On the brink of not beleaving (please comment need help).

[yyttr2]

Hi I am 15 years old and the best description of myself is, Agnostic.

" a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable ; broadly : one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god"

As put in Merriam dictionary so people do not get it mixed with Atheism.
Also please read everything

I think i believe in evolution.
my reason being?
There is a lot of evidence backing up evolution, not to mention scientists who have watched single celled organisms evolve (since they evolve at a considerable rate).
To some of you this may sound absurd but please hang with me!
Also I have no grudge against Homosexuals, Atheists, or anyone normally hated by Christian beliefs.
I have not read the Bible and I am not baptized.
Also I know this is for "new Christians" I did not know were else to post it.
Religion Also perturbs me in the fact that it is somewhat (not always) a shelter for ignorance an example would be --

One of the most basic laws in the universe is the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This states that as time goes by, entropy in an environment will increase. Evolution argues differently against a law that is accepted EVERYWHERE BY EVERYONE. Evolution says that we started out simple, and over time became more complex. That just isn't possible: UNLESS there is a giant outside source of energy supplying the Earth with huge amounts of energy. If there were such a source, scientists would certainly know about it.

^ the sun....

But i have had mant doubts, and I would like to ask a few simple questions.

1. Am i going to go to this proverbial Hell?
2. Why has god not given me any signs that he is real?
3. If there is a hell why would god not put any effort into steering me away?
4.If god loves us all why does he seem like such a wrathful and angry god when i read about him?
5. Why in all my life have I yet to see any HARD proof of god?

This is not an attack on the faith, just simple questions Thank you in advance for your answers.

(PLEASE forgive any grammar and/or spelling mistakes, I am quite sleepy right know.)

 

[a.d.ivNonasNovembres]

I think i believe in evolution.

Evolution is not in conflict with most forms of Christianity. Either way its optional. Abiogenesis on the otherhand is another matter...

I have no grudge against Homosexuals, Atheists, or anyone normally hated by Christian beliefs.

Christian beliefs being beliefs and not persons are by their very nature incapable of hate. Christianity instructs believers not to hate others, regardless of their beliefs or behaviors. It does condemn beleifs and behaviors of course, but the distinction between beleifs, behaviors and persons must be made.
I have myself no grudge or ill feeling toward homosexuals or atheists. Indeed I spent much of my life as an atheist and currently I am of the view that the concept of sexual orientation is just a silly modern idea that doesn't correspond to reality.

I have not read the Bible and I am not baptized.

Try Ecclesiastes. Even as an atheist I appreciated the beauty and depth of poetic feeling in that book.

1. Am i going to go to this proverbial Hell?

Only God knows. However if you believe that if God exists you would still not accept His sovereignty, that would be a serious indicator that you may well go to hell. Although only God knows all the details in your heart.

2. Why has god not given me any signs that he is real?

Again, only He knows. Although He may have and you just not noticed them. Even though I was an atheist for most of my life, there were several years when I believed in God but had yet to realise I did.

3. If there is a hell why would god not put any effort into steering me away?

I do not accept the premise.

4.If god loves us all why does he seem like such a wrathful and angry god when i read about him?

I don't know. I never got that impression.

5. Why in all my life have I yet to see any HARD proof of god?

What proof would satisfy you?

 

[Johnnz]

1. Am i going to go to this proverbial Hell?
2. Why has god not given me any signs that he is real?
3. If there is a hell why would god not put any effort into steering me away?
4.If god loves us all why does he seem like such a wrathful and angry god when i read about him?
5. Why in all my life have I yet to see any HARD proof of god?

This is not an attack on the faith, just simple questions Thank you in advance for your answers.

(PLEASE forgive any grammar and/or spelling mistakes, I am quite sleepy right know.)

1 You can chose to ignore God. He does not take captives. After that the final outcome is in God's hands alone.

2. What sort of sign? Christians have a variety of bases for their beliefs - reasonable evidence - which can be accessed on the Internet at various sites.

3. How do you know He hasn't already been trying very hard but you just haven't recognised that yet?

4. We all dislike really bad things. I imagine you feel strongly about a guy who rapes a little child, or a merciless dictator who murders thousands.

5 Hard proof. What hard proof do you need to prove WWI happened? There are many kinds of proof. Scientific proof is just one of them, and today many see even that as more probability or possibility rather than unquestionable 'proof'.

Evolution. There are a great many Christians who are also very good scientists. They don't see God and evolution in either or terms.

John
NZ

 

[sk8Joyful]

Hi
I am 15 years old and the best description of myself is, Agnostic.

I think i believe in evolution.

Hi
I am 23 (plus a few ) years young,
and actually GOD does provide for species-specific evolution.

Also I have no grudge against Homosexuals, Atheists, or
anyone normally hated by Christian beliefs.

