Being Raised Atheist

[Goodness11]

Being raised in a 'loving' atheist home. (My parents are kind people and I LOVE them deeply! They raised my brother and myself as best they could with some morals, and are still married today. Still currently atheists.)

My Holy Spirit was calling me to write this. This is my point-form account maybe to create some understanding between raised Christians and converts (born-again); and also maybe to create a bridge. Since this is my personal experience; I can honestly make no comparisons to other house-holds. This topic I pray will transcend to everyone the importance of even mentioning Godly topics, and prayer around children/teenagers non-believers. Curiousity can become a fruitful ambition!!

- First off; what is God, what is Jesus, and what is Heaven? You literally have no concept or bearing of what, who, where, why??? It's never spoken about. Ever. So you nether miss it nor crave it because it doesn't exist.

- Your world revolves around you, your actions, your faults. YOU are the center; and it completely gives you freedom to be as selfish as your choose. Or as sinful, zero accountability.

**Psalm 1:4-6
But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgement. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

- No one loves you; unless your parents or extended family show you love. If your parents lack the capacity to show abundant love- you never feel loved. (This leads to mass insecurities, fear, apprehension, lack of self-confidence or the image of grandiose confidence because YOU become GOD!)

- You never think of others; because you are taught to only care for your own welfare- being raised completely independent of others. Volunteering or giving to others is a skill you lack.

**2 Timothy 3:2-4 (Reference to last days, but obviously some current attitudes.)
For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.

- Because you don't own a Bible or even know what it is; you also aren't taught scripture, the stories, the lessons. So you are literally behind by sometimes decades of potential teaching. So that also means no exposure to Church Sermons, Sunday School, Christian families, and Vacation Bible School.

- Since you aren't raised Christian; you must raise yourself Christian as an adult so sometimes it's difficult to navigate through the junk that your parents would have already filtered for you. Trial by error approach!

- Emotions run rampant!! Physical fighting, screaming, throwing objects, swearing. This is your example during an argument. Whom-ever submits first is the loser and you will be banished to suffer in silence for days. Plus you learn to stealthily lie to avoid punishment.

** Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the Lord hates--no, seven things He detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

- Sadly this is true; your parents mock people of religion when your older. You are taught that they are a negative influence and your friendly neighbours are 'crazy'!


The up-side of being raised atheist is it makes you tough; so when you do transition into a Christian other people's opinions don't really bother you.
The other up-side of being raised atheist is that WHEN you FALL in LOVE with GOD; you fall REALLY HARD because you recognize immediately what you have been missing! This is why 'born agains' are SO hyperactive in excitement!! They can't contain their discovery of unconditional love!!


God willing I pray this will open some hearts that we all internally want to find our place of acceptance with fellow brothers and sisters in God; and to remember one sheep isn't more valued over another.

I would love to hear your stories or perspectives!!! How does your up-bringing influence you today?

Many blessings to all!!! XooXoo

Psalms 145:20-21
The Lord protects all those who love Him, but destroys the wicked. I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless His Holy name forever and ever!

 

[biblicalsandy]

You wrote almost exactly what I went through, my parents said they were godly..but lived as atheist! For along time, I craved love! Narcissism ran in my family, and I was the scapegoat. God showed me his love though, even when I did not understand that he was loving me. Which helped me to love others, even my enemies!

 

[Goodness11]

You wrote almost exactly what I went through, my parents said they were godly..but lived as atheist! For along time, I craved love! Narcissism ran in my family, and I was the scapegoat. God showed me his love though, even when I did not understand that he was loving me. Which helped me to love others, even my enemies!

Yes!! So truthful!! It was not an awful up-bringing; there were times of great joy!! But it's true, when you don't know there's something (God) greater than yourself, the only 'perfection' (righteousness) you can look towards is others. Death is death, as an atheist- so what pursuit do you have but perfection of self or the alternative. Becomes a fight or flight reflex reaction; the pursuit to not die, or to risk death without feverish restraint. The battle of self.

 

[Utah]

The up-side of being raised atheist is it makes you tough

The downside of being raised Christian in certain parts of the world is you get murdered.

Atheists have it made in America.

 

[crossnote]

My dad was atheist, my mom was mum on religion. Your story is similar to mine. The word 'sin' never entered my ear til college when I listened in on a debate and that 3 letter word kept coming up.
The sum of the story was if you were taught you came from the animals, you believed it and acted upon it...and I did live like one til 25.

