Paul the First Atheist

[DesiredHaven]

Christian (which means follower of Christ, who is the Son of God) atheism?

So there are Christians who dont believe in God, but are still achristian (follower of Christ) but an athiest?

Athiests dont believe in a God, so how can they be christian seeing Christ is the Son of him (who they disbelieve)?

Who is the moron who makes up these definitions?

Is that a wiki edit or something?

 

[Jeff_56]

re posts 20 and 21 it looks like: (started with just post 20)
edit added: a lot of 'christians' are not and never were 'christians', and many 'christians' never will be, even on to judgment day when the Lord Jesus drives them away saying "be gone from ME , I NEVER knew you".

yes indeed, there are many who sit in the pews (and most who preach from the pulpits) and know not God, neither do they desire to know Him perhaps, and have no zeal for Him,
and some
somehow, in spite of their church, without looking for God, they find Him (SHEER GRACE FROM HIM)....

that is true.

no one can follow the moral teachings of Jesus though, if they do not abide in Jesus.
if they are not in Jesus, trusting in God, they are deceived, serving flesh or demons, and the truth is not in them, there is no light in them, according to God's Word through and through.

HOWEVER !!!! IMPORTANT...... one, two, a few, some or many MIGHT BE SEEKING GOD, and for the time

being where they are they are where HE KNOWS THEY ARE, and HE IS DIRECTING THEIR LIVES until the

point where they may choose HIM.... like Shaul, like Martin Luther, Like Charles Chiniquoy, like me, like many many others either 'trapped', 'tricked', 'deceived', 'raised in ' the form of religion that always denies the power there-of,
out of which GOD SAYS COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE, and a few listen; a few are saved out of her....

whether they were atheists by anyone's definition or not doesn't matter.

 

[Stephen63]

There are many atheists sitting in pews every Sunday because many have lost their faith. Many pastors have become atheist because some did not believe from the beginning, but a great way to earn a profit. Many types of atheism!

1. Christian atheism is a theological position in which the belief in the God of Christianity is rejected or absent, but the moral teachings of Jesus are followed.

Isn't that church part of the emergent church?

 

[Jeff_56]

Isn't that church part of the emergent church?

the whole rcc is that way. i never heard it called 'emergent' though.

perhaps whatever the 'emergent church' is also fits.

 

[AuphirahQueen]

The Pastor Who Became an Atheist

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image: http://cdn1.relevantmediagroup.com/...f655796eb626b86d12b920f3ca4.png?itok=nd0x5BaL

The New York Times has published a lengthy but fascinating profile of Jerry DeWitt, a former Bible-Belt pastor who was a "closeted" atheist before outing himself and striving to create communities for other Christians who leave their faith. Since then, DeWitt has become a leader in the atheist community even as his family and many of his friends have distanced themselves from him ...







Read more at The Pastor Who Became an Atheist | RELEVANT Magazine

2. Ryan Bell SDA Pastor now an atheist

'Year without God' pastor: Why I'm no longer a believer - Faitheist
Ex-Pastor Turned American Atheist Director Tells How She Lost Faith

BY STOYAN ZAIMOV, CHRISTIAN POST REPORTER
July 11, 2012|5:00 pm
A former Methodist worship and teaching pastor who served in ministry for 20 years before becoming an atheist has been appointed as the American Atheist's public relations director. In [COLOR=#F3933B !important]an interview with The Christian Post, she revealed that despite initially being ostracized by friends, she is now happy and at peace with her decision.[/COLOR]
"No it was very, very gradual. Actually there's not really one single moment where I can look back and say ah, that was the moment. It was kind of a slow progression," Teresa MacBain shared about her loss of faith with CP in a phone interview on Tuesday.
After leaving her ministry earlier this year, MacBain, a Florida resident, also served as executive director of the Clergy Project, which offers support to former clergy members who have lost their faith and become secularists.
Ex-Pastor Turned American Atheist Director Tells How She Lost Faith

Professor Bart Ehrman was a pastor (fundamentalist Christian) now an atheist.

Many Christians are leaving the faith to become atheist, deist, secular humanism, agnostic, or gnostic.

 

[DesiredHaven]

He was just a false brother who became a fool, why does it have to be so complicated?

 

[Stephen63]

I'm sorry, but that is about a real non-believing atheist, & the former about a book an emergent pastor wrote..... I honestly find no credibility here about religious atheism. I get it that one can be religious & not truly believe in Jesus, but that doesn't make them an atheist. The truth is, many believe there is a God, but don't serve Him.... but that's not atheism.

