Why do you believe?

[Freedom2010]

I have recently become very curious about christianity. I very deeply respect your religion and think it is a great set of beliefs to have. I, however, am not a christian. I am an atheist. I have been one since I was in middle school. I just don't believe in all the magic of the bible.

I believe in logical laws, and what I see around me to be the truth. It is really hard for me to belive in a supernatural being that created the world, heaven, hell, and a guy that rose from the dead. I just see nothing like that at all happening in the world. All I see is plain, ordinary, reality and the fact that there is a scientific explanation to everything that happens in the world. Religion was something I never gave much thought to.

The thing is, however, I recently started dating a guy that happens to be a strong pentecostal. His religion has done amazing things for him. He praises God every day and his belief that God is real is just as true to him as my belief that He is not. I was recently wondering Googling christianity and it just seems like such a wonderful set of beliefs to have.

The thing is- I want to be a Christian too. I have seen all the amazing things it has done for him and I want to see what that is like. Just to believe in something so strongly.

The thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't make myself believe in it. I want to, but I can't. What is it that makes you believe what you do?

And finally, although I am an atheist, I very deeply respect your beliefs. I am just very interested in your opinions about God.

Thanks

 

[ephraimanesti]

I have recently become very curious about christianity. I very deeply respect your religion and think it is a great set of beliefs to have. I, however, am not a christian. I am an atheist. I have been one since I was in middle school. I just don't believe in all the magic of the bible.

I believe in logical laws, and what I see around me to be the truth. It is really hard for me to believe in a supernatural being that created the world, heaven, hell, and a guy that rose from the dead. I just see nothing like that at all happening in the world. All I see is plain, ordinary, reality and the fact that there is a scientific explanation to everything that happens in the world. Religion was something I never gave much thought to.

The thing is, however, I recently started dating a guy that happens to be a strong pentecostal. His religion has done amazing things for him. He praises God every day and his belief that God is real is just as true to him as my belief that He is not. I was recently wondering Googling christianity and it just seems like such a wonderful set of beliefs to have.

The thing is- I want to be a Christian too. I have seen all the amazing things it has done for him and I want to see what that is like. Just to believe in something so strongly.

The thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't make myself believe in it. I want to, but I can't. What is it that makes you believe what you do?

And finally, although I am an atheist, I very deeply respect your beliefs. I am just very interested in your opinions about God.

Thanks

MY DEAR SISTER,

You are quite correct that "no matter how hard I try, I can't make myself believe in it." Belief and faith in God are not something we can grit our teeth and will ourselves to perform. Belief, faith, trust, etc. are gifts of God's Grace--there is nothing we can do to earn them or be worthy of receiving them.

What's the answer, then. Pray to God that He will gift you with them.

WHAT!? Pray to God in whom you have no belief. YES! Your desire to believe is the beginning of that belief. Your faith that God will, if asked, grant you faith is the beginning of that faith. Someone once truly stated, "The Grace to receive Grace is a function of Grace."

All that is required is to believe in the possibility that God exists and does, in fact, answer prayers. The experiences of your boyfriend will, perhaps, provide these rudiments of that which you desire.

Sooooooo . . . i came by my faith by reading God's written Word--specifically, the New Testament--and praying that He would grant me understanding of it and a knowledge of its truthfulness. (Stick with the New Testament for now, as the Old Testament can only be rightly understood after an understanding of the New is achieved.)

Remember, through all this, that Christianity is not just a "wonderful set of beliefs", it is an intimate, loving, and trusting relationship with the Creator of all things. Don't lose sight of this goal as if you were just studying another worldly philosophy. It is much, much, much more than that.

Also, it is to be hoped that you are doing this for yourself and not to impress your boyfriend. (Just a word of wisdom, not an accusation against you.)

MAY YOU BE BLESSED AND FIND THE ULTIMATE TRUTH YOU ARE SEEKING!

ABBA'S FOOL,
ephraim

 

[Standing Up]

I have recently become very curious about christianity. I very deeply respect your religion and think it is a great set of beliefs to have. I, however, am not a christian. I am an atheist. I have been one since I was in middle school. I just don't believe in all the magic of the bible.