 

[Goodness11]

The downside of being raised Christian in certain parts of the world is you get murdered.

Atheists have it made in America.

Funny you should mention; an atheist was talking about how hard it is to be atheist!? How I asked him? He stated because people judge him for not being spiritual. Then I responded to him; 'no-one knows unless you tell them.' Basically he has the freedom/choice to do what-ever he wants, he has zero standards to live up too, only the one's he sets himself.

 

[Goodness11]

My dad was atheist, my mom was mum on religion. Your story is similar to mine. The word 'sin' never entered my ear til college when I listened in on a debate and that 3 letter word kept coming up.
The sum of the story was if you were taught you came from the animals, you believed it and acted upon it...and I did live like one til 25.

Me also; I was rebellious and an attention-seeker in all the wrong places. Even as I got to know God; I really tested Him, and though I know God has forgiven me...the hardest part has been forgiving myself. Baptized at 18 and floundering here/there like a flopping fish; it's been almost twenty years of turning from the ways of the world. Swimming up-stream like a salmon; I can say with confidence I now have a solidly strong relationship with God!! <3 (I am so glad He's very patient!) Thank-you Lord for all the blessings you have entrusted me!! So much love!! Xoo

 

[Angela53510]

My parents were humanist and we were not allowed to say the word "God" in our home. It was a 3 letter "four letter" word, if you get what I mean. But they had Christian values, which they lived. But no foundation. They could not communicate to me why their lifestyle was right over anyone that I made up or picked.

BUT, I did have a Christian grandmother who prayed for me, witnessed to me, and forced my parents to send me to Baptist Sunday school, where I learned many Bible verses that stayed with me till I really needed them! God called me when I was 11, and I started reading the Bible and memorizing it. But I had no support and drifted into the occult and New Age until God spoke into my life and saved me when I was 26.

I do want to encourage you to pray for your family, and don't be afraid to witness. I led my mom to the Lord when she was 80, and my dad when he was 82. It can and does happen! God is in control!

 

[Goodness11]

My parents were humanist and we were not allowed to say the word "God" in our home. It was a 3 letter "four letter" word, if you get what I mean. But they had Christian values, which they lived. But no foundation. They could not communicate to me why their lifestyle was right over anyone that I made up or picked.

BUT, I did have a Christian grandmother who prayed for me, witnessed to me, and forced my parents to send me to Baptist Sunday school, where I learned many Bible verses that stayed with me till I really needed them! God called me when I was 11, and I started reading the Bible and memorizing it. But I had no support and drifted into the occult and New Age until God spoke into my life and saved me when I was 26.

I do want to encourage you to pray for your family, and don't be afraid to witness. I led my mom to the Lord when she was 80, and my dad when he was 82. It can and does happen! God is in control!

That would be amazing, actually a miracle if my parents and brother came to Christ; for now they get upset and silent if I mention anything even related to God. But if your prayers worked; I will have faith that mine will also!! Thank-you and much love to you Xoo <3

 

[dcontroversal]

My parents were humanist and we were not allowed to say the word "God" in our home. It was a 3 letter "four letter" word, if you get what I mean. But they had Christian values, which they lived. But no foundation. They could not communicate to me why their lifestyle was right over anyone that I made up or picked.

BUT, I did have a Christian grandmother who prayed for me, witnessed to me, and forced my parents to send me to Baptist Sunday school, where I learned many Bible verses that stayed with me till I really needed them! God called me when I was 11, and I started reading the Bible and memorizing it. But I had no support and drifted into the occult and New Age until God spoke into my life and saved me when I was 26.

I do want to encourage you to pray for your family, and don't be afraid to witness. I led my mom to the Lord when she was 80, and my dad when he was 82. It can and does happen! God is in control!

My grandmother was the spiritual backbone of my family for a long time.....she prayed for me and took me in when all had given up on me...God had mercy and was not done with me....all Glory to Jesus for using my grandmother, conviction and the truth to set me on the right path...

 

[Goodness11]

My grandmother was the spiritual backbone of my family for a long time.....she prayed for me and took me in when all had given up on me...God had mercy and was not done with me....all Glory to Jesus for using my grandmother, conviction and the truth to set me on the right path...