 

[Ahwatukee]

This is what Peter had to say about those during his time that thought the same way:

"Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction."

Notice that Peter refers to Paul's letters as wisdom from God and as Scripture. Furthermore, God the Father chose Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ. Notice also that for those who distort Paul's letter and therefore himself, as unstable and ignorant and this to their own destruction.

 

[crossnote]

The Pastor Who Became an Atheist

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• More

image: http://cdn1.relevantmediagroup.com/...f655796eb626b86d12b920f3ca4.png?itok=nd0x5BaL

The New York Times has published a lengthy but fascinating profile of Jerry DeWitt, a former Bible-Belt pastor who was a "closeted" atheist before outing himself and striving to create communities for other Christians who leave their faith. Since then, DeWitt has become a leader in the atheist community even as his family and many of his friends have distanced themselves from him ...







Read more at The Pastor Who Became an Atheist | RELEVANT Magazine

2. Ryan Bell SDA Pastor now an atheist

'Year without God' pastor: Why I'm no longer a believer - Faitheist
Ex-Pastor Turned American Atheist Director Tells How She Lost Faith

BY STOYAN ZAIMOV, CHRISTIAN POST REPORTER
July 11, 2012|5:00 pm
A former Methodist worship and teaching pastor who served in ministry for 20 years before becoming an atheist has been appointed as the American Atheist's public relations director. In [COLOR=#F3933B !important]an interview with The Christian Post, she revealed that despite initially being ostracized by friends, she is now happy and at peace with her decision.[/COLOR]
"No it was very, very gradual. Actually there's not really one single moment where I can look back and say ah, that was the moment. It was kind of a slow progression," Teresa MacBain shared about her loss of faith with CP in a phone interview on Tuesday.
After leaving her ministry earlier this year, MacBain, a Florida resident, also served as executive director of the Clergy Project, which offers support to former clergy members who have lost their faith and become secularists.
Ex-Pastor Turned American Atheist Director Tells How She Lost Faith

Professor Bart Ehrman was a pastor (fundamentalist Christian) now an atheist.

Many Christians are leaving the faith to become atheist, deist, secular humanism, agnostic, or gnostic.

This is good info, but I'm not sure what it has to do with Saul/Paul.

 

[Femalelamb]

I like your profile picture.

 

[Femalelamb]

I don't think they were focused or trying to offend you. I just think your original post was a bit confusing, I think they knew what you were trying to get at. Receive correction in humility. I've learned to do that and ask myself do others have a point. Satan wants. Us to offend each other, God wants us to sharpen each other. Learning what words mean and how to talk in public forums is important. I know there are in fact those who are atheist reading our post. Let's remeber to first love each other and be kind as we sharpen one another and share truth. I say this in a kind tone and loving manner. Often reading we can not hear the love or arrogance so I want to be clear.

 

[Bowhunter2394]

Saul an atheist? this Hebrew of Hebrews?

i think you forget why he was chasing down followers of Christ.
it was his zeal for God, to stamp out heresy.
atheist? no, not at all.
blind? yes, and then given sight, becoming Paul (small)

Yep, His zeal for God is what drove him to do what he did before his Conversion . He was the Pharisee of all Pharisees . interesting when Jesus called to Saul from the bright light. Who art Thou LORD? Saul asked. Definitely not atheist. Christ said Saul was a Chosen vessel , God Had elected Him as He does with all His Genuine students, notice Jesus didn't sent somebody with a tract to ask Saul if he we could make a decision for Him, Nor did Jesus send some christian psychologists or counsellors to find out why Saul was so voracious in getting rid of those in the Way. No He blinded Him , yet more evidence proving the Merits of Salvation are Providential in Gods Hands and not mans . indeed!

 

[Bowhunter2394]

Saul an atheist? this Hebrew of Hebrews?

i think you forget why he was chasing down followers of Christ.
it was his zeal for God, to stamp out heresy.
atheist? no, not at all.
blind? yes, and then given sight, becoming Paul (small)

There are quite a few Saul of Tarsus's on this board. Lolz... They would make Saul blush with their zeal and knowledge of God but in Truth not Knowing Jesus of Nazareth whom they persecute! Indeed!

 

[p_rehbein]

Paul the First Atheist

 

[Galahad]

Paul the First Atheist

View attachment 108643

Knock it off....prehbein!