I believe in logical laws, and what I see around me to be the truth. It is really hard for me to belive in a supernatural being that created the world, heaven, hell, and a guy that rose from the dead. I just see nothing like that at all happening in the world. All I see is plain, ordinary, reality and the fact that there is a scientific explanation to everything that happens in the world. Religion was something I never gave much thought to.

The thing is, however, I recently started dating a guy that happens to be a strong pentecostal. His religion has done amazing things for him. He praises God every day and his belief that God is real is just as true to him as my belief that He is not. I was recently wondering Googling christianity and it just seems like such a wonderful set of beliefs to have.

The thing is- I want to be a Christian too. I have seen all the amazing things it has done for him and I want to see what that is like. Just to believe in something so strongly.

The thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't make myself believe in it. I want to, but I can't. What is it that makes you believe what you do?

And finally, although I am an atheist, I very deeply respect your beliefs. I am just very interested in your opinions about God.

Thanks

Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.

Read the Bible. Start with the Gospels (MT, MK, LK, JN).

Read Ephesians. Read the Psalms.

God knows your heart and has made a promise to you.

Ask questions. They'll be answered.

 

[ChaplainWoody]

I have recently become very curious about christianity.
Good for you!
I am an atheist.
Sorry to hear that you are now just see about Christ.
I just don't believe in all the magic of the bible.
It's not magic, it's REAL!
I believe in logical laws, and what I see around me to be the truth.
Wonderful! I believe in that too!
It is really hard for me to believe in a supernatural being that created the world, heaven, hell, and a guy that rose from the dead.
He's real, and He did what he said He did for mankind.
I just see nothing like that at all happening in the world. All I see is plain, ordinary, reality and the fact that there is a scientific explanation to everything that happens in the world.
The Bible, God's word to man down through time to present has been historically been proven over and over, and by scientific explanations to everything that has happened and is going to happen....all in the Bible, until He come again. If you try to figure it out all logically-fact in your mind you will never see God's full picture for mankind....He just wants to LOVE You, and You LOVE Him.
Religion was something I never gave much thought to.
You thinking about it now is because God ~ through His Holy Spirit is drawing you, no accident that you came to this forum.
The thing is, however, I recently started dating a guy that happens to be a strong pentecostal. His religion has done amazing things for him. He praises God every day and his belief that God is real is just as true to him as my belief that He is not. I was recently wondering Googling christianity and it just seems like such a wonderful set of beliefs to have.
IT IS!!! Awesome! By FAITH, not by logic you can experience what you boyfriend has experience and now you desire the same.
The thing is- I want to be a Christian too. I have seen all the amazing things it has done for him and I want to see what that is like. Just to believe in something so strongly.
Haaaa! Dear....you can believe just the same as He does...for you are really seeing that IT IS REAL!
The thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't make myself believe in it. I want to, but I can't.
Yes you can....desire it...seek Him right now!
What is it that makes you believe what you do?
Same answer as your boyfriend probably.....God drawn me to Him one day in a church meeting, and by faith I believed...from age 17 yrs to now age 71.....God's love is wonderful to know.

Just Let-Go and believe!

Please read the following invitation ...by faith...believing....accept God's word, and His Son...and when you do a new door of understanding will be opened unto you, and then God being the gentleman that He is (will not envade where he is not wanted) will open your heart and your mind and your eyes will see also what you boyfriend see through Christ.

Jesus gives a person purpose and meaning and changes your life
inside and out, giving you peace, hope, love on earth and eternity with
Him in heaven and a better understanding of the world around you.

There are seven Facts in God's plan for your new life ~ His Salvation, through the Lord, Jesus Christ.
It's A Fact: God loves YOU! ~ John 3:16
It's A Fact: You are a sinner (we all have sinned) ~ Romans 3:23
It's A Fact: That you are dead in sin ~ Romans 6:23
It's A Fact: That Jesus Christ, Son of God died for YOU ~ Romans 5:6-8
It's A Fact: That you can be saved by faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ ~ Acts 16:30-31
It's A Fact: That you can be saved and KNOW it ~ 1 John 5:10-13
if you have done all the above....
It's A Fact: That you are now a Child of God, and you are to obey Him ~ Acts 3:29

Just pray to Him:
I believe in my heart by faith that you are Jesus ~ Son of God,
who died on the cross for my sins.
Forgive my sins, Lord.
I want to be your Child, and have that new life through You.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

If I put out my hand to you with a dollar in it, and offer it to you. You would have to take the dollar out of my hand to be yours. Same with Jesus coming into your heart....He is offering to you His LOVE, forgiveness of sins, but you have to take it.