Isn't that so interesting!! You never know who will lead you; you have a very similar story to my husband. It was his devoted Grandma who inspired him; took him to church every Sunday as a child...her love spread God in him!!
Also your story shows the intense power of prayer!! <3

 

[P1LGR1M]

Being raised in a 'loving' atheist home. (My parents are kind people and I LOVE them deeply! They raised my brother and myself as best they could with some morals, and are still married today. Still currently atheists.)

My Holy Spirit was calling me to write this. This is my point-form account maybe to create some understanding between raised Christians and converts (born-again); and also maybe to create a bridge. Since this is my personal experience; I can honestly make no comparisons to other house-holds. This topic I pray will transcend to everyone the importance of even mentioning Godly topics, and prayer around children/teenagers non-believers. Curiousity can become a fruitful ambition!!

- First off; what is God, what is Jesus, and what is Heaven? You literally have no concept or bearing of what, who, where, why??? It's never spoken about. Ever. So you nether miss it nor crave it because it doesn't exist.

- Your world revolves around you, your actions, your faults. YOU are the center; and it completely gives you freedom to be as selfish as your choose. Or as sinful, zero accountability.

**Psalm 1:4-6
But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. They will be condemned at the time of judgement. Sinners will have no place among the godly. For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction.

- No one loves you; unless your parents or extended family show you love. If your parents lack the capacity to show abundant love- you never feel loved. (This leads to mass insecurities, fear, apprehension, lack of self-confidence or the image of grandiose confidence because YOU become GOD!)

- You never think of others; because you are taught to only care for your own welfare- being raised completely independent of others. Volunteering or giving to others is a skill you lack.

**2 Timothy 3:2-4 (Reference to last days, but obviously some current attitudes.)
For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.

- Because you don't own a Bible or even know what it is; you also aren't taught scripture, the stories, the lessons. So you are literally behind by sometimes decades of potential teaching. So that also means no exposure to Church Sermons, Sunday School, Christian families, and Vacation Bible School.

- Since you aren't raised Christian; you must raise yourself Christian as an adult so sometimes it's difficult to navigate through the junk that your parents would have already filtered for you. Trial by error approach!

- Emotions run rampant!! Physical fighting, screaming, throwing objects, swearing. This is your example during an argument. Whom-ever submits first is the loser and you will be banished to suffer in silence for days. Plus you learn to stealthily lie to avoid punishment.

** Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things the Lord hates--no, seven things He detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

- Sadly this is true; your parents mock people of religion when your older. You are taught that they are a negative influence and your friendly neighbours are 'crazy'!


The up-side of being raised atheist is it makes you tough; so when you do transition into a Christian other people's opinions don't really bother you.
The other up-side of being raised atheist is that WHEN you FALL in LOVE with GOD; you fall REALLY HARD because you recognize immediately what you have been missing! This is why 'born agains' are SO hyperactive in excitement!! They can't contain their discovery of unconditional love!!


God willing I pray this will open some hearts that we all internally want to find our place of acceptance with fellow brothers and sisters in God; and to remember one sheep isn't more valued over another.

I would love to hear your stories or perspectives!!! How does your up-bringing influence you today?

Many blessings to all!!! XooXoo

Psalms 145:20-21
The Lord protects all those who love Him, but destroys the wicked. I will praise the Lord, and may everyone on earth bless His Holy name forever and ever!

There is a caricaturized view of what we might call "atheists" that is not, in my view, presented in Scripture. It holds that those who are atheists are free from any moral position, and that all of them are actively and openly are hostile to God.

What is usually true is that most of them are actively and openly hostile to Religion and it's adherents.

But can I ask you...aren't we also hostile to what we see as "religious?"

Paul establishes that all men benefit from the revelation God provides to all men, and while some atheists may object to what they have been exposed to that was supposed to be Christianity, that is not the same as a decided hatred for God, which is found in the true Atheist. Even children brought up in supposedly Christian homes can rebel against the "Christianity" they were reared under. Because the Bible presents Christianity in it's truest form, and despite the fact that we are given, as one person puts it, "warts and all," lol, the child might see the failures of the Christian Parent and declare hypocrisy. Sometimes that charge is warranted, and while it does not excuse the child from their own responsibility to God, I have found it necessary to discover the basis for the rejection with the individual atheists I have had discussions with.

The point being, not one has ever been found to actually be objecting to Christianity itself, but the Religion of their parents, or whoever it is they were exposed to. There is a saying, "The single greatest cause of Atheism is...Christians."

