Deconversion?

[Hentenza]

I spent a VERY large part of my life chasing after this shadow....then I realised that it was all for naught, there's nothing there.

I added to my earlier post to you. I was an atheist just like you at your age saying pretty much the same things and being just as skeptical. My walk with the Lord began 2 years later.

 

[Tinker Grey]

Do you know SJC-Coop's age because of a previous discussion, or are you using admin powers to obtain it?

 

[Chaplain David]

I spent a VERY large part of my life chasing after this shadow....then I realised that it was all for naught, there's nothing there.

And yet so many of us believe. It is gratifying to know that so many are supporting Sarah during her crisis of faith. Many of us know her and love her. Others have found this thread and opened up their hearts. Christians throughout the ages have experienced similiar things and come out of the tunnel, sometimes quickly sometimes slowly but all the better for having the experience. It is good to see this kind of support because it is in 'giving that we truly receive.'

 

[Hentenza]

Do you know SJC-Coop's age because of a previous discussion, or are you using admin powers to obtain it?

I can see his age, however, if you notice, I have not mentioned it.

 

[SJC-Coop]

It takes courage to believe and trust HE IS WITH YOU.... It takes persistance and endurance...

Faith is believing what someone else tells you without proof to back up their claims.
He's not there.

Faith is a decision a decision to follow... and trust that even if HE appears HE is not there and not listening or not anwering...HE is still there.... Do you trust HE is???

Definately not....I do not trust he is...no. He isn't there...his "assistance" is nothing more than coincidence...

 

[SJC-Coop]

This is indeed experienced by children with their earthly parents, as well.
Even, where there is a diversion of interest/expectation, if the parent is physically present - next to the child.

As a mom, I also know that my 'always presence' is not in the best interest of my child (and, even when I am, they may not feel that way - and have stated so). Otherwise, how would they mature ?

To an infant who is hungry, or crying, the delay of even a minute may feel like years; in the spiritual journey, periods where we must "row" ( feel that God is not there) can also feel endless in the 'now' of our experiencing.

Without these spiritual periods of "rowing", we do not mature. If parents are 'always present', children become childish (as opposed to childlike) people.

How can you compare a human person to an "omni-present, all-knowing, uber-compassionate supernatural being", and use that sme comparison as an excuse when this suppsed being falls short of even human parenting skills?

It kinda points more to the fact that god isn't at all how christians think he is.
you kinda proved my point a bit...didn't you?

 

[Tinker Grey]

I can see his age, however, if you notice, I have not mentioned it.

I appreciate that. That's good. But if it is easy to tell it is private, I don't think it is right to even refer to it.

I know you are being genial, but do you think you'd respond well if I said, "When I was your age, I was a Christian. A couple of years later, I became an atheist."

 

[Philothei]

Do you know SJC-Coop's age because of a previous discussion, or are you using admin powers to obtain it?

Spiritual youth would involve with this kind of problems..

 

[Hentenza]

I appreciate that. That's good. But if it is easy to tell it is private, I don't think it is right to even refer to it.

I know you are being genial, but do you think you'd respond well if I said, "When I was your age, I was a Christian. A couple of years later, I became an atheist."

Tinker, I am just trying to give him hope. My point is not how old he is but that I came to Christ when I was older. Age is irrelevant to when God changes ones heart.

ETA: You are not lost yet either.

 

[Thekla]

How can you compare a human person to an "omni-present, all-knowing, uber-compassionate supernatural being", and use that sme comparison as an excuse when this suppsed being falls short of even human parenting skills?

It is a failure of parenting to not allow a child to mature -- to always hover over the child.

It kinda points more to the fact that god isn't at all how christians think he is.
you kinda proved my point a bit...didn't you?

From a child's point of view, a perfect parent is the one who does everything the child wants or needs when the child feels it needs to be done. This is not a perfect parent in reality, but a parent who does not allow the child to grow and mature; not a parent at all.

 

[SJC-Coop]

My point is not how old he is but that I came to Christ when I was older. Age is irrelevant to when God changes ones heart.

He can try all he wants....he had his chance.

I don't want to bring the thread down, but let me qualify my statement above...
I do not believe that there is enough evidence to warrant believing in god...but even if it turns out that he did exist...I will not follow him again.

But it's irrelevant anyway, because there's just nothing there.

 

[Hentenza]

He can try all he wants....he had his chance.

I don't want to bring the thread down, but let me qualify my statement above...
I do not believe that there is enough evidence to warrant believing in god...but even if it turns out that he did exist...I will not follow him again.

But it's irrelevant anyway, because there's just nothing there.

I used to say the same things. When it happens, you will know.

 

[SJC-Coop]

It is a failure of parenting to not allow a child to mature -- to always hover over the child.

It is the point of the thread that god wasn't there when the OP needed him the most...not hovering over he, cramming himself down her throat, but turning a cold shoulder to her heartfelt and serious cries for help.

It's about god not doing waht he promised he would do....it's about him not living up to his promises and leaving someone out in the cold...

It's about a person's picture of god being shattered...her faith being shattered...

 

[Hentenza]

It is the point of the thread that god wasn't there when the OP needed him the most...not hovering over he, cramming himself down her throat, but turning a cold shoulder to her heartfelt and serious cries for help.

It's about god not doing waht he promised he would do....it's about him not living up to his promises and leaving someone out in the cold...

It's about a person's picture of god being shattered...her faith being shattered...

Without tribulation and conflict there is no growth. Tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope.

 

[SJC-Coop]

I used to say the same things. When it happens, you will know.

Sure...don't hold your breath though.

 

[b&wpac4]

Sure...don't hold your breath though.

Well, I found God after I had decided I was done with it all. Although, I'm sure most people on this thread don't agree with what I found.

 

[Philothei]

We do not give God "chances" who are we to doubt the creator...That truly proves the point in Thekla's post to want our Creator as a demanding little kid....

If we are not willing to trust in Him and allow him to lead us then there can be no relationship with Him...Only an anthropomorphic god of our mind incapable of interacting with Him as we set that truly imagination that is foreign to the image of the TRUE GOD....
As per 'proof" there is none as God is not of this realm but spiritual in nature... Spiritual dimension is truly present but never seen... I doubt you were even seeking Him if in the first place you were not even aware of it.... How can you seek a spirit as God if you are looking for empirical proof?

 

[Hentenza]

Sure...don't hold your breath though.

Don't worry. I'm not. Is not my work.

 

[SJC-Coop]

Without tribulation and conflict there is no growth. Tribulation produces perseverance, and perseverance, character, and character, hope.

In certain cirumstances, yes...in other circumstances it only shows the true character of someone...

 

[Hentenza]

Well, I found God after I had decided I was done with it all. Although, I'm sure most people on this thread don't agree with what I found.

We love you anyway.