I'm 24 years old, and I've never met or spoken with anyone else who had Aspergers.

[Parogar]

Del

 

[Parogar]

Del

 

[Sabertooth]

I've recently taken an interest in religion; I've read the bible cover to cover--though I must admit I'm not very fond on the old testament--and I'm struggling to come to grips with things.

But the first problem is the reason I'm risking posting on this particular forum: I have thrice in my life been diagnosed with aspergers, and I have never actually met another individual who had it.

You have now...!

There are no easy answers to the questions you have posed. No matter how you spin it (with Aspergers or as an NT), we are all victims of our inherited fallen state. We Aspies wear it a little differently than our NT contemporaries, but it is still the same problem.

To make matters worse, we all operate under various defective paradigms that blind us to the real cause(s) of our problems. To wit, we are not sinners because we sin; we sin because we are sinners.

You can't get rid of strep throat by treating just its symptoms. You must first recognize and identify its particular bacterial cause and take the appropriate antibiotic to defeat it. If you don't (or won't) believe in the existence of unseen bacteria, you will end up being skeptical about the nature of its cure, as well.

Until you are willing to believe (or, at least, entertain) the diagnosis that sin is the root cause of your problems (and an associated cosmology/Theology/model of the universe), you will never receive God's prescription for it. There is no other prescription available (and there is no generic... ).

If you would humble yourself, and take Him up on His offer, you will begin to see your problems from His perspective (and receive a great deal of hope from that).

As to perceived logical fallacies, I am an Asperger's savant (and a systems analyst). Just as there is a discrepancy between theoretical mathematics and actual physics with all of its unknowns and uncontrollable factors, there is also a greater one between cold logic and spiritual dynamics. Math and logic help in pursuits like engineering, but we need to acknowledge their limitations.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:6

"Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18​

 

[Parogar]

Del

 

[hedrick]

I'm sure you'll end up changing. However you don't have to become NT, nor do you necessarily have to do the same things everyone else does. See 1 Cor 12.

 

[jdbrown]

That actually makes perfect sense (the bacteria and cure analogy).

The issue is that, now that I am starting to open my eyes to Jesus, I'm also opening my eyes to how much I would have to change. I really don't like change. I've been an atheist for so long that being one is now comfortable to me. The idea of getting up and going to Church on Sundays terrifies me, or the idea of giving up certain video games, TV shows, and my overly self-indulgent lifestyle.

I've never been very good with "sharing", and God practically requires me to "share" a part of my life/soul with Him. What if I am incapable?

Christianity is a marathon not a sprint. Keep seeking and asking questions. Remember, no one is born a Christian.

 

[Sabertooth]

That actually makes perfect sense (the bacteria and cure analogy).

The issue is that, now that I am starting to open my eyes to Jesus, I'm also opening my eyes to how much I would have to change. I really don't like change. I've been an atheist for so long that being one is now comfortable to me. The idea of getting up and going to Church on Sundays terrifies me, or the idea of giving up certain video games, TV shows, and my overly self-indulgent lifestyle.

God is not a kill-joy. In fact, He is quite the opposite.* He invented pleasure and the senses with which we enjoy it.

But pleasure arising from sin promises destructive consequences. And when we see it the way He does, it isn't so much about giving up those things as it is about getting free from them.

I've never been very good with "sharing", and God practically requires me to "share" a part of my life/soul with Him. What if I am incapable?

Once you see what He does with the parts you do surrender, you will want Him to remodel everything!**

*"You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalms 16:11

**"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." John 8:36

Also, for church attendance, I highly recommend The Vineyard, if you have one nearby. In my experience, they have been very Aspie-friendly.

 

[Letter Never Sent]

Welcome to the forum

#1 Sorry to hear about the bullying. I've never really had a problem but my heart goes out to those who have.

#2 I have always felt like I was born to the wrong family.

#3 as far as the Bible goes, I've never seen human nature so accurately described. I find it to be a very practical book.

In regards to the OT: I think of a James Bond type of scene where the entire world is in great danger, but there is one person with information to save it. This one person, or agent, has a very special mission - he has to get from point A to point B and deliver the life-saving information without altercation. The rules are simple: don't fraternize with the enemy, avoid tempting situations, stay healthy, and watch what you eat and drink because the fate of the world is in your hands.

God had a plan to save the entire world through the nation of Israel. They were the guardians of the Scriptures and the bloodline of the Messiah. Special rules applied to them because of their special mission. Rules that do not apply to anybody else or even the church today.

There are lessons in the OT to be learned by the church, but if it's tripping you up don't sweat it. They are all repeated in the New Testament. The book of Hebrews (especially Chapter 11) summarizes these lessons.

Reading the entire Bible can be overwhelming. And going from being an atheist to a Christian is a heavy load on the brain. Answers will come, but they won't all come at once. God is very slow and patient by our standards He doesn't hit you up with more than you can handle at one time, He reveals things to you in due time.