So the primary point I would make is that while Atheists may seem to be without moral character, this is not actually the case, and the reason is that all atheists have at some point in their lives acknowledged there is a God. I have actually had atheists join me to combat a few moral issues, the one standing out most is one fellow's desire to see the marriageable age of girls dropped to 12. We see atheists opposed to abortion, because they have an understanding of the sanctity of life. We see atheists opposed to homosexual marriage, because they know it is not natural. Where did they get those views?

But again, all atheists have at some point in their lives acknowledged there is a God. That has to be the case for one to actually be an atheist. I can name a true atheist: a baby. A baby has no knowledge of God in the sense that they have had God revealed to them and have rejected Him. What we normally consider an atheist is one who has made a conscious decision to reject knowledge of God. But the fact remains, they have both a knowledge of God (and would have to reject Him) as well as a belief system that is the counterpart.

In other words, an Atheist is not someone lacking knowledge, it is someone rejecting the knowledge of God and they usually fill that gap with something else. The earth. Man. Rock Stars, Actors/Actresses, Science, the list is endless.

Everyone has a religion with a higher power of some form, even Atheists.


God bless.

 

[Goodness11]

There is a caricaturized view of what we might call "atheists" that is not, in my view, presented in Scripture. It holds that those who are atheists are free from any moral position, and that all of them are actively and openly are hostile to God.

What is usually true is that most of them are actively and openly hostile to Religion and it's adherents.

But can I ask you...aren't we also hostile to what we see as "religious?"

Paul establishes that all men benefit from the revelation God provides to all men, and while some atheists may object to what they have been exposed to that was supposed to be Christianity, that is not the same as a decided hatred for God, which is found in the true Atheist. Even children brought up in supposedly Christian homes can rebel against the "Christianity" they were reared under. Because the Bible presents Christianity in it's truest form, and despite the fact that we are given, as one person puts it, "warts and all," lol, the child might see the failures of the Christian Parent and declare hypocrisy. Sometimes that charge is warranted, and while it does not excuse the child from their own responsibility to God, I have found it necessary to discover the basis for the rejection with the individual atheists I have had discussions with.

The point being, not one has ever been found to actually be objecting to Christianity itself, but the Religion of their parents, or whoever it is they were exposed to. There is a saying, "The single greatest cause of Atheism is...Christians."

So the primary point I would make is that while Atheists may seem to be without moral character, this is not actually the case, and the reason is that all atheists have at some point in their lives acknowledged there is a God. I have actually had atheists join me to combat a few moral issues, the one standing out most is one fellow's desire to see the marriageable age of girls dropped to 12. We see atheists opposed to abortion, because they have an understanding of the sanctity of life. We see atheists opposed to homosexual marriage, because they know it is not natural. Where did they get those views?

But again, all atheists have at some point in their lives acknowledged there is a God. That has to be the case for one to actually be an atheist. I can name a true atheist: a baby. A baby has no knowledge of God in the sense that they have had God revealed to them and have rejected Him. What we normally consider an atheist is one who has made a conscious decision to reject knowledge of God. But the fact remains, they have both a knowledge of God (and would have to reject Him) as well as a belief system that is the counterpart.

In other words, an Atheist is not someone lacking knowledge, it is someone rejecting the knowledge of God and they usually fill that gap with something else. The earth. Man. Rock Stars, Actors/Actresses, Science, the list is endless.

Everyone has a religion with a higher power of some form, even Atheists.


God bless.

Beautiful good-morning!!

I wanted to respond because you raised some valid view-points, though I don't have much time! So you went really in-depth; my experience with atheism- no God(s), nonbeliever. Doesn't mean you hate or detest God, you just praise nothing. Look up the dictionary meaning of atheist. You die and become a tree!! Lol!!

How I view my parents now; like lost sheep. They do not hate me because I'm Christian; they honestly don't care I'm Christian. You don't have to hate Christians to be an atheist, aka. nonbeliever.
Living in a 'nonbeliever' home; there is a stark contrast and their are others upon this thread that can agree. When God is not in your home, there's a lack of unity...that's the best way I can put it. God is the glue, with no glue you fall apart!! My parents are falling apart. They are incredibly good people; I see their pain, I know God will take that pain- but they won't listen to me.

