Interview about atheism with Peter Hitchens

[Dansiph]

It is not a free gift. A gift is only free if the one giving the gift is asking for nothing in return. This "gift" is loaded with conditions.

But God isn't asking anything in return?

 

[Dansiph]

Because no theist has ever made a convincing case.

it's impossible. Only through hearing the word of God is someone saved and the work of the Holy Spirit

Romans 1:16 King James Version
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

 

[Tinker Grey]

Since there is no god, there is no word of god. You aren't saved. (And, BTW, I was a Christian for 44 years. I've "heard" the "word" and taught it.)

 

[Dansiph]

Since there is no god, there is no word of god. You aren't saved. (And, BTW, I was a Christian for 44 years. I've "heard" the "word" and taught it.)

You were a Christian for 44 years but no theist ever made a convincing case?

 

[Tinker Grey]

You were a Christian for 44 years but no theist ever made a convincing case?

That is correct.

 

[Dansiph]

That is correct.

So you put all your trust on Jesus Christ to get salvation?

 

[Tinker Grey]

So you put all your trust on Jesus Christ to get salvation?

I did.

 

[Dansiph]

I can't really talk about this further because I am a Christian. I believe the Bible is the word of God and it says

1 John 2:19 King James Version
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

According to the Bible, you never were a Christian

 

[Southernscotty]

Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

 

[Par5]

But God isn't asking anything in return?

Yes he is. To get the gift of eternal life you have to accept Jesus as your saviour, you have to worship god, pray to god and live a life that you believe your god wants you to live. You have to give yourself over to a life dedicated to an invisible being. It's not really a gift, it's an offer, one that if you accept comes with conditions and if you decline the offer it then becomes a threat.
You said we should all fear god. I suppose if you believe in god and actually believe
what you read about this god in the bible, then I'm not surprised that you are fearful.
Thankfully I'm not inclined to believe very much of what I read in the bible.

 

[Dansiph]

Yes he is. To get the gift of eternal life you have to accept Jesus as your saviour, you have to worship god, pray to god and live a life that you believe your god wants you to live. You have to give yourself over to a life dedicated to an invisible being. It's not really a gift, it's an offer, one that if you accept comes with conditions and if you decline the offer it then becomes a threat.
You said we should all fear god. I suppose if you believe in god and actually believe
what you read about this god in the bible, then I'm not surprised that you are fearful.
Thankfully I'm not inclined to believe very much of what I read in the bible.

Is is a common belief that only those who put their faith on Jesus can understand the Bible. You have to be a Christian first. Someone has to explain the gospel to you who is a Christian as far as I know.

To achieve salvation all you have to do is accept the free gift. Worshiping, praying and living a life God wants you to live are not necessary for salvation. Salvation brings about a change because of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 3:31 King James Version
31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

This means we do not ignore the law. We are not to sin willfully but this has nothing to do with salvation

 

[Tinker Grey]

I can't really talk about this further because I am a Christian. I believe the Bible is the word of God and it says

1 John 2:19 King James Version
19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

According to the Bible, you never were a Christian

More evidence that the bible is wrong.

 

[Dansiph]

I don't think that's evidence

 

[Dansiph]

More evidence that the bible is wrong.

Deuteronomy 4:29 King James Version
29 But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.

Jeremiah 29:13 King James Version
13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Mark 4:17 King James Version And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

Please reconsider and search for God and expect persecution. You must be steadfast

 

[Tinker Grey]

Please reconsider and search for God

No.

If your god is omniscient, it knows what it'll take.
If your god is omnipotent, it can make that happen.
If you god is benevolent, it would want to.

I'm open to what a god might do, but I'm done looking.

 

[Dansiph]

I'm glad that you are open. Obviously I would prefer if you'd search. If someone gives you the gospel my advice would be to listen but I can't keep on at someone who has refused

 

[Dansiph]

No.

If your god is omniscient, it knows what it'll take.
If your god is omnipotent, it can make that happen.
If you god is benevolent, it would want to.

I'm open to what a god might do, but I'm done looking.

I forgot to write my last message (above) as a reply. If you didn't get an alert

 

[Tinker Grey]

If you didn't get an alert

Thanks.

 

[Belk]

Me or anyone else saying people will go to hell doesn't automatically make people go to hell. Christianity is not all about intolerance. You're already comdemned.

Romans 3:23 King James Version
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

I have seen how Christians act towards others. If Christianity is not about intolerance you would have a hard time proving it by the actions of a lot of Christians.

 

[Dansiph]

I have seen how Christians act towards others. If Christianity is not about intolerance you would have a hard time proving it by the actions of a lot of Christians.

All humans are sinful according to the Bible (re-read Romans 3:23). This includes Christians. I didn't say Christianity isn't about intolerance. In fact, we are intolerant of many things.

I also think many Christians are not real Christians but are actually fake Christians. The Bible supports this.

Also consider the actions of non-Christians