Good, as GOD/Jesus Christ also did not hate anyone, while hating harmful actions. In fact,
He taught us to LOVE God with all our soul~mind~body.
And then to LOVE others as God loves us.

I have not read the Bible and I am not baptized.

I was born & raised in a communist-country, where I never attended church, never heard about prayer, nor held a Bible. -
Yet,
when the biology-teacher was shoveling his Darwinian religion, from inside me (a tiny 4th grader) came this statement "I'm sorry if you feel you came from an ape, but I know I did not".

Four years later, GOD answered my child-prayers, and I immigrated to the USA where I knew GOD/Jesus Christ is my Savior.

You do not need to be baptized to be Saved.

But i have had many doubts, and I would like to ask a few simple questions.

1. Am i going to go to this proverbial Hell?
3. If there is a hell, why would god not put any effort into steering me away?

GOD gives you the Choice , of where you will spend your eternity:
To live with GOD in heaven forever, Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior:
Romans 10:9 "that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved"
and
as you live-in-Christ, you become New-born , with fruits... of GOD's spirit, developing & growing inside you, for the Praise, Honor & Glory of GOD - empowering you to live peaceful, joyful & healthy

2. Why has god not given me any signs that he is real?

5. Why in all my life have I yet to see any HARD proof of god?

"hard-proof"? - Well, a few years ago before your mortal birth, you agreed with God your Heavenly Father, to live by FAITH

a book most agnostics or atheists would not want you to read: "billions of Missing links" by Geoffrey Simmons MD, author of "What Darwin didn't know", what the belief/theory of evolution can not explain.

Also, your soul mind team that God blessed you with, is young yet. In it GOD wrote His few laws to help keep you safe, in His care. Staying close to Him, keep your mind open, & learn many wonderful skills, strengthening your Faith in GOD.

GOD has given you countless signs; you can pay better attention, & notice... them.

4.If god loves us all - why does he seem like such a wrathful and angry god when i read about him?

when such beliefs come from angry & wrathful christians, remember they need healing.

GOD is actually unconditionally, & eternally loving as you can read in Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John - called the Gospels, these 1st. 4 books of the NT recount GOD's mortal life, Example to us, His teachings & our encouragement to "Come, follow me" - Enjoy in GOD your mortal adventures... GOD delights in you living peaceful & joyful.

Annie

 

[wayseer]

Hi I am 15 years old and the best description of myself is, Agnostic.

Welcome. Most of us start out that way.

I think i believe in evolution.

Evolution is not the be all and end all. You don't need to get hung up on such matter.

Also I have no grudge against Homosexuals, Atheists, or anyone normally hated by Christian beliefs.

Only certain Christians might 'hate' such people. I think you'll find most us Christians tend to follow the 'love' commandment and while we may not approve of certain behaviour we generally do not consider such people are somehow 'going to hell'.

I have not read the Bible and I am not baptized.

You can leave baptism until you understand the process a little better. You really need to read the Bible. There are many easy to read type Bibles which you might consider beginning with.

Religion Also perturbs me in the fact that it is somewhat (not always) a shelter for ignorance an example would be --

Religion is the shelter for many people. But you will find many highly qualified people in the Christian community. We are not all ignorant.

But i have had mant doubts

We all do. You and I are not alone in that department.

1. Am i going to go to this proverbial Hell?

Probably not. The concept of 'hell' is a misconception. No one knows so everyone is guessing. Don't believe everything you hear.

2. Why has god not given me any signs that he is real?

God may be in a better position to answer. On the other hand it seems God is rather silent most of the time. But reading the Bible might open the door to those signs.

3. If there is a hell why would god not put any effort into steering me away?

He has. Someone called Jesus went to a rather painful death to show that way. You'll read about him in the Bible.

4.If god loves us all why does he seem like such a wrathful and angry god when i read about him?

I must have missed something - you don't read the Bible.

Regardless, God is not angry and wrathful as you think - quite the opposite when you get to know him.

5. Why in all my life have I yet to see any HARD proof of god?

That would be too easy wouldn't it? But that's not how it works. He's the boss of this creation and for some reason proof of His existence is hard to come by.

This is not an attack on the faith

You post does not resonate with an attack - so you may rest easy.

just simple questions

Not so simple as you might imagine. Your questions have been asked by the greatest scholars in Christendom. But I afraid to tell you that the answers are 'We don't known'.

Thank you in advance for your answers.

God bless.

 

[yyttr2]

Thank you i think wayseer best answered my questions

I must have missed something - you don't read the Bible.

I read about god, and his acts but i have yet to read the bible its self

Most of your answers (even wayseers) seemed quite vague, possibly because my questions were as well vague.

He has. Someone called Jesus went to a rather painful death to show that way. You'll read about him in the Bible.