You are completely correct that they do form some moral standings based upon social standards; but they pursue indivualist desires. I would have to disagree that atheists form say another 'religion' but they fill that void of God with items, pills, consumerism, greed...it never get's filled. The Living Water of Jesus isn't filling their well!! It's sad to watch when I know the answer.

Many blessings!!!!
XooXoo

 

[P1LGR1M]

Beautiful good-morning!!

Good morning! Though it is afternoon here and I need to get going, lol.

I wanted to respond because you raised some valid view-points, though I don't have much time! So you went really in-depth; my experience with atheism- no God(s), nonbeliever. Doesn't mean you hate or detest God, you just praise nothing. Look up the dictionary meaning of atheist. You die and become a tree!! Lol!!

I would invite you to join in the discussion in "Is Atheism a Religion," where there might be a pointed discussion addressing the misconceptions about Atheism.

We have to distinguish between Atheists in regards to their beliefs, which range from nominal to fanatical, just as we see in Christians. We have people who profess to be Christians, but never go to worship God, never read their Bibles, never actually seek to have their relationship with God grow. We have those who profess to be Christians who are the opposite, regular in attendance, read their Bibles diligently, but have ended up with some serious doctrinal errors.

There will be those who will claim to have Prophesied, cast out devils, and done many wonderful things "in the Name of the Lord," who will hear "Depart from me, ye who work iniquity, for I never knew you.

These are the Religious.

So too, with Atheists, we have to approach them as individuals. We might be surprised at what we find in some of them. Some will be nominal, and some will be very zealous.

How I view my parents now; like lost sheep. They do not hate me because I'm Christian; they honestly don't care I'm Christian. You don't have to hate Christians to be an atheist, aka. nonbeliever.
Living in a 'nonbeliever' home; there is a stark contrast and their are others upon this thread that can agree. When God is not in your home, there's a lack of unity...that's the best way I can put it. God is the glue, with no glue you fall apart!! My parents are falling apart. They are incredibly good people; I see their pain, I know God will take that pain- but they won't listen to me.

Not sure I would deny an atheist household, on a temporal level, of all having to be unstable. Just like I wouldn't assume all Christian households are stable, lol. But that is the point...we can't create a caricature of either, they are all diverse based on their beliefs.

It's possible for kids to grow up in an atheistic environment that is stable, and still in the end be obedient to the revelation God has placed within them, despite the efforts of atheistic parents.

And as far as parents hating their children based on religion, I am glad you have a relationship with your parents that is not hostile. That's not the case for all children of religious households. Some parents will maim and kill their children in certain countries for not embracing their own religion. In a predominately Muslim Country, it wouldn't have to be Christianity embraced to bring about a death penalty, any religion, or the apparent lack of their religion will suffice.

So we see a principle in effect which can only have it's origin in the revelation of God in their hearts. Were your parents immoral in their upbringing of you? Were they vile people that made you ashamed?

So you have an advantage over some, in that you seem to still have an open door. Unfortunately, often relatives will not listen to relatives. Kind of like a "prophet not being received in his own hometown," so to speak. My prayer is that one day you will be able to reach them for Christ.

You are completely correct that they do form some moral standings based upon social standards; but they pursue indivualist desires. I would have to disagree that atheists form say another 'religion' but they fill that void of God with items, pills, consumerism, greed...it never get's filled. The Living Water of Jesus isn't filling their well!! It's sad to watch when I know the answer.

Many blessings!!!!
XooXoo

I have yet to meet the first person that does not have "individualistic desires," lol. And even when one is converted they have just only begun on a journey of growth, and learning to put God first is a lifelong pursuit.

Reaching out to parents is a tough endeavor, but not an impossible one. And this is the method I have when dealing with atheists: first, find out exactly what they believe. This means asking pointed questions as to why they profess to be atheists. Many of the atheists I speak to have two primary issues: they don't believe in Scripture based on misconceptions they want to believe, and they revile those who profess not only to believe in God...but have a relationship with Him. Often relationships they have been involved with have been traumatic. Sometimes the worse thing that can happen to a kid is...religion. Many of the kids that grow up in religious households, when they reach the age they can decide for themselves, will leave that religion. As I said, usually it is based on misconceptions which result from poor teachings and practice, and most kids are going to look at what the Bible teaches, then look at their parents and see the utter failure on their part...and conclude hypocrisy and view the Faith as false. How about the kid that prays to God that his father stops beating him, and it doesn't happen? Or worse things.

