When Christians plug their ears

[erealmz]

I've meet many people who refuse to listen to what I'm saying because it doesn't fit with their belief system.

The worst ones just scream "Jesus this Jesus that" while making sure their voice is louder than mine.

Then there's the spontaneous "pray'ers" who just start praying louder and louder until discussion is hopeless.

There are the "walk aways", quick to turn their backs and escape the conversation.

The "Bible Bubbles" do nothing but quote scripture. They have their bubble so tight that there really is no way to get through to them.

There's the notorious "tap dancers", who deliberately confuse you to the point that you just give up. And then they claim victory, however false and delusional it is.

There's the ones who don't believe I'm really an atheist. "You believe in God" - "No I don't" - "Yes you do, you just don't know it yet"

And so many more....

But then there are the wise ones. Quick to listen and slow to speak. I only know one person like this but I'm sure there are more. They listen to everything I have to say about Christianity and it doesn't shake their faith one bit. We never argue about anything. Sometimes I think they are waiting for the right time to tell me the right things. Or that maybe they are praying about it and waiting for spiritual guidance. In any case, I am able to express all my ideas, opinions, and emotions about this faith I grew up in and why I turned away. And they simply listen.

In my opinion, that is a good example of a good Christian. They do nothing to fuel my apostasy, which is doing more for me than most Christians I talk to.

I'm not saying I'll come back. But I'm not saying I never will. Maybe one day God will provide the proof I seek. I might not have any more faith, but there is a flicker of hope.

 

[Devin P]

Yeah, I can definitely see why that'd be appealing for sure! One thing that has helped increase my faith was looking into the ancient civilizations, and seeing how they all have sun gods, and how even though they all are mainly separated either by geographical distance, or time periods. The same story, from different people that had no connection or way to know of one another, and yet they are all the same.

The book of Enoch talks about who they were, and what they were doing. I'm not saying to look into it, you can if you want, it just helped me to know more certainly, especially since the bible references the book of enoch as scripture a few times. Hopefully God steers you in the right path brother, have a good night!

 

[NothingIsImpossible]

I'd say I'm more of the second person you described. I'll hear a atheist out and no matter what they say it doesn't shake my belief. I'll pray for them, I'll be nice to them...etc. Though if they argue and want a fight I leave them alone because it says more about them than me. I don't want fights, I feel we are both free to believe what we want and don't have to argue about whos right or wrong because I cannot force them to understand or believe what I do and they cannot force me either. Agree to disagree so to speak.

My best friend for almost 16 years was a pretty hardcore atheist. We never really got into any heated debates. Though near the end of our friendship he started to become more aggressive and would tell me about at Chipoltoles you get a free burrito on halloween by having tinfoil on your body (which is true). He told me he had a tinfoil thorn looking crown on and a tinfoil covering. His friend had a tinfoil spear and would poke him in the side as they went through line. I mean, its offensive to me and he never really used to be like that. He would never really tell me about such things. But his friends were even more hardcore atheists who literally hated christians to the max.

He also started to use Gods name in vain all the time when we played games more. He moved 2 hours away and never called me again. Just ended it with no care in the world. I still pray for him of course. I realize his uncle ran a church down south that was VERY much like a cult. Hsi uncle, the pastor had molested little girls, hated blacks, beat people...etc. Obviously, that leaves a bitter taste in a persons mouth. He even early on in our friendship was shocked to see christians like myself and my parents were so nice and would interact with him and his family.

Sorry for the long story. Sadly it sounds like you run across the loud christians who make us all look bad. When you for example tell someone their a sinner and they are going to burn in hell for <insert sins>, all that does is make them put up a wall of defenses. Its a terrible way to show love.

 

[Devin P]

One proof, is the hidden message in the book of Genesis. It was written thousands of years before Jesus, yet it talks of Him. This at a time before anyone knew of Jesus, and those that would've faked it, wouldn't of because they still to this day don't believe in what the message says.

First off, you have to know that all Hebrew names have meanings and definitions to them:

Adam - Man
Seth - Appointed
Enosh - Mortal
Kenan - Sorrow;
Mahalalel - The Blessed God
Jared - Shall come down
Enoch - Teaching
Methuselah - His death shall bring
Lamech - The Despairing
Noah - Rest, or comfort.