I know the whole story of the birth, death, and Resurrection of Jesus.
even without reading the bible.
Other than other people saying he died for the good of all mankind, i have no honest reason to believe it.
Yet i still hold it to possibly be true.
The reason I chose not to read the bible is, because it occurred to me very early from reading.
That the bible has been revised, reformatted, and even had things banned from it by its own church so many times that it would be hard to believe what was in it now. ( A good example would be the t.v. show "banned from the bible" and no this is not my only source, i have like 50 others )
I do know that most of the rewritings of the bible were translations (not all) but think of a story being whispered by children all the way around a room. The story, in the end will be different from the original

It would be useless to read it, because i would not know what the original message of it was.

GOD gives you the Choice , of where you will spend your eternity:
To live with GOD in heaven forever, Accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior

Alright just for a bit so i can get everything strait about Christianity.
lets say if i Accept Jesus as my personal savior god will as quoted
empower me "to live peaceful, joyful & healthy"
(Although i already live an outstanding, exceptional life, lets ignore that.)
And if i refuse to open myself to Jesus, I will spend a eternity burning in hell, the most vial and horrid place on or off of earth?

God will never leave you or forsake you

-- Quoted from: wild@heart63
That goes back to wayseer.

God is not angry and wrathful as you think - quite the opposite

yes as you said "The concept of 'hell' is a misconception" but regardless, it is widely accepted as a place of suffering correct?

and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead

1. If i have strong doubts about Jesus already how in all my life could I ever believe in him without question?

2. If god is omnipresent and omnipowerful, it has always bothered me why most of the things he does are imperfect, and flawed.

3.Why did it take him seven days to create everything if he has total and complete power ._. ?

4.Why do we have diseases, hunger, war, poverty, Natural disasters, and unwanted emotions such as anger, and depression all the things we would be better off without?

5.If this is part of gods plan why does everyone feal these effects? weather they be Atheist, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, or other whys.

6..Why is it not confined to non-believers?

7.If there is a hell why do i not have the final chance to repent? I live my whole life without substantial evidence and when he does give me some it to late? or can i still reverse it?

8.At the very least why has he not shown himself in any form in the past 500 (or more) years?

9.Would living an eternity, even in heaven really be a good thing?
Would you not after a few million or possibly if your hardy billions of year get.. tired of existing?
people who live to around 70 (and not being unhealthy) say there fairly tired of life.
it seems like heaven would be torture just as hell would, only in a different manor.
10.If I live a good life without believing in god, can i still go to heaven if it is real?

11.

God loves you enough to let you decide for yourself. If He MADE you love Him, what does that really show?

Isn't the idea of hell a way to scare you into repenting and accepting god as your personal savior?



all these questions that have no hard answer... it is really tough to swallow. I will still try though ^^

Again this is not an attack, just clearing up things that seem vague.

 

[sk8Joyful]

I know the whole story of the birth, death, and Resurrection of Jesus.
even without reading the bible.

I C. You were an "eye-witness" from back then? - amazing!

The reason I chose not to read the bible is, because it occurred to me very early from reading.
That the bible has been revised, reformatted, and even had things banned from it by its own church so many times that it would be hard to believe what was in it now.
I do know
that most of the rewritings of the bible were translations (not all) but think of a story being whispered by children all the way around a room. The story, in the end will be different from the original
It would be useless to read it, because i would not know what the original message of it was.

How well-versed are you in Greek & Hebrew?, or
another skill? that would allow you to "see" what happened.

Short of these 2, you're essentially saying "I ain't gonna bother" ? - thus wasting our time responding to you?

Alright just for a bit so i can get everything strait about Christianity.
lets say if i Accept Jesus as my personal savior, god will as quoted
empower me "to live peaceful, joyful & healthy"

(Although i already live an outstanding, exceptional life, lets ignore that.)

really?? - for someone, as you claiming "an outstanding, exceptional life",
then
why did you Title? this thread "> On the brink of not beleaving (please comment need help). :o

3.Why did it take him seven days to create everything, if he has total and complete power ._. ?

What difference does it make to you personally -
whether GOD, who lives outside narrow confines of "Space & time", takes a nano-second to create the next 100-million universes, or something else entirely.

2. If god is omnipresent and omnipowerful, it has always bothered me why most of the things he does are imperfect, and flawed.

To pose this question, one would need to have an inkling of GOD's perfection; which clearly us humans do not.

Name one thing in your opinion, that GOD has done "imperfect, and flawed".

4.Why do we have diseases, hunger, war, poverty, Natural disasters, and unwanted emotions such as anger, and depression - all the things we would be better off without?

Humanity suffers them, because of harmful & selfish beliefs, emotions, thoughts, choices & actions, both personally & politically; egged on by the greatest Loser, who will provide the center-entertainment in hell forever.