 

[ebia]

I have recently become very curious about christianity. I very deeply respect your religion and think it is a great set of beliefs to have. I, however, am not a christian. I am an atheist. I have been one since I was in middle school. I just don't believe in all the magic of the bible.

I believe in logical laws, and what I see around me to be the truth. It is really hard for me to belive in a supernatural being that created the world, heaven, hell, and a guy that rose from the dead. I just see nothing like that at all happening in the world. All I see is plain, ordinary, reality and the fact that there is a scientific explanation to everything that happens in the world. Religion was something I never gave much thought to.

The thing is, however, I recently started dating a guy that happens to be a strong pentecostal. His religion has done amazing things for him. He praises God every day and his belief that God is real is just as true to him as my belief that He is not. I was recently wondering Googling christianity and it just seems like such a wonderful set of beliefs to have.

The thing is- I want to be a Christian too. I have seen all the amazing things it has done for him and I want to see what that is like. Just to believe in something so strongly.

The thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't make myself believe in it. I want to, but I can't. What is it that makes you believe what you do?

And finally, although I am an atheist, I very deeply respect your beliefs. I am just very interested in your opinions about God.

Thanks

If I might recommend a book: Simply Christian - N.T. (Tom) Wright, SPCK and Harper Collins.

 

[Sketcher]

Well, I believe it's possible that the Creator can intervene in his creation and sew it up neatly. Science is what we use to determine how things are normally supposed to work - but why not open yourself to the possibility that there is something beyond the natural, physical realm that can and will do things which aren't normal?

You need to be open to this at least before bombarding you with evidence and Bible verses is going to do you any good. If you believe such a thing is possible, then it will be time to look into the historical evidence and going further than that.

 

[sb81]

I believe undoubtedly in God due to the cosmological evidence, evidence for Jesus Christ, as well as the spiritual evidence and guidance that I feel so strongly. This allows me to put my full faith in Jesus and to believe that I am saved. I believe this is the key to really have a relationship with God. You need to be able to cast all doubt aside. Some people are able to "just do it", unfortunately for me, I required evidence which I feel God showed me after I asked for guidance.

As far as "magic of the Bible" there is one thing to consider.

Miracles do exist (our existence - and no not life itself, but the universe, cause of the universe, etc) and the fact that a miracle is simply something that is inexplicable and our existence does not make sense.

I admit, God creating everything in existence excluding himself seems to not make sense. However, there has to be an eternal first cause for all of existence. Whether it's the universe itself (very unlikely due to scientific discoveries) or something outside of the universe. Either way, something had to come first.

I suggest reading the articles in my signature. It's much easier to believe when your mind is not clouded with common misconceptions about the Bible and science.

God Bless and may you find what you seek.

 

[aiki]

I have recently become very curious about christianity. I very deeply respect your religion and think it is a great set of beliefs to have. I, however, am not a christian. I am an atheist. I have been one since I was in middle school. I just don't believe in all the magic of the bible.

There is no "magic" in the Bible. Only the working of God in human history.

I believe in logical laws, and what I see around me to be the truth. It is really hard for me to belive in a supernatural being that created the world, heaven, hell, and a guy that rose from the dead. I just see nothing like that at all happening in the world.

Is it logical to believe that everything came from nothing? Is this what you see happening around you? Do you see things popping into existence out of nothing? This is essentially the only option you have as an atheist for explaining the existence of the universe. Why is it easier to believe this impossibility than that the universe had a Creator? Believing that nothing produced everything is certainly not a more logical view than what the Bible offers.

All I see is plain, ordinary, reality and the fact that there is a scientific explanation to everything that happens in the world. Religion was something I never gave much thought to.