When you put it in a sentence:

"Man appointed mortal sorrow; The Blessed God shall come down teaching His death shall bring the despairing, rest."

 

[timewerx]

The worst ones just scream "Jesus this Jesus that" while making sure their voice is louder than mine.

Then there's the spontaneous "pray'ers" who just start praying louder and louder until discussion is hopeless.

That's too bad, I won't be able to speak in a louder voice in a forum!

If it were me, I'll probably stare at you with a smile and then let out an other-worldly alien-possessed scream!

Just kidding man! I don't really have problems with Atheists. If you can be a good neighbor, you're good!

 

[gadar perets]

Maybe one day God will provide the proof I seek. I might not have any more faith, but there is a flicker of hope.

May I ask what proof you seek? Proof that God exists or something else?

 

[brinny]

Awwwwwww....Christians are not perfect, as you can see. That's why we appreciate grace and are thankful for it.

I know i need grace BIG TIME.

God bless us ev'ry one

 

[Norbert L]

Everybody else with an opinion experiences this too. How do you know that you're not in a bubble of you're own as well? The way I see it, either approach can work because relationships aren't that simple as a whole. You can't socially force people into having to listen to you and we don't live in an ideal world of our own way of thinking and making. So expect opposition when you voice your ideas, there's no way around that.

I think it's better to not dwell on the negatives and spend more time focusing on the positives.

 

[Goatee]

I agree. Some people try to shove Christianity down your throat without any thought at all. No wonder it puts people off!

 

[Lulav]

I've meet many people who refuse to listen to what I'm saying because it doesn't fit with their belief system.

The worst ones just scream "Jesus this Jesus that" while making sure their voice is louder than mine.

Then there's the spontaneous "pray'ers" who just start praying louder and louder until discussion is hopeless.

There are the "walk aways", quick to turn their backs and escape the conversation.

The "Bible Bubbles" do nothing but quote scripture. They have their bubble so tight that there really is no way to get through to them.

There's the notorious "tap dancers", who deliberately confuse you to the point that you just give up. And then they claim victory, however false and delusional it is.

There's the ones who don't believe I'm really an atheist. "You believe in God" - "No I don't" - "Yes you do, you just don't know it yet"

And so many more....

But then there are the wise ones. Quick to listen and slow to speak. I only know one person like this but I'm sure there are more. They listen to everything I have to say about Christianity and it doesn't shake their faith one bit. We never argue about anything. Sometimes I think they are waiting for the right time to tell me the right things. Or that maybe they are praying about it and waiting for spiritual guidance. In any case, I am able to express all my ideas, opinions, and emotions about this faith I grew up in and why I turned away. And they simply listen.

In my opinion, that is a good example of a good Christian. They do nothing to fuel my apostasy, which is doing more for me than most Christians I talk to.

I'm not saying I'll come back. But I'm not saying I never will. Maybe one day God will provide the proof I seek. I might not have any more faith, but there is a flicker of hope.

I like the 'labeled boxes' you've put Christians into, sort of a MBTI of Christianity.

I don't think it's about some of the things you stated though, but how others understand what their 'job' is as a Christian.

Some believe everyone can be saved.
Some believe that they should do whatever they can to save you, even giving up their own life.
Some believe that only God can save you.

And some even believe that you have your own free will to choose God or not.

'Proof' will never do it for you so searching for it is pointless.

If you are in the Book of Life then there will come a day when you will be called and your answer is yours alone.

Best on your journey

 

[PeaceJoyLove]

In any case, I am able to express all my ideas, opinions, and emotions about this faith I grew up in and why I turned away.

My husband was an atheist because of the god he learned about in childhood was anything but Love. I had faith beyond measure that brought me to the place of truly honouring and loving my husband without judging him...never saying a word about his unbelief. For anything less than that would be me judging/condemning him for we are called to love. Blessed is the peacemaker... is one who wields no sword.

I'm not saying I'll come back. But I'm not saying I never will. Maybe one day God will provide the proof I seek. I might not have any more faith, but there is a flicker of hope.

I prayed God would bring revelation to my husband, that their would be no doubt in his mind that it was Him. And HE did...profoundly so, beyond what any word I could ever speak. "For no man can come to the son unless the father draw him."