5.If this is part of gods plan why does everyone feal these effects? weather they be Atheist, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, or other whys.

6.Why is it not confined to non-believers?

Too many christians, also are from "unwanted emotions" evidently in need of healing.

11.Isn't the idea of hell a way to scare you into repenting, and accepting god as your personal savior?

Not to me, nor my family, or others who follow GOD as an entity of LOVE creating...

9.Would living an eternity, even in heaven really be a good thing?
Would you not after a few million or possibly if your hardy billions of year get.. tired of existing?

people who live to around 70 (and not being unhealthy) say there fairly tired of life.

Funny thing; we know (Centenarians = over 100),
who continue enjoying the time of their lives. Maybe you need to awaken to what they have!
and
since Heaven is a million times better , than the foretaste we have mortally now, just Imagine how *fun* this will be...

1. If i have strong doubts about Jesus already, how in all my life could I ever believe in him without question?

And if i refuse to open myself to Jesus, I will spend a eternity burning in hell, the most vial and horrid place on or off of earth?

Again this is not an attack, just clearing up things that seem vague.

With all due respect, until you Experiment with GOD's Word, what clue have you? But there's hope Follow GOD/Jesus Christ & prosper...

Or not.

Your choice!

 

[Sketcher]

I think i believe in evolution.
my reason being?
There is a lot of evidence backing up evolution, not to mention scientists who have watched single celled organisms evolve (since they evolve at a considerable rate).

There are Christians who believe in evolution.

Also I have no grudge against Homosexuals, Atheists, or anyone normally hated by Christian beliefs.

Don't confuse "having a grudge against" with "vehemently disagreeing with." I'm not gonna lie, there are Christians who have grudges against those groups of people, but that's not what Christianity calls for. Christianity calls for obeying Jesus Christ and acknowledging what he taught as the truth. Saying, "homosexuality is wrong" does not mean that I hate all homosexuals, for example.

I have not read the Bible and I am not baptized.

When you're ready to, start.

Religion Also perturbs me in the fact that it is somewhat (not always) a shelter for ignorance an example would be --

One of the most basic laws in the universe is the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This states that as time goes by, entropy in an environment will increase. Evolution argues differently against a law that is accepted EVERYWHERE BY EVERYONE. Evolution says that we started out simple, and over time became more complex. That just isn't possible: UNLESS there is a giant outside source of energy supplying the Earth with huge amounts of energy. If there were such a source, scientists would certainly know about it.

^ the sun....

That's called the "strawman fallacy," what you did there. You picked up a sloppy argument made by someone who believes differently from you, and assigned it to "religion," even though many religious people, including many Christians, would not use that argument. One bad apple is not indicative of the whole batch.

1. Am i going to go to this proverbial Hell?

That depends on whether you become a Christian or not.

2. Why has god not given me any signs that he is real?
3. If there is a hell why would god not put any effort into steering me away?

If you're only 15, then he has your whole life to do that. Of course, you need to pay attention, and take responsibility for what you do and believe.

4.If god loves us all why does he seem like such a wrathful and angry god when i read about him?

He's the God of everything. He is loving enough to take the proverbial bullet for humanity although we really don't deserve it, but he's got enough of a spine to punish sin - which absolutely must be punished.

 

[ephraimanesti]

Hi I am 15 years old and the best description of myself is, Agnostic.

MY DEAR BROTHER--This is good! Almost all Christians start out in this category. To me, "agnostic" describes one who is seeking the Truth and has an open mind and heart ready to receive it.

I think i believe in evolution.
my reason being?
There is a lot of evidence backing up evolution, not to mention scientists who have watched single celled organisms evolve (since they evolve at a considerable rate).
To some of you this may sound absurd but please hang with me!

Evolution is neither here nor there in a Christian belief system. Genesis wasn't written as a Biology text--it was written to present the FACT that God created all that is. How He did that is irrelevant and perhaps beyond our comprehension. Where hard-core evolutionists get off track, however, is assuming that evolution replaces God rather than simply being a creative force God may or may not have used in creating all that exists.

Also I have no grudge against Homosexuals, Atheists, or anyone normally hated by Christian beliefs.

Atheists and homosexuals ARE NOT HATED BY CHRISTIANS OR BY GOD! Scriptures are, however, quite clear that both a refusal to believe in God and homosexual relationships are wrongs which must be repented of and surrendered to God for His healing and disposal. We all have sins we need to surrender to God, and atheism and homosexuality as just two of many. It is a cliche, but nonetheless truth--"God hates the sin but Loves the sinner."

I have not read the Bible and I am not baptized.

This is a major mistake which you should remedy as quickly as possible. How can you believe or disbelief in something which you haven't taken the time to study and understand completely. It sounds to me like you have gotten most of your ideas about Christianity second-hand from sources that are not foundational to Christian beliefs and have thus accumulated a lot of misconceptions about Christian beliefs and practices.