 

[Galahad]

When Christians decide to speak for ABBA(GOD) who is going to hell or not is dangerous grounds for that Christian. That means ABBA(GOD) does not have the power, ability, authority or grace to change an unbeliever life. Maybe that person is trying to be ABBA(GOD) trying to change others in ones ability(fresh) instead of giving the glory to ABBA(GOD) because it is all about look what I have done. Paul was an atheist who was murdering Christians through out the land, and he was hunting them down like dogs. ABBA(GOD) can transform an atheist , Muslim, or deist heart, life because it is about ABBA(GOD) timing not ours. When a Christians states who cannot be saved, then he or she is speaking for GOD when GOD did not give them the authority to speak on GOD's behalf. Have these Christians forgotten, not to long ago ABBA(GOD) came into their lives in the midst of darkness and their sinful lives. Sometimes, I truly wonder have these Christians lost their faith in ABBA(GOD), doubting, unbelief, fearful, dead in oneself, and lack of prayer life with ABBA.

Acts 9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Damascus Road

9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
5 “Who are You, Lord?” he said.
“I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting,” He replied. 6 “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.

To many Christians are interfering with ABBA's(God) power, mission, purpose and authority to save unbelievers. They are being a stumbling block to others who desire to know ABBA(GOD) for themselves in spiritual truth. Those who are standing that atheists cannot be saved, then they need to read the testimony of Paul. Paul was a murder who was killing Christians so ABBA(GOD) can change an atheist who has not murdered Christians. ABBA can transform the atheist into a vessel for Kingdom of ABBA(GOD) to preach the Gospel to the lost.

Theist - God

A theist is someone who believes God is.

A - No, Not

An atheist is someone who does not believe God is.

Paul was a theist. He was not an atheist.

I hope you believe that because it is correct.

 

[iamsoandso]

When Christians decide to speak for ABBA(GOD) who is going to hell or not is dangerous grounds for that Christian. That means ABBA(GOD) does not have the power, ability, authority or grace to change an unbeliever life. Maybe that person is trying to be ABBA(GOD) trying to change others in ones ability(fresh) instead of giving the glory to ABBA(GOD) because it is all about look what I have done. Paul was an atheist who was murdering Christians through out the land, and he was hunting them down like dogs. ABBA(GOD) can transform an atheist , Muslim, or deist heart, life because it is about ABBA(GOD) timing not ours. When a Christians states who cannot be saved, then he or she is speaking for GOD when GOD did not give them the authority to speak on GOD's behalf. Have these Christians forgotten, not to long ago ABBA(GOD) came into their lives in the midst of darkness and their sinful lives. Sometimes, I truly wonder have these Christians lost their faith in ABBA(GOD), doubting, unbelief, fearful, dead in oneself, and lack of prayer life with ABBA.

Acts 9 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

The Damascus Road

9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest 2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3 As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.4 Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”
5 “Who are You, Lord?” he said.
“I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting,” He replied. 6 “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. 8 Then Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.

To many Christians are interfering with ABBA's(God) power, mission, purpose and authority to save unbelievers. They are being a stumbling block to others who desire to know ABBA(GOD) for themselves in spiritual truth. Those who are standing that atheists cannot be saved, then they need to read the testimony of Paul. Paul was a murder who was killing Christians so ABBA(GOD) can change an atheist who has not murdered Christians. ABBA can transform the atheist into a vessel for Kingdom of ABBA(GOD) to preach the Gospel to the lost.

so do you think Paul was saved at the cross by Jesus or that he was saved by Jesus on the road to Damascus?,,,I say this because if Paul was actually saved by Christ at the cross,in actuality what then took place on the road was not how he was "saved" but how he was "converted into believing it".

 

[crossnote]

To the Christians, Saul was a Terrorist...not an atheist.

But Saul was ravaging the church, entering from house to house. Dragging both men and women, he gave them over to prison.
(Act 8:3)


But Saul, still breathing threat and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, after going to the high priest,
(Act 9:1)


But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many evil things he did to thy sanctified at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon thy name.
(Act 9:13-14)

"I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And I did so in Jerusalem. I not only locked up many of the saints in prison after receiving authority from the chief priests, but when they were put to death I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in all the synagogues and tried to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them I persecuted them even to foreign cities.
(Act 26:9-11)


For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it.
(Gal 1:13)

 

[Tintin]

I hate it when people are so proud they can't take correction, but shout all the louder, "I only listen to what the Scriptures say", when someone disagrees with them. We're meant to be discerning, yes, but also to humble ourselves and be teachable.

 

[GandalfTheWhite]

-
Obviously then: abba is for the use of family members only.

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Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.


I tend to disagree with this statement...