

It's been a while since I have posted on the forums but I have a quick, non-controversial question (unlike some of my previous threads):

Are there any potential positives that once could get from following Christianity if they do not believe in it?

I mean if someone like me, who has no belief in any religion whatsoever, was to start going to church regularly, praying, reading/following the Bible etc. in what ways, if any, would it affect my positively and/or negatively?

 

[talitha]

IMHO you would soon either become discouraged and disgusted and quit, or you would find yourself more and more believing, especially if you were to go to church with truly devoted lovers of Jesus. Your atheism would be threatened. Christianity is not so much a belief system entered through the door of the mind as a spiritual vitality awakened through the door of the heart. And then as the spirit is awakened, the mind is changed. That is what happened to me.

I was raised in a Christian home, but in my twenties I walked away from the Lord in pursuit of... something else. I ended up with a strong intellectual block against belief in God and especially Christianity. At a certain point I decided to go back to church - I went the "safe" Episcopal route, but I found my heart warming back up, and along the way I changed many of my beliefs, or I should say that God changed them - it's not like I was intellectually convinced - my mindset actually changed because my heart had changed. It's interesting how it is all connected.

blessings
tal

 

[ephraimanesti]

It's been a while since I have posted on the forums but I have a quick, non-controversial question (unlike some of my previous threads):

Are there any potential positives that once could get from following Christianity if they do not believe in it?

I mean if someone like me, who has no belief in any religion whatsoever, was to start going to church regularly, praying, reading/following the Bible etc. in what ways, if any, would it affect my positively and/or negatively?

DEAR ONE,

Unfortunately, following the above plan would turn you into a hypocrite. This is the same mistake the Pharisees made. Please don't make it yourself.

Christianity is not about philosophy, morality, or rules and rituals--it is SOLELY about a relationship with the Living God through His Savior Son by the Power of His Holy Spirit.

What, exactly, is your problem with accepting Christianity for what it is and becoming that?

BE BLESSED!

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim

 

[ephraimanesti]

Christianity is not so much a belief system entered through the door of the mind as a spiritual vitality awakened through the door of the heart. And then as the spirit is awakened, the mind is changed. That is what happened to me.
AMEN! Beautifully put!

ephraim

 

[ebia]

It's been a while since I have posted on the forums but I have a quick, non-controversial question (unlike some of my previous threads):

Are there any potential positives that once could get from following Christianity if they do not believe in it?

I mean if someone like me, who has no belief in any religion whatsoever, was to start going to church regularly, praying, reading/following the Bible etc. in what ways, if any, would it affect my positively and/or negatively?

Well, you would benefit from community, there is evidence that prayer leads to lower stress, and the bible is certainly the most influential piece of literature in the world.

You might also find that you come to actually believe it.

 

[drich0150]

True Christianity is not about doing, it about the reason why you do what it is you do. I think it has already been said that if you simply go through the motions you will find nothing. All of the things you listed have been given to us as tools to help build a relationship with God. Just like any other tool it is not the tool who builds or destroys, but the intent of the person wielding that tool. Simply putting the tools in motion will not build anything. you must have intent or purpose for employing the tools you enlisted.

You can buy a complete mechanics tool set, but that doesn't mean you'll never have to worry about an expensive repair bill again. It just means you have what you physically need to do the job.. What is in your heart is another matter.

 

[JasperJackson]

I say give it a go. You never know what God will do.

 

[mulimulix]

there is evidence that prayer leads to lower stress.

I'd like to see that study. Can you try and find it for me, please?

 

[Sketcher]

The Bible does have teachings which will benefit your life. But if that's all you get, you lose in the grand, eternal scheme of things.

 

[mulimulix]

The Bible does have teachings which will benefit your life. But if that's all you get, you lose in the grand, eternal scheme of things.

I agree to some extent, but all teachings in the Bible can be reached with secular means, which means that religion is not necessary to reach these teachings.

Also, your signature says god's word is flawless and you shall not add to them. Has this not been done hundreds of times, many of which are to downplay the horrible cruelty portrayed in the OT?

 

[Sketcher]

I agree to some extent, but all teachings in the Bible can be reached with secular means, which means that religion is not necessary to reach these teachings.

Try the faith in God that he is looking for without any religious means at all.

Not all of the teachings in the Bible can be reached with secular means.

Also, your signature says god's word is flawless and you shall not add to them. Has this not been done hundreds of times, many of which are to downplay the horrible cruelty portrayed in the OT?

No.

 

[talitha]

...all teachings in the Bible can be reached with secular means, which means that religion is not necessary to reach these teachings....

Oh, you mean like "God is spirit, and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth".....
Or perhaps "IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER ?"
hmm

 

[98cwitr]

wolf in sheep's clothing....