My suggestion would be to read through the New Testament slowly and prayerfully, seeking to come to an understanding of Who Jesus Christ is, what He teaches, and what He desires from you. This, i think, will answer any and all of your questions. GO DIRECTLY TO THE SOURCE!

(Incidentially, in my opinion it is best to leave the Old Testament until later in that it is better understood with the help of the Holy Spirit.)

Religion Also perturbs me in the fact that it is somewhat (not always) a shelter for ignorance an example would be --

To the contrary, it has been my experience that all TRUE Knowledge comes from an understanding of our God and Creator and His desires for His Creation. Mankind, with his puny little brain, is manifestly ill-equipped and incompetent to understand the workings of God and His Universe. As Scripture clearly states, "There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof is death." (Proverbs 14:12)

As Scripture explains, "The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal andf choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7 [Amplified Bible])

1. Am i going to go to this proverbial Hell?

That, of course, is your call. Heaven and hell have to do with either a relationship with God or a refusal of a relationship with God. Either way, it is based on your choice alone--God doesn't send anyone anywhere. WE, ALONE, CHOOSE OUR DESTINY!

2. Why has god not given me any signs that he is real?

Were you to read the Bible--which is His love-letter to His children--you would quickly see that your statement here is false. God has provided all Creation with ample evidence of His existence. As Scripture explaines, "What may be known about God is plain to all men, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."(Romans 1"19, 20)

3. If there is a hell why would god not put any effort into steering me away?

Again, your failure to read the Bible--especially the New Testament--is not God's failure--it is yours. Remedy it ASAP!

4.If god loves us all why does he seem like such a wrathful and angry god when i read about him?

No one who has a relationship with Papa would characterize Him as "wrathful and angry." HE IS LOVE--total, pure, and simple!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5. Why in all my life have I yet to see any HARD proof of god?

Where have you been looking? In order for "hard proof" you need knowledge of what you are looking for. This knowledge is best found in the New Testament, read prayerfully asking that the Holy Spirit open your eyes and heart to the Truth and lead you into all understanding.

A BOND-SLAVE/FRIEND/BROTHER OF OUR LORD/GOD/SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST,
ephraim

 

[yyttr2]

I C. You were an "eye-witness" from back then? - amazing!

I never said that, nor did i imply it.

Short of these 2, you're essentially saying "I ain't gonna bother" ?

I never stated that ether. I said, That was the reason for me choosing not to read the bible throe out my life. I Did not as you implied say that i would never, or that i would not later in life seek knowledge from the bible.

why did you Title? this thread "> On the brink of not believing(comment please need help.)

Well that is easy
1. on the brink of not believing: Because i am on the brink of totally losing all faith in god that was instilled in me as a child
2.Please comment: that was to attract people.
3.need help: because i need help getting feedback from people.
Happier?

What difference does it make to you personally

A great deal, If there is a god there would had to have been a purpose for taking the process so long. That seems like a very Important question to humans if there is a god.

Name one thing in your opinion, that GOD has done "imperfect, and flawed".

Humans...Life...Earth its self with its limited Resources. Almost everything you see is flawed!

Humanity suffers them, because of harmful & selfish beliefs, emotions, thoughts, choices & actions, both personally & politically; egged on by the greatest Loser, who will provide the center-entertainment in hell forever.

So god gives people in Africa A.I.Ds for not believing in him? Sorry i refuse to believe that a god can be so cruel.

Too many christians, also are from "unwanted emotions" evidently in need of healing.

Even the most well regarded Christians are susceptible to mental, and physical torture for no reason.

GOD as an entity of LOVE creating

God is a entity of love creating YES! but only if you choose to accept him in your heart as the one and only god.
If you do not you will have horrid things come upon you in life and in the afterlife your existence will be fraught with pain and suffering?
I also refuse to believe this =/

we know (Centenarians = over 100),
who continue enjoying the time of their lives.

Yes well there are 20 year old's who wished they were dead. so both our arguments here are invalid .

I do think that this was completely altruistic on your part I got nothing out of this.

 

[Sketcher]

That the bible has been revised, reformatted, and even had things banned from it by its own church so many times that it would be hard to believe what was in it now. ( A good example would be the t.v. show "banned from the bible" and no this is not my only source, i have like 50 others )
I do know that most of the rewritings of the bible were translations (not all) but think of a story being whispered by children all the way around a room. The story, in the end will be different from the original
It would be useless to read it, because i would not know what the original message of it was.

I've seen that show, and they exclude facts and spin the facts they actually do use. That show is about the Gnostic Gospels, which the canonical books teach against, so it wouldn't make any sense to include them. These were books that were found to be forgeries, and so different from the other books which had always been universally accepted, that they just didn't fit in.