So I will ask, do you know, after having known them all this time, why they reject God?


God bless.

 

[Grandpa]

My brother and I were raised by my dad after my mom and dad split up. I was 4 and my brother was 2. My dad was atheist and raised us that way too.

But every once in a while I would catch a glimpse of Christianity. When I was 9 my brother and step siblings were sent to vacation bible school during the summer for a couple hours a day. I think it was to give my step mom a break to tell the truth. But they had a contest. The first one to memorize the 23rd psalm would recieve a prize. I was super competitive when I was younger so I tried really hard. I ended up winning the prize, which was a plaque with the 23rd psalm on it. Later I would realize that the real prize was the 23rd psalm itself...

Whenever I would try to talk to my dad about God he would talk to me kind of like I was possibly the dumbest kid in the world. Like he was sorry that I was so dumb and that he took some responsibility for it. My dad and his older brother were probably the smartest people I have ever met or known. They could talk for hours on subjects that interested them. They were always interested in the details where I was the opposite, always trying to simplify things to see the big picture.

When I was 13 my brother and I were staying at a friends for a couple of weeks during the summer. My friend and his parents were born again Christians. They took us to church with them on sunday and at the end of the sermon the preacher asked if anyone wanted to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and be born again. I was the only one in the congregation to stand up and raise my hand. The pastor told me to come down to where he was and recite a prayer with him. It was basically a sinners prayer. I remember I was shaking all over as I said it and afterward. The pastor was looking at me funny and I suppose the whole congregation thought it was weird that I was shaking too. The pastor said it was the Holy Spirit and that I was born again.

So when we got home I told my dad I was a born again Christian. He basically exploded in anger yelling at me and then he called my friends dad and yelled at him too. He denied that I was born again telling me, once again, how dumb I was for believing in such things. He even yelled at my little brother asking him how he let me be so dumb.

That was the last 'brush' with Christianity that I had until I was about 20. Then I had people try to share Christ with me in various ways here and there. But, for some reason, I didn't necessarily believe what they were telling me. For instance, one person was telling me that all my music that I listened to was satanic and that if I listened to them backwards they were telling me messages. I just about threw all my music away, but didn't.

Later on I would think about this. The satanic message wasn't being played backwards. It was in the actual lyrics of the music I listened to. It was prophesying, over and over, all the sad and bad things that could and did happen in peoples lives. But I didn't realize it, of course, until the Lord pulled the veil from my eyes, which wasn't until much later...

I didn't come back to Christianity until I was in my mid to late 30's. I stole a bible from a hotel and decided I would read the whole thing from cover to cover. It took me 3 yrs to read the whole thing. I didn't understand most of the OT the first time through. Then I read it again and it only took me 1 1/2 yrs that time. And I understood a little more. Then I started praying, out loud, to the Lord Jesus Christ. I was forced to by a mens group that I was invited to. We were expected to pray for each other. I did my best. But I didn't really know how to pray. I figured God knew everything anyway and I felt a little dumb telling Him things He already knew and asking for things that were obvious that were needed.

But that's when the flood gates opened up. When I started praying out loud to the Lord. I would read the bible and then pray about what I had read, asking for everything. If anyone were to ask me what was the key to Christianity I would say that prayer is. I later felt that even my prayers were the direct result of being led by the Holy Spirit.

Somebody posted a Sprite commercial post in miscellaneous and I am starting to wonder if I was just being rebellious... lol

 

[dcontroversal]

Isn't that so interesting!! You never know who will lead you; you have a very similar story to my husband. It was his devoted Grandma who inspired him; took him to church every Sunday as a child...her love spread God in him!!
Also your story shows the intense power of prayer!! <3

Exactly the same expierence.....everything you said is exactly what she had done...

 

[Goodness11]

My brother and I were raised by my dad after my mom and dad split up. I was 4 and my brother was 2. My dad was atheist and raised us that way too.

But every once in a while I would catch a glimpse of Christianity. When I was 9 my brother and step siblings were sent to vacation bible school during the summer for a couple hours a day. I think it was to give my step mom a break to tell the truth. But they had a contest. The first one to memorize the 23rd psalm would recieve a prize. I was super competitive when I was younger so I tried really hard. I ended up winning the prize, which was a plaque with the 23rd psalm on it. Later I would realize that the real prize was the 23rd psalm itself...