By the way, you won't necessarily be "giving up" things so much as you will be "replacing" them.

If you're interested I am starting an online home Bible study. We'll be going through the New Testament one chapter at a time and discussing it. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions, share insights, thoughts etc. Hope this helps.

 

[Parogar]

Del

 

[Letter Never Sent]

Will it be through Skype?

I guess it could be... but I'd rather not as I'm forced to stare at someone and that person is forced to stare at me. Although I am better at talking than writing. It's rare that I participate on this forum for that reason.

I was thinking something along the lines of a facebook group or starting a thread on this forum (although I'm not sure that would work).

I'm open to ideas from anyone who's interested.

 

[RCF]

Parogar,

I don't have AS, but I couldn't help but notice something in your post that is a little ironic. You seem to have a problem dealing with the logic of the Old Testament.
The funny thing is, it was created imperfectly. Not because of any miscalculations by God, but by having us in the equation.

From the very begining, we start seeing prophecies of the coming Christ. The OT was the first step, seting the stage for Jesus to come and bring a more perfect system; one with a safety net built in for our inability to live sinless lives, forgiveness.

RCF

 

[Parogar]

Parogar,

I don't have AS, but I couldn't help but notice something in your post that is a little ironic. You seem to have a problem dealing with the logic of the Old Testament.
The funny thing is, it was created imperfectly. Not because of any miscalculations by God, but by having us in the equation.

From the very begining, we start seeing prophecies of the coming Christ. The OT was the first step, seting the stage for Jesus to come and bring a more perfect system; one with a safety net built in for our inability to live sinless lives, forgiveness.

RCF

I see. But where's the irony? That's exactly what I'd expect.

 

[dayhiker]

Hi parogar,
I had some teasing when I was younger. At some point if figured out to not entertain them then they teased me. Take the fun out of it for them. Once I became good at that then I stopped getting teased.

The OT was written a long time ago in a very different culture than we live in now. So a lot of what was going on in the OT doesn't translate well to our modern western scientific mind. Like most of us in America don't really do or think of purity the way they did purity back then. They thought more the way the Hindu think of purity when they go to wash in the Ganzise(sp) River.

 

[lupusFati]

I've recently taken an interest in religion; I've read the bible cover to cover--though I must admit I'm not very fond on the old testament--and I'm struggling to come to grips with things.

I won't deny you your seeking, even if I no longer believe in it. The OT can be a bit difficult to understand, but it doesn't exactly contradict the NT either. It takes some mind-wrapping though to realize that.

But the first problem is the reason I'm risking posting on this particular forum: I have thrice in my life been diagnosed with aspergers, and I have never actually met another individual who had it.

I'm 24, with Asperger's Syndrome. Nice to meet you.

I initially came here to seek help in finding God, but I'm burning with the desire to see if there is anyone here who can understand/relate to what my life is like. So while I realize it's considered rude to fire off a chain of questions at people, I'm going to do so anyway in the hope someone responds.

Can't guarantee I'll answer anything religious as I'm in a bit of a transition myself, but I'll do my best.

#1 Is there anyone here who has always been the target of bullying/hate throughout their entire life? Or someone who just can't seem to get along with anyone anywhere? Or someone who was told that "they can only be handled in small doses" (I really hate that one)

#2 Does anyone here ever feel like they're not a human being? Like there's literally not one single person in the entire world who is even remotely similar to them? In twenty four years, I've yet to make the acquaintance of a single individual to whom I can feel some form of kinsmanship with.

#3 Has anyone here managed to find God despite an incredibly nagging presence in the back of their minds screaming at them that everything in the bible is absurd and illogical?

1) I was bullied for a long time before I finally went to a different school for 7th and 8th grade. By the time I returned for High school, nobody really cared. And I preferred to isolate myself, so there's that. They were much more mellow.

2) A lot of the time, but for different reasons. I sometimes feel as if a beast resides within me. Feel, mind you, not believe. I'm not having delusions, eheh. It's just a primal feeling that dehumanizes me to an extent. It doesn't really help when others view you differently, either.

3) It takes some time to realize there is a logic to things, so I suppose yeah. Can't say I believe in it now, but it's not because I find it to be illogical. I have my own personal reasons for that, which I will not and cannot discuss on this forum due to the rules. It just takes some time to understand, and I don't envy you the task. All I can really advise is to keep an open mind about it, no matter what.

#3 is really important to me because the Christians I ask just don't "get it". They tell me "I need to have faith" or that "I need to ask Jesus to save me."

I'm under the impression that there are a lot of people who say they are Christian and actually are not. And if they actually are, they are in error for not being loving and trying to understand WHY you feel this way. That is what they should do, but they are lazy and asleep in their religion. But that's my opinion.