What we have of the Bible is actually very accurate, since we have thousands of copies from throughout the past 2000 years, even hundreds from the first few hundred years of Christianity. They all match up very well when cross-checked together. Greek is a specific, yet resilient language, so there is no real reason to believe that any doctrines changed from copyist errors when you take this into account.

Alright just for a bit so i can get everything strait about Christianity.
lets say if i Accept Jesus as my personal savior god will as quoted
empower me "to live peaceful, joyful & healthy"
(Although i already live an outstanding, exceptional life, lets ignore that.)
And if i refuse to open myself to Jesus, I will spend a eternity burning in hell, the most vial and horrid place on or off of earth?

The Bible has some good commands in there which naturally result in rewards when obeyed, but the point of Christianity isn't so that you can have a nice life, lots of money, and have every sickness cured. The point of Christianity is for you to cease your rebellious and sinful ways, put God first, trust in what Jesus did for you, and escape the punishment for your sins. It's an amnesty plan, not a roadmap for prosperity.

1. If i have strong doubts about Jesus already how in all my life could I ever believe in him without question?

That can change.

2. If god is omnipresent and omnipowerful, it has always bothered me why most of the things he does are imperfect, and flawed.

3.Why did it take him seven days to create everything if he has total and complete power ._. ?

No person has any room to talk here. God, since he is God, can do whatever he wants, however he wants, and have that be right. You and I do not.

4.Why do we have diseases, hunger, war, poverty, Natural disasters, and unwanted emotions such as anger, and depression all the things we would be better off without?

People sinned.

5.If this is part of gods plan why does everyone feal these effects? weather they be Atheist, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, or other whys.

Everybody is sinful.

6..Why is it not confined to non-believers?

If it was, who would truly repent of their wickedness?

7.If there is a hell why do i not have the final chance to repent? I live my whole life without substantial evidence and when he does give me some it to late? or can i still reverse it?

You have your life as your chance to repent. Take advantage of the chance you have before you go asking for another one.

8.At the very least why has he not shown himself in any form in the past 500 (or more) years?

There have been miracles reported, especially in the mission field.

9.Would living an eternity, even in heaven really be a good thing?
Would you not after a few million or possibly if your hardy billions of year get.. tired of existing?
people who live to around 70 (and not being unhealthy) say there fairly tired of life.
it seems like heaven would be torture just as hell would, only in a different manor.

There won't be any pain or suffering in Heaven, and we'll be with the one who created the entire universe. Whether you're looking at microbes or deep sea life, or stars, or planets, I don't think an eternity with such a Creator could possibly be boring.

10.If I live a good life without believing in god, can i still go to heaven if it is real?

Nobody can be good enough on their own.

11.Isn't the idea of hell a way to scare you into repenting and accepting god as your personal savior?

If it wasn't true, then it doesn't make sense why Jesus would have taught about it. We're talking about someone who wants his message to spread, and hell is not the most popular subject.

 

[yyttr2]

._. all this seems built upon having blissful faith with little evidence other than the bible.

 

[Sketcher]

The Bible is a good source of truth. There are also experiences which lead us to faith in God according to the Bible.

 

[Elijah2]

Hi I am 15 years old and the best description of myself is, Agnostic.
Welcome to the fourm, and we all start somewhere at 15 years of age. Life begins then!

" a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable ; broadly : one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god"
As put in Merriam dictionary so people do not get it mixed with Atheism.
Also please read everything

I think i believe in evolution.
Well, I don’t because it’s only man’s theory!

my reason being?
There is a lot of evidence backing up evolution,
Sadly there isn’t any evidence. I could debate this subject until the cows come home.

not to mention scientists who have watched single celled organisms evolve (since they evolve at a considerable rate).
Doesn’t prove anything, because animals, bugs, fish, trees that are claimed to millions and millions of years olds, are still thriving today, and no change whatsoever to what is claimed to be millions and millions of years old. All fossils are found in the sediment of the Great Flood of 6,000 years ago.

To some of you this may sound absurd but please hang with me!
I’ve heard that before, and creation isn’t absurd either!

Also I have no grudge against Homosexuals, Atheists, or anyone normally hated by Christian beliefs.
Where do you get that idea that Christians hate homsexuals and atheists, just because they are unbelievers?

I socialise with all unbelievers every day, and I don’t know any Christian who hates unbelievers.

I have not read the Bible and I am not baptized.
Nor has many Christians. So would you like to be introduced to the Bible?

Also I know this is for "new Christians" I did not know were else to post it.
Well, to be a new Christian you have to believe in our Lord Jesus Christ and be baptised.