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."

 

[Another Lazarus]

I've meet many people who refuse to listen to what I'm saying

You also do the same toward God.

 

[erealmz]

You also do the same toward God.

A good example of yet another "plug ear". Instead of addressing anything of the post, this person ignores all of it and only points out my non-relationship with God. See what I mean guys?

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I've meet many people who refuse to listen to what I'm saying because it doesn't fit with their belief system.

The worst ones just scream "Jesus this Jesus that" while making sure their voice is louder than mine.

Then there's the spontaneous "pray'ers" who just start praying louder and louder until discussion is hopeless.

There are the "walk aways", quick to turn their backs and escape the conversation.

The "Bible Bubbles" do nothing but quote scripture. They have their bubble so tight that there really is no way to get through to them.

There's the notorious "tap dancers", who deliberately confuse you to the point that you just give up. And then they claim victory, however false and delusional it is.

There's the ones who don't believe I'm really an atheist. "You believe in God" - "No I don't" - "Yes you do, you just don't know it yet"

And so many more....

But then there are the wise ones. Quick to listen and slow to speak. I only know one person like this but I'm sure there are more. They listen to everything I have to say about Christianity and it doesn't shake their faith one bit. We never argue about anything. Sometimes I think they are waiting for the right time to tell me the right things. Or that maybe they are praying about it and waiting for spiritual guidance. In any case, I am able to express all my ideas, opinions, and emotions about this faith I grew up in and why I turned away. And they simply listen.

In my opinion, that is a good example of a good Christian. They do nothing to fuel my apostasy, which is doing more for me than most Christians I talk to.

I'm not saying I'll come back. But I'm not saying I never will. Maybe one day God will provide the proof I seek. I might not have any more faith, but there is a flicker of hope.

Because "listening" is a glamorous thing, ain't it?!

NOT THIS:

BUT THIS:

2PhiloVoid

 

[Rajni]

You also do the same toward God.

https://www.christianforums.com/threads/when-christians-plug-their-ears.8027234/#post-71763402Those who refuse to listen to someone whose existence is more readily
obvious to any skeptics have less of an excuse.

-

 

[Cearbhall]

You also do the same toward God.

Thank you for demonstrating the problem.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

I've meet many people who refuse to listen to what I'm saying because it doesn't fit with their belief system.

The worst ones just scream "Jesus this Jesus that" while making sure their voice is louder than mine.

Then there's the spontaneous "pray'ers" who just start praying louder and louder until discussion is hopeless.

There are the "walk aways", quick to turn their backs and escape the conversation.

The "Bible Bubbles" do nothing but quote scripture. They have their bubble so tight that there really is no way to get through to them.

There's the notorious "tap dancers", who deliberately confuse you to the point that you just give up. And then they claim victory, however false and delusional it is.

There's the ones who don't believe I'm really an atheist. "You believe in God" - "No I don't" - "Yes you do, you just don't know it yet"

And so many more....

But then there are the wise ones. Quick to listen and slow to speak. I only know one person like this but I'm sure there are more. They listen to everything I have to say about Christianity and it doesn't shake their faith one bit. We never argue about anything. Sometimes I think they are waiting for the right time to tell me the right things. Or that maybe they are praying about it and waiting for spiritual guidance. In any case, I am able to express all my ideas, opinions, and emotions about this faith I grew up in and why I turned away. And they simply listen.

In my opinion, that is a good example of a good Christian. They do nothing to fuel my apostasy, which is doing more for me than most Christians I talk to.

I'm not saying I'll come back. But I'm not saying I never will. Maybe one day God will provide the proof I seek. I might not have any more faith, but there is a flicker of hope.

Sounds like you are stopping people on the street and telling them why you left the church. Not a good idea.

 

[erealmz]

Sounds like you are stopping people on the street and telling them why you left the church. Not a good idea.

Sounds like it, but I'm not. I don't just walk up to random people and engage in conversation.

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Sounds like it, but I'm not. I don't just walk up to random people and engage in conversation.

Why would you talk about it to anyone at all?

 

[erealmz]

Why would you talk about it to anyone at all?

Because I spread truth. The world needs to wake up. That's why!!!