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It is a nonsense state of affairs, to have once believed and now not – I have known similarly intellectual people who have come to the same ‘conclusion’, though they don’t always discuss it publicly. There are different aspects of belief though. My feeling is that there is an ember or bruised reed, otherwise why would one give a flying monkey’s about the breakdown of 2 mega churches and their leaders. The order of beliefs goes from deeply internal to those ‘beliefs’ that we externalise into debates. Here are some beliefs:
(1) church and its members/leaders reflects God’s true church or called out ones.
(2) God is.
(3) God has said and done some things and communicated to mankind.
(4) The indwelling Holy Spirit, wants to reveal Abba (literally Daddy) to you.
It is a nonsense state of affairs, to have once believed and now not – I have known similarly intellectual people who have come to the same ‘conclusion’, though they don’t always discuss it publicly. There are different aspects of belief though. My feeling is that there is an ember or bruised reed, otherwise why would one give a flying monkey’s about the breakdown of 2 mega churches and their leaders. The order of beliefs goes from deeply internal to those ‘beliefs’ that we externalise into debates. Here are some beliefs:
(1) church and its members/leaders reflects God’s true church or called out ones.
(2) God is.
(3) God has said and done some things and communicated to mankind.
(4) The indwelling Holy Spirit, wants to reveal Abba (literally Daddy) to you.
(5) He is interested in you.
Well, I see this status has become about me and that is fine.
Anyway, church was a part of my life for 2 decades and more. I don't have any hatred for the place OR "God," so I have no problems discussing matters with the church from time to time. I left Calvary Chapel when I was flying high in my Christian experience and the place was a great social setting with some decent people here and there and I can admit that. The problem was, I eventually felt out of place and the words rang hollow and the whole ambience became eerie as it still would today. Heck, here in NY, I still love walking into old churches to take pictures, but for a service, that is a nauseating experience to think about so unless I'm dead, that is a no go.
Again, yes. By the common definition of the word and MORE, yes.
Playing the part of someone who believes the bible is inerrant and infallible does not make you a christian. This is why you are an atheist today. Christ made disciples not bible believers.
Playing the part of someone who believes the bible is inerrant and infallible does not make you a christian. This is why you are an atheist today. Christ made disciples not bible believers.
Oh, I see. I could have sworn I was an atheist because of other factors, but oh, ok?
The first line of your OP pretty much gave the game away. And now youre talking about church this and church that. I think God is knocking on the door. And you need to open it.
We watched the Prince Caspian Narnia film yesterday. There's a beautiful part at the end of the film where Aslan recognises someone who didn't believe he existed.
Aslan says to Lucy: Now, where is this dear little friend you've told me about so much?
The first line of your OP pretty much gave the game away. And now youre talking about church this and church that. I think God is knocking on the door. And you need to open it.
We watched the Prince Caspian Narnia film yesterday. There's a beautiful part at the end of the film where Aslan recognises someone who didn't believe he existed.
Aslan says to Lucy: Now, where is this dear little friend you've told me about so much?
(Trumpkin kneels before Aslan)
(Aslan roars!)
Lucy to Trumpkin: Do you see him now?
Oh, that's sweet. I would actually prefer a rich long, lost uncle to knock.
Ok. Well, I've just walked in the house after getting in from work, and the film was on again - we have young children who watch films over and over, though yesterday was the first time they've seen it. The dialogue above and scene came on within the very same minute I walked in the room. ...so, Gods either saying it to you, to me, or its a pure coincidence.
Oh, I see. I could have sworn I was an atheist because of other factors, but oh, ok?
I would like to hear them, but maybe on another thread.
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Oh, that's sweet. I would actually prefer a rich long, lost uncle to knock. 