Religion Also perturbs me in the fact that it is somewhat (not always) a shelter for ignorance an example would be --
One of the most basic laws in the universe is the Second Law of Thermodynamics. This states that as time goes by, entropy in an environment will increase. Evolution argues differently against a law that is accepted EVERYWHERE BY EVERYONE. Evolution says that we started out simple, and over time became more complex. That just isn't possible: UNLESS there is a giant outside source of energy supplying the Earth with huge amounts of energy. If there were such a source, scientists would certainly know about it.

Sorry, but man was made in the image of God and I guess that was “simple”!

^ the sun....
I don’t know what to say about your theory, but Christianity is a way of life, not a religion. Man made it a religion, not God, our Lord Jesus Christ.

But i have had mant doubts, and I would like to ask a few simple questions.

1. Am i going to go to this proverbial Hell?
Yes!

2. Why has god not given me any signs that he is real?
You can’t see signs if you don’t look for them, and have a relationship with HIM.

3. If there is a hell why would god not put any effort into steering me away?
That is you decision and choice, not HIS!

4.If god loves us all why does he seem like such a wrathful and angry god when i read about him?
It’s only what you read into things, there is more to the Bible than an wrathful and agnry God!

5. Why in all my life have I yet to see any HARD proof of god?
Because you don’t believe! The proof is there, you are the one to find it!

This is not an attack on the faith, just simple questions Thank you in advance for your answers.
Well, if you have made your mind up, then how could anyone show you the truth?

(PLEASE forgive any grammar and/or spelling mistakes, I am quite sleepy right know.)
Well, if you are a seeker, then you need to go to one of your local churches and ask these questions.

 

[ephraimanesti]

._. all this seems built upon having blissful faith with little evidence other than the bible.

MY BROTHER--The objective evidence in the Bible is the foundation of true Christian faith which, in turn, opens the door to subjective experiential evidence in a believer's life.

The end result, as you point out, is indeed "blissful." Is there a problem?

A BOND-SLAVE/FRIEND/BROTHER OF OUR LORD/GOD/SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST,
ephraim

 

[Gracious Gift Of God]

Some of you people's post would lead me away from Christ if I was ignorant to knowing God. But because I know God, This child needs him. God is already trying to reach out to you, otherwise you would not be out searching for the truth. The truth is what you do not have. I myself can explain your questions. So, if you don't mind, I'll try my best to get you to have (FAITH) in God. It is faith you are lacking. So, just shoot away with what you want to know and I'll try to keep up. As for Evolution, I am going to be Blunt about that. We did not evolve from any other creatures. For an example, when you look into the mirror, what do you see? Did you look like that when you were born? You evolved from a baby into a teenage girl. If you are a girl. The baby is no longer. The baby is gone forever. You will keep evolving until you die. But you will always be a human being. Every creature on the face of the earth has a different kind of flesh. The only thing that changes is the flesh from being young to old. The other thing that changes is your bones. The become bigger and change in shape. Now you might use that to back up your evolution theory. But let me ask you this. If man came from monkeys, why do monkeys still exist? I already prove to you that when you were born that baby which you were is no longer. It does not exist anymore. Same with monkeys. If we came from them, they would not exist anymore. And if we came from them, Why then is our hair not like a monkey's hair? Hair and most of all, why is our flesh not like a monkey's flesh? Flesh does not change. It just gets older. But the texture does not change. There are very, very intelligent people in this world and they can explain anything to make a person believe in something that totally does not exist. However, GOD does exist. He knew you and your name before you were even born. But I can explain a lot of your stuff if you would like to know. So just drop a line.

 

[Gracious Gift Of God]

Hi I am 15 years old and the best description of myself is, Agnostic.

As put in Merriam dictionary so people do not get it mixed with Atheism.
Also please read everything

I think i believe in evolution.
my reason being?
There is a lot of evidence backing up evolution, not to mention scientists who have watched single celled organisms evolve (since they evolve at a considerable rate).
To some of you this may sound absurd but please hang with me!
Also I have no grudge against Homosexuals, Atheists, or anyone normally hated by Christian beliefs.
I have not read the Bible and I am not baptized.
Also I know this is for "new Christians" I did not know were else to post it.
Religion Also perturbs me in the fact that it is somewhat (not always) a shelter for ignorance an example would be --

^ the sun....

But i have had mant doubts, and I would like to ask a few simple questions.

1. Am i going to go to this proverbial Hell?
2. Why has god not given me any signs that he is real?
3. If there is a hell why would god not put any effort into steering me away?
4.If god loves us all why does he seem like such a wrathful and angry god when i read about him?
5. Why in all my life have I yet to see any HARD proof of god?

This is not an attack on the faith, just simple questions Thank you in advance for your answers.

(PLEASE forgive any grammar and/or spelling mistakes, I am quite sleepy right know.)

