Have you converted/lost faith as a result of this forum? (Buddhist, Mormon)

[BudinAk]

Originally Posted by TexasNick

Okay this is a SERIOUS question: Has anyone converted to a religion because of this forum? Has anyone LOST their FAITH because of this forum? For example, if you were atheist, have you started reading the bible and asking Jesus to come into your heart/and or/ converted to Islam, etc? If you are currently a religious person, have you begun to doubt your faith and/or became an atheist?

My basic beliefs have not changed, however I would say my overall faith has increased as a result of this forum. One thing that has happened to me from reading the forum is I have come to realize the vastness, and extreme variation, of different beliefs...even within the same "religion". This had made me ask myself "do I have beliefs, doctrine, rituals, practices, etc, that I have assumed are correct, but in actuality are not to be found in the Bible?" If so, then I will get rid of them! It is so easy to get side-tracked with doctrines of men. It's like the enemy is giving us a "menu" with thousands of off-the-wall wierd stuff to believe in. Like "you don't believe that religion? Hmmm....well...how about this one then?" Or "you don't believe that ritual? Ok, how about this other one then?" The list is practically endless. Believing in them may not make you "go to hell", but it surely takes you captive and slows you down....because only the truth will set you free...

Bud

[b. frank]

Originally Posted by weatherologist

B. Frank,

Is it possible that one might say, "I am still an atheist. The concept of God is quite rediculous to me. There is no evidence to convince otherwise. But, somewhere in my heart, I do wish that I could find this God that everyone talks about. How wonderful it would be to have a peace beyond all understanding. To know that no matter what, my Father has loved me since the beginning of time and one day I will join him in a place that he has prepared for me. I place where I will only know love."

I will take this as an honest question and I will answer honestly:

No, it is not possible. Why? Because if I am "still an atheist", then the phrasing that you use in your question is completely outside of my realm of thinking. What "Father"? If I am still an atheist then I do NOT wonder about the christian god. If I consider the Christian deity and Christian concept of the afterlife to be a reasonable possibility, then I am not still an atheist.

Here's a more likely scenario for a questioning atheist:

"I am still an atheist. It is not a matter of scientific, empirical evidence vs. faith. Instead, I have examined my religious thoughts and have concluded that it is impossible for me to believe in any religious texts or dogma that define faiths. It is who I am. Despite my atheism, how can I find the type of deep-seated emotional peace that I see Christians and other religious people experience? I do not believe in god, the devil, heaven, hell, reincarnation, Joseph Smith goggles, or anything like that and I know that, if I remain true to myself, I never will. Is it possible, then, for me to find peace?"

This is a possible question that atheists may have.
By the way, I have the answer to that question FOR MYSELF, so I don't need this kind of help, but some atheists may.

[sun]

This forum has helped me to better develop and refine my own beliefs, and I agree with BudinAk that exposure to other beliefs helps us all to delve further into what religious mysteries still remain within our own beliefs. It's all thought provoking "stuff"!

[weatherologist]

Originally Posted by b. frank

I will take this as an honest question and I will answer honestly:

No, it is not possible.

Is it possible, then, for me to find peace?"

This is a possible question that atheists may have.

By the way, I have the answer to that question FOR MYSELF, so I don't need this kind of help, but some atheists may.

Thank you. It was an honest question. Please know that I only ask honest questions and appreciate your response. Prior to this forum, I have never had the opportunity (not that I am aware of anyway) to speak openly with atheists. I have found it to be informative and I have also found new friends here. I will not deny that I wish you, too, would find the peace that I have found in the Lord, but I am not here to preach the Gospel to you. With this said, I would appreciate it if you would allow me another question. I understand that, as you state, this is not a question for you, (as you have already found your answer) but do you know of, or have you met atheists that do wish that they knew the peace that Christians presume to know?

[b. frank]

Originally Posted by weatherologist

do you know of, or have you met atheists that do wish that they knew the peace that Christians presume to know?

Well, first of all, I should say that while not many of my friends/acquaintances are Christian or are "practicing" the religion that they claim, I also do not know a lot of people who call themselves atheists. The ones that do have either:
1) Thought extensively about it and are very steadfast in their atheism or
2) Just don't really think or care about religion at all and so they are atheists by default.
The people who I know to be seeking emotional/spiritual peace are not atheists. I have known quite a few non-Christian peace seekers who end up finding their peace by practicing Buddhism or secular meditation techniques and some of them have become very grounded, peaceful people.
So, to answer your question: No, I don't really know people who strive for Christian-style peace but consider themselves atheists. I think that person would probably be an "angry at the world" type (which seems to be the prevailing view of ALL atheists to many Christians) and they may be more open to Christianity than the kind of atheists that I know.

[weatherologist]

Originally Posted by b. frank

So, to answer your question: No, I don't really know people who strive for Christian-style peace but consider themselves atheists. I think that person would probably be an "angry at the world" type (which seems to be the prevailing view of ALL atheists to many Christians) and they may be more open to Christianity than the kind of atheists that I know.

Thank you again fory your answer. Yes, prior to this forum, this is what I would have considered an atheist. As I said before, I have learned different and am still searching for understanding.

[TexasNick]

Hey you guys, you know some of you can choose something other than option #3! LOL.

[Pathwalker]

Originally Posted by TexasNick

Hey you guys, you know some of you can choose something other than option #3! LOL.

I came in here believing the very same things I still believe right now. Nothing has changed. It's highly unlikely, though not completely impossible, that anyone is going to change their position by visiting a forum. One of the reasons I get sick of debates in forums is because very rarely does anyone actually change their position. It's just about arguing, that's all. People want to let their voice be heard, in the hopes that others will support them, thereby boosting their own sense of "being right". But when others disagree with them, it launches a whole big argument about why the opposing parties are wrong. Rarely is either side of a debate convinced of the "truth" presented by the opposing party.

[aiangel_writer]

Originally Posted by arguy1973

wheres the " i have GAINED FAITH" because of this forum question at?

my sentiments exactly. I cannot vote, my answer is not among the ones listed.

I have gained faith and knowledge from/because of this forum. I have also gained brothers and sisters in Christ who offer Godly advice.

[Throx]

I gained much respect and understanding of the Hindu faith. Gained much knowledge about Judism and Mormon Christians. My Buddhist faith is the same.

Lost just about all of my faith in protestant Christianity and the ones that practice it.