But what if they're right to an extent? What if you don't get some parts of it? It's still their duty to help clarify, though. They are just going about it the wrong way.

I can't make a sound judgment since I don't know you or your thought process very well, but I just wanted you to reflect on those thoughts of mine that are all jumbled together, eheh.

What they don't understand is that "faith" is not a conscious decision. I can't "make" myself believe anything, regardless of how hard I try. I've only recently begun having something of a fascination with Jesus, and I've decided to try believing in him. But I can't get around the OT. No matter how much I try to take it all in, I'm pulled out again. There's so many logical issues with it that I hiss in frustration.

Then perhaps you should take a break from the OT. Perhaps you need insight that only the gospel might provide. Or someone else. I don't know. I never really 'got' the OT either until I did some extensive reading in the NT. The Bible is one of those books that you can't really read in chronological order.

I would start with Mark. It's pretty straight to the point.

Sorry if this post is chaotic and rambling. I'm just excited because I've always wondered or wanted to meet someone else who had aspergers. I'm incredibly curious as to what other people with it are like.

I don't mind the chaotic rambling. I do it all the time as well. I don't know if that's because it's how I am or if it's my condition, or a mix of both. It's weird. Sometimes I just can't shut my brain off so I use a 'crowbar' to pry myself from the keyboard. Not literally, but you get the idea. I hope.

Anyway, this is as helpful towards religion as I am going to be, so I hope you find what you're looking for, even if I'm not following the same path.

 

[lupusFati]

I see. But where's the irony? That's exactly what I'd expect.

I think they are saying that the OT is illogical because, ironically, humans are illogical by their very nature.

That's how I interpret it. I might be wrong. I've always had a lot of trouble understanding the actual definition of irony and how it is applied. I don't know why.

 

[s4G1989]

Hi Paragor - i will not attempt to interrupt any other conversation threads here.

I just wanted to say hello.

1) I have not ALWAYS been a target of bullying. Of course, i am 46 now, so "always" is a bit longer than most people's "always". Growing up i never lived in anyone place long enough to become a particular target. Usually the local bullies already had their favorite subjects of their particular attention. I did eventually find my self becoming an unsolicited advocate on the playground though. I got in to a lot of fights with those doing the bullying... which in turn brought about some attention. I didn't always win those encounters either.

2) I spent most of my first three decades wondering why so many people were not "normal" - i was thinking that I was the standard upon which everyone else should conform. Kind of conceded in hind sight. By the time i realize I was the one who was different, i no longer cared about being different. I already enjoyed who i was (and still am), so i didn't care to conform to social "norms"... but i do still strive to not be the cause of someone else's discomfort... even though i will (most likely) not change who i am in the process.

3) I guess... the Holy Spirit had worked on me for so long, i actually see the "deal logic" in my 'arguments' against Christ. It has taken me a LONG time to force myself to try and perceive things from a point of view other than my own. To include (to a small degree), God's. When i view it from His point of view... it actually ALL makes perfect sense to me. Even when i cannot explain every detail.

4) In the end, the other Christians you have talked to, nor i, can make you "get it". It does come down to faith in some degree. In the end we ALL have to pray, "Lord, I believe. Help me with my unbelief".

It is always interesting to meet a fellow person on the AS. May the Holy Spirit be with you, as you walk out your own personal journey of your personal faith.

 

[motherprayer]

I've recently taken an interest in religion; I've read the bible cover to cover--though I must admit I'm not very fond on the old testament--and I'm struggling to come to grips with things.

But the first problem is the reason I'm risking posting on this particular forum: I have thrice in my life been diagnosed with aspergers, and I have never actually met another individual who had it.

I initially came here to seek help in finding God, but I'm burning with the desire to see if there is anyone here who can understand/relate to what my life is like. So while I realize it's considered rude to fire off a chain of questions at people, I'm going to do so anyway in the hope someone responds.

#1 Is there anyone here who has always been the target of bullying/hate throughout their entire life? Or someone who just can't seem to get along with anyone anywhere? Or someone who was told that "they can only be handled in small doses" (I really hate that one)

#2 Does anyone here ever feel like they're not a human being? Like there's literally not one single person in the entire world who is even remotely similar to them? In twenty four years, I've yet to make the acquaintance of a single individual to whom I can feel some form of kinsmanship with.

#3 Has anyone here managed to find God despite an incredibly nagging presence in the back of their minds screaming at them that everything in the bible is absurd and illogical?

#3 is really important to me because the Christians I ask just don't "get it". They tell me "I need to have faith" or that "I need to ask Jesus to save me."

What they don't understand is that "faith" is not a conscious decision. I can't "make" myself believe anything, regardless of how hard I try. I've only recently begun having something of a fascination with Jesus, and I've decided to try believing in him. But I can't get around the OT. No matter how much I try to take it all in, I'm pulled out again. There's so many logical issues with it that I hiss in frustration.