You haven't been looking very closely at "reality" if you see it only as "plain" and "ordinary." Scientists are constantly marveling at the incredible, power, complexity, order and balance that structures our universe. I've never looked at a sunset and thought it ordinary or plain; I've never looked at the staggering expanse of the Milky Way on a clear, dark night and thought it ordinary or plain; I've never looked at a kitten, or puppy, or squirrel and thought "How plain! How ordinary!" No, when I look at reality I revel in the mind-blowing wonder of it all!

I don't think you understand that there is no such thing as pure, raw science. Every scientific fact is interpreted. What interpretation a scientific fact is given depends upon the starting presuppositions of the one doing the interpreting. Most secular scientists assume a priori that God does not exist, that the universe came about and continues purely by impersonal, mechanical, natural processes. It is not surprising, then, that they see in the facts the scientific method uncovers what they expect to see: there is no God.

The thing is, however, I recently started dating a guy that happens to be a strong pentecostal. His religion has done amazing things for him. He praises God every day and his belief that God is real is just as true to him as my belief that He is not. I was recently wondering Googling christianity and it just seems like such a wonderful set of beliefs to have.

Knowing, loving, and walking with God is what we were all made for. Fulfilling this purpose for my existence really is wonderful!

The thing is- I want to be a Christian too. I have seen all the amazing things it has done for him and I want to see what that is like. Just to believe in something so strongly.

The thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't make myself believe in it. I want to, but I can't. What is it that makes you believe what you do?

You don't seem to have any problem believing the impossible when it comes to how everything got here...

The fact is, God saves us; we cannot save ourselves. He must draw us to faith in Christ as Saviour and Lord. Ask Him to do for you what you cannot do for yourself. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you.

Peace.

 

[salida]

Would you believe it if I gave u some evidence of the bible? I'm a christian for spiritual reasons first and intellectual second. Visit: www.TheBibleProofBook.com and read The Evidence That Demands A Verdict by Josh McDowell (there is overwhelming circumstantial evidence concerning bible that would stand up in a court of law) and Examine the Evidence by Muncaster (a former athiest).

Are u a good person? The Good Test

Your friend has been really transformed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives him the power from God to live a christian life.

The term magic doesn't apply here in its true definition.

 

[drich0150]

The thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't make myself believe in it. I want to, but I can't. What is it that makes you believe what you do?

It is the Holy Spirit that gives most of us strength and faith beyond what we may have on our own accord.

If you wish to have a measure of the Spirit then it is as simple as asking, seeking and knocking.

Luke 11:

5Then he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, 6because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
7"Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me. The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give you anything.' 8I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness[e] he will get up and give him as much as he needs.
9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. 11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for[f] a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

We ask through Prayer, we seek in scripture and through those who exhibit signs or "fruit" of the Spirit (Gal 5:22) and we knock by repeating this process till we get what our Hearts truly seeks.

 

[andreha]

I have recently become very curious about christianity. I very deeply respect your religion and think it is a great set of beliefs to have. I, however, am not a christian. I am an atheist. I have been one since I was in middle school. I just don't believe in all the magic of the bible.

I believe in logical laws, and what I see around me to be the truth. It is really hard for me to belive in a supernatural being that created the world, heaven, hell, and a guy that rose from the dead. I just see nothing like that at all happening in the world. All I see is plain, ordinary, reality and the fact that there is a scientific explanation to everything that happens in the world. Religion was something I never gave much thought to.

The thing is, however, I recently started dating a guy that happens to be a strong pentecostal. His religion has done amazing things for him. He praises God every day and his belief that God is real is just as true to him as my belief that He is not. I was recently wondering Googling christianity and it just seems like such a wonderful set of beliefs to have.

The thing is- I want to be a Christian too. I have seen all the amazing things it has done for him and I want to see what that is like. Just to believe in something so strongly.

The thing is, no matter how hard I try, I can't make myself believe in it. I want to, but I can't. What is it that makes you believe what you do?

And finally, although I am an atheist, I very deeply respect your beliefs. I am just very interested in your opinions about God.

Thanks

In Christianity, it is the Spirit of God that causes people to believe. So, you are welcome to ask God to help you with that.

 

[zaksmummy]

I believe in logical laws, and what I see around me to be the truth. It is really hard for me to belive in a supernatural being that created the world, heaven, hell, and a guy that rose from the dead. I just see nothing like that at all happening in the world. All I see is plain, ordinary, reality and the fact that there is a scientific explanation to everything that happens in the world. Religion was something I never gave much thought to.