Whenever I would try to talk to my dad about God he would talk to me kind of like I was possibly the dumbest kid in the world. Like he was sorry that I was so dumb and that he took some responsibility for it. My dad and his older brother were probably the smartest people I have ever met or known. They could talk for hours on subjects that interested them. They were always interested in the details where I was the opposite, always trying to simplify things to see the big picture.

When I was 13 my brother and I were staying at a friends for a couple of weeks during the summer. My friend and his parents were born again Christians. They took us to church with them on sunday and at the end of the sermon the preacher asked if anyone wanted to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour and be born again. I was the only one in the congregation to stand up and raise my hand. The pastor told me to come down to where he was and recite a prayer with him. It was basically a sinners prayer. I remember I was shaking all over as I said it and afterward. The pastor was looking at me funny and I suppose the whole congregation thought it was weird that I was shaking too. The pastor said it was the Holy Spirit and that I was born again.

So when we got home I told my dad I was a born again Christian. He basically exploded in anger yelling at me and then he called my friends dad and yelled at him too. He denied that I was born again telling me, once again, how dumb I was for believing in such things. He even yelled at my little brother asking him how he let me be so dumb.

That was the last 'brush' with Christianity that I had until I was about 20. Then I had people try to share Christ with me in various ways here and there. But, for some reason, I didn't necessarily believe what they were telling me. For instance, one person was telling me that all my music that I listened to was satanic and that if I listened to them backwards they were telling me messages. I just about threw all my music away, but didn't.

Later on I would think about this. The satanic message wasn't being played backwards. It was in the actual lyrics of the music I listened to. It was prophesying, over and over, all the sad and bad things that could and did happen in peoples lives. But I didn't realize it, of course, until the Lord pulled the veil from my eyes, which wasn't until much later...

I didn't come back to Christianity until I was in my mid to late 30's. I stole a bible from a hotel and decided I would read the whole thing from cover to cover. It took me 3 yrs to read the whole thing. I didn't understand most of the OT the first time through. Then I read it again and it only took me 1 1/2 yrs that time. And I understood a little more. Then I started praying, out loud, to the Lord Jesus Christ. I was forced to by a mens group that I was invited to. We were expected to pray for each other. I did my best. But I didn't really know how to pray. I figured God knew everything anyway and I felt a little dumb telling Him things He already knew and asking for things that were obvious that were needed.

But that's when the flood gates opened up. When I started praying out loud to the Lord. I would read the bible and then pray about what I had read, asking for everything. If anyone were to ask me what was the key to Christianity I would say that prayer is. I later felt that even my prayers were the direct result of being led by the Holy Spirit.

Somebody posted a Sprite commercial post in miscellaneous and I am starting to wonder if I was just being rebellious... lol

That's a touching story!!! <3 Sometimes I wonder; your father thinking you were so dumb...which I can confirm you're not; but think of the stamina of energy it takes to completely alter your life for God!!! It's a willing sacrifice; but it's not what I would EVER quote as easy! Much love to you and your journey XooXoo

 

[Goodness11]

P1LGR1M

thank-you for replying!! That one statement you made 'I have yet to meet one person without individualistic desires' made me laugh out loud...TRUE THAT!! Lol!

So I Am In!! Is Atheism a Religion; as soon as I find the thread I will be there. The more I learn and immerse myself; the more I can help others see the light. I've been praying to God to help mold me into a disciple and how do I if unskilled?? A blade is only useful when sharpened.

Many blessings XooXoo

P.S. BTW; good question...I don't have the answer to why they reject God. It's one I want to delicately find out <3

 

[Angela53510]

My parents never hated me for being a Christian, although I was an adult when I got saved. My Dad even told me once to hang onto my "religion" because it was doing me some good!

I guess watching me change was a big part of the witness to my parents, too! I always think it was prayer and my words about Jesus Christ, but probably the proof was in the pudding! They loved me enough to overlook the bad things, but when God started changing me for his glory, they wanted to know more. When I told them it was the power of God transforming me into his image that made all the difference in them wanting to know God, too! But that was a lot of years of waiting for God to change their hearts.

 

[Magenta]

I don't have the answer to why they reject God. It's one I want to delicately find out <3

It really boils down to the same sin in the garden of Eden that separated us from God in the first place: the pride of life. What is the pride of life? <<<~~~ That probably explains it better than I could