Hell does not exist in the way you think it does. I can give a whole lecture on what happends to the wicked.
Hello!, Hello!, Hello! Let's start here for starters. This is a sign to you from God. Otherwise you would not have posted on here. His signs are all around you. You have to stop fake looking and look with your eyes.
You won't see the hard proof of GOD until you get to know him. But if you want proof now, just look out your Window and look at his creation. Go look in the mirror. Look out in Space. God is putting effort to steer you away from being seperated from him. I truly don't know where to begin with you. I have so much to tell you to help you have faith. God is not an angry God nor wrathful one. God is slow to anger. Let me ask you this. Take a person who is truly evil in his heart and he done horrible stuff to people in the days of his life and got away with it and ended up dying with out receiving any kind of punishment for what he has done to mankind. Do you truly believe he will go unpunished? I am thankful that such a person will not go unpunished. Because I know there is a God who will judge the wicked.

 

[wayseer]

._. all this seems built upon having blissful faith with little evidence other than the bible.

That's it - you're on the path.

The point is that no one knows for certain - that the challenge and that's the exhilaration - we enjoy the ride.

The important thing about everything everyone has said here is that we have established a RELATIONSHIP with God. This a personal thing and as everyone is different so each relationship is different. And, like all relationships, it takes time to build and develop. I've walked away from that relationship a number of times but I come back - we all do because we, and I guess I speak for all here, recognise that there is nowhere else to go.

No, God does not appear in burning bushes to me or in dreams. I've heard God a couple of times but that's it. What I have recognised is that God has a habit of using other people to get the 'message' through. That is why you need to read the Bible - any Bible - by doing so you are communicating with God. When in communication, either through the Bible or with other Christians, you give God a chance to get a word into our busy schedules.

The important thing is not to judge your own performance with that of others. If we all have individual relationships with God then the lessons handed down will be different in each case. That is why you see such divergent opinions among Christians - we are all operating on differ wavelengths.

Despite your misgiving, get stuck into reading the Bible - give God a chance.

 

[chilehed]

...I think i believe in evolution.

So do I, there are a lot of Christians who do. The biblical texts quite simply do not demand a belief in a young earth, that's just a conclusion to which many people have arrived. I've stopped worrying about it.

...Also I have no grudge against Homosexuals, Atheists, or anyone normally hated by Christian beliefs.

To hate someone and to merely acknowledge that their actions are wrong are not the same thing. I don't hate them at all, and authentic Christian teaching would not have us hate them.

...Also perturbs me in the fact that it is somewhat (not always) a shelter for ignorance an example would be --

^ the sun....

That whole 2nd Law argument is a bunch of nonsense, it's mostly put forward by those who haven't any training in thermodynamics. I'm a mechanical engineer, in college I got a 98.7 in thermo and even I was convinced by that argument until I spent a few months picking it apart.

That fact that your room gets messy has nothing to do with the 2nd Law, it has to do with you being lazy.

...1. Am i going to go to this proverbial Hell?

I can't be the judge of that, it's for God to decide. You get to hell by willfully rejecting God. Are you doing that? Or are you dilligently searching for him with the intent to cling to him whan you find him?

...2. Why has god not given me any signs that he is real?

Perhaps you've just not recognised the signs for what they are.

...3. If there is a hell why would god not put any effort into steering me away?

Same answer as above.

...4.If god loves us all why does he seem like such a wrathful and angry god when i read about him?

I get most angry at those whom I most love. It's a difficult book, best studied with the guidance of the Church. That's why Christ established a Church government.

...5. Why in all my life have I yet to see any HARD proof of god?

I don't know. Have you actually studied the historical evidence for the truth claims of Christianity? I suggest you get a book entitled "Evidence that Demands a Verdict, Vol 1", by Josh McDowell. Be sure to read the introductions.

The propositional chain that worked for me went something like this:

1. By definition, science cannot provide evidence for or against God’s existence.
2. Therefore, if God wanted us to know about Him, He’d have to leave us historical evidence.
3. By the rules of historical evidence, the Biblical accounts of Jesus of Nazareth are found to be reliable records of historical events (read “Evidence that Demands a Verdict&#8221.
4. The historical evidence shows that Jesus DID die and come back to life. To reject this out of hand involves a violation of proposition #1 above.
5. Jesus claimed to be God. The Apostles claimed that He was God. You can decide to believe it or not; if not then the only option is to believe that he was either a nutcase or very evil.
6. The historical record of Jesus personality is inconsistent with that of an evil or insane person. The most logical conclusion is that He is God; again, to reject this out of hand is a violation of proposition #1.​

 

[suzeequeue]

OP, i am so happy you are seeking to know about God.

all of your answers can be found in the book called the Bible.

read the Word and ask the Lord to help you discern. once you've experienced the Holy Spirit living within you, how can you deny it? you can't!! it's all the proof you will ever need, dear friend.

i know God will bless your efforts. if you seek Him, you will find Him! the sweet words of the Bible tell us so.

be blessed!