Have you haerd the famous quote from Shakespeare?

"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

(Its so famous I forgot it an dhad to google it)

Anyway, dont give up on your quest to find God, hes always there waiting for you to find him, pray and ask him to show himself to you. Ask you boyfriend to lend you a bible, God will lead you to where you need to go.

 

[Spoonbill]

I believe in God.

Perhaps not in the way that some of you do though. I have been told on this site that I "believe in nothing beyond myself", because I think I was confused with an athiest.

I do believe in God, and I do believe that God flows through everything. For me to assume anything more than this would be both stupid and arrogant. I accept I know very little about this Universe, but I believe it (and everything in it) is here for a purpose.

 

[childofGod31]

I believe in God.

Perhaps not in the way that some of you do though. I have been told on this site that I "believe in nothing beyond myself", because I think I was confused with an athiest.

I do believe in God, and I do believe that God flows through everything. For me to assume anything more than this would be both stupid and arrogant. I accept I know very little about this Universe, but I believe it (and everything in it) is here for a purpose.

God is a person. He doesn't just flow through things (or sustains everything, or In Him we have our being), His main purpose of creating us is for fellowship.

God is not just a power, He is a person. And the most truly amazing one at that. Like if you would imagine somebody you admired the most (and if you like "good") then He would be most admirable.
If you like noble, He is most noble.
If you like strong, He is most strong.
If you like gentle, He is most gentle.
He is most everything. He is most amazing. And I love Him. And He talks to me and He told me lots of things about Himself that were an eye opener. And now I realize that most people do not know God. They know a little about Him, but not HIM personally. The only way somebody can know God personally is by personally experiencing God.

Truly lucky are the people who were priveleged to experience God. He is like the best thing anyone could ever get in this lifetime or the next one. At least for me. God said that He loves us more deeply than anyone could imagine. His love is boundless He said, it has no end. And He also said that it grows. He said that boundless does not mean it's finished.

He told me that He hurts when I hurt and that He always wants to comfort Me. He said that He only wants to give me joy and can't wait until that would be possible. He said that He longs to be one with me (I guess on that day when we change into our immortal bodies maybe)
He said that He really loves to talk to me and when I talk to Him.

I was thinking one day that maybe He is too busy to talk to me because He has to run the world. But He responded: "I am able to multitask, always talk to me"

This is a good thread where people posted what God told them:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7414911/

 

[Spoonbill]

God is a person. He doesn't just flow through things (or sustains everything, or In Him we have our being), His main purpose of creating us is for fellowship.

God is not just a power, He is a person. And the most truly amazing one at that. Like if you would imagine somebody you admired the most (and if you like "good") then He would be most admirable.
If you like noble, He is most noble.
If you like strong, He is most strong.
If you like gentle, He is most gentle.
He is most everything. He is most amazing. And I love Him. And He talks to me and He told me lots of things about Himself that were an eye opener. And now I realize that most people do not know God. They know a little about Him, but not HIM personally. The only way somebody can know God personally is by personally experiencing God.

Truly lucky are the people who were priveleged to experience God. He is like the best thing anyone could ever get in this lifetime or the next one. At least for me. God said that He loves us more deeply than anyone could imagine. His love is boundless He said, it has no end. And He also said that it grows. He said that boundless does not mean it's finished.

He told me that He hurts when I hurt and that He always wants to comfort Me. He said that He only wants to give me joy and can't wait until that would be possible. He said that He longs to be one with me (I guess on that day when we change into our immortal bodies maybe)
He said that He really loves to talk to me and when I talk to Him.

I was thinking one day that maybe He is too busy to talk to me because He has to run the world. But He responded: "I am able to multitask, always talk to me"

This is a good thread where people posted what God told them:

http://www.christianforums.com/t7414911/

You are 100% certain that God is a person? That's amazing. I think I saw him at the local B&Q over the weekend.

 

[drich0150]

You are 100% certain that God is a person? That's amazing. I think I saw him at the local B&Q over the weekend.

That in a nut shell is the reason for Christianity. We believe that God was born in the personage of Jesus, Died, and resurrected for our sins.

Whether you saw Him at a B&Q is another matter.