Sorry if this post is chaotic and rambling. I'm just excited because I've always wondered or wanted to meet someone else who had aspergers. I'm incredibly curious as to what other people with it are like.

I can answer "Me!" to all your questions. I pray I can help you along your journey.

I have Aspergers. I sometimes wonder if I'm human. I have been bullied nearly my entire life, and I DO find the Bible illogical, although I believe it is true.

God is not logical. That presents a problem for us Aspies. We seek to analyze what we are encountered with, often without even realizing it. I remember thinking "Am I the ONLY one who thinks about this stuff?!"

 

[Parogar]

I can answer "Me!" to all your questions. I pray I can help you along your journey.

I have Aspergers. I sometimes wonder if I'm human. I have been bullied nearly my entire life, and I DO find the Bible illogical, although I believe it is true.

God is not logical. That presents a problem for us Aspies. We seek to analyze what we are encountered with, often without even realizing it. I remember thinking "Am I the ONLY one who thinks about this stuff?!"

Can't believe I missed your post. Thank you so much for saying what I've been afraid of saying on here for fear of ridicule.

I want so badly to believe in Jesus, and I believe my heart IS ready to worship him, but my mind isn't. I guess, if anything, that sort of convinces me that people do have souls.

Spiritually and emotionally I am ready to accept Jesus, but my brain keeps giving me doubt and tearing into me in terms of logic.

And I don't feel human either. I never have.

 

[jackmt]

I've recently taken an interest in religion

I am an Aspie who has loved God since childhood. I was saved in my mid 20s. I learned I have Asperger's in my mid 50s. I can identify with much of your experience, especially Christians are sure I am not one because I don't respond the way they do. I would suggest you interest yourself in God, and not religion. (Micah 6:8) All religions, especially the ones who name the name of Christ, are evil. You cannot read the New Testament and conclude that Christ came to establish a new religion unless you are indoctrinated into that belief. With Christ in you, you can be freed from your false beliefs. God wants relationship with you, not pagan ritual or mindless obedience to rules.

Does anyone here ever feel like they're not a human being?

There is an Aspie website called Wrongplanet.net. That says it all for me. We all have felt alone in this world at times. But I do not recommend the site; they are hostile to believers.

Has anyone here managed to find God despite an incredibly nagging presence in the back of their minds screaming at them that everything in the bible is absurd and illogical?

"In the beginning was the Logos (the demonstrable word, as opposed to rhema, the authoritative word) ...and the word was God." John 1:1
I have a degree in theoretical Linguistics with an emphasis on Logic and Semantics. I find the bible highly logical and meaningful. But I was not born knowing truth and I did not learn it in any of theCatholic, private, or public schools I attended. I must allow God to change my thinking to conform to the truth as God reveals it to me, knowing that in my sinful state while I am in this world I am wont to conclude that the results of my reasonings are ipso facto true. One can never find truth apart from its Author. We were never meant to be apart from Him. We must be reconciled with Him.

I can't "make" myself believe anything, regardless of how hard I try.

No. But you can be open to truth. If God has indeed called you, He will also begin conforming you to the image of His Son. Keep searching. God is faithful. He honors honest intellectual pursuit. And you will know if you are being honest. The greatest commandment is to love God with our whole...mind. I don't have my bible with me, but I'm pretty sure that is in Matthew. May God richly bless you with truth.

 

[motherprayer]

Can't believe I missed your post. Thank you so much for saying what I've been afraid of saying on here for fear of ridicule.

I want so badly to believe in Jesus, and I believe my heart IS ready to worship him, but my mind isn't. I guess, if anything, that sort of convinces me that people do have souls.

Spiritually and emotionally I am ready to accept Jesus, but my brain keeps giving me doubt and tearing into me in terms of logic.

And I don't feel human either. I never have.

If you're anything like me, your brain will ALWAYS give doubts. One verse that comforts me, during those times when I feel doubt creeping in, is this:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Our "knowledge" of Christ isn't head knowledge, it is heart knowledge. I know, I know, for people in our situation, head knowledge is important. But if you give your heart to Him, the head knowledge will follow, when you begin really seeing Him working in your life.

I'm glad my testimony could give you some encouragement. The best thing I could give you, advice-wise, is to just give Christ a chance. Give in to the "possibility" (in quotes because I do respect that at this point it IS just a possibility for you) that He is real, that He DOES love you more than anything in the world.

See what happens

Check out this video. It is my pastor, talking about church clothes, while wearing a t-shirt and jeans lol he gives a good understanding about how our relationship with Christ is all about heart, and nothing to do with what we wear, or even how we interact with others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUK346IwGxk
Bless you, my friend. Be encouraged!