Not more christian , now a Truth seeker.

Bassey · Mar 30, 2016

After questioning faith and beliefs , it all dawned to me that I didn't choose to believe what I believed because it is true, I chose to believe it, because of family and societal factors I was raised in made me to accept it as the one true way.

I'm now taking a scientific approach towards the truth, I didn't depart from Christianity, Christianity departed from me as I searched more and more.

I didn't immediately drop my faith, It just started out by with me having existential questions and thoughts and later at some point on the way I decided to drop it and take a neutral stance. That's when I left religion, the reasoning behind that was if I still kept my beliefs and searched for the truth then I'll have a bias and mental barricades set.

So I had to 'de-program' myself, (essentially I withdrew myself from all christian doctrines, beliefs and biblical worldview) it was a hard thing to do, but it occured in stages, I didn't associate with any religion what so ever, it did feel liberating and I saw the world in a whole new way, and then I decided to take a scientific based approach and head wherever the evidence leads me to. If it leads me back to my faith then so be it, if it leads me to somewhere else then so be it.

Just to clarify ,I didn't search to disprove or prove the bible. I wasn't mad at God or 'deceived by evil doctrines' or left the religion so I could sin or what not. It was just an innocent search for the truth , about life, existential questions, spirituality, is there a God or gods etc.

I saw lots of things that didn't fit what I used to believe in, I saw the errors in the bible, I saw what things I never knew about (Just to name a few) things like Extra Terrestrials, Reincarnation, Real age of the Universe. That which you can't criticize controls you. Now that I look at Now that I'm a freethinker, and true to myself. I was able to truly see and admit to all the attrocities and evil by Yahweh in the old testament, the logical issue with the problem of evil, and his mode of punishment.

I've also decided that if infact the 'God' of the universe turns out to be the Hebrew deity Yahweh, I wouldn't give him that admiration, because I don't root tyrannical, cruel and narcissistic figures of authority. In the same way I wouldn't stand for Hitler simply because he was a figure of authority.

IN SUMMARY: Questioning my faith has lead me to a whole new perspective, the bible isn't innerant , there is more to life and the universe that you are unaware about, Truth is out there, and I encourage everyone to actually do their research.

Willie-T · Mar 30, 2016

As a man with a few more years than you, I have to chuckle a little, and say, "Call me when you're about 24."

kaylagrl · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey said:

After questioning faith and beliefs , it all dawned to me that I didn't choose to believe what I believed because it is true, I chose to believe it, because of family and societal factors I was raised in made me to accept it as the one true way.

I'm now taking a scientific approach towards the truth, I didn't depart from Christianity, Christianity departed from me as I searched more and more.

I didn't immediately drop my faith, It just started out by with me having existential questions and thoughts and later at some point on the way I decided to drop it and take a neutral stance. That's when I left religion, the reasoning behind that was if I still kept my beliefs and searched for the truth then I'll have a bias and mental barricades set.

So I had to 'de-program' myself, (essentially I withdrew myself from all christian doctrines, beliefs and biblical worldview) it was a hard thing to do, but it occured in stages, I didn't associate with any religion what so ever, it did feel liberating and I saw the world in a whole new way, and then I decided to take a scientific based approach and head wherever the evidence leads me to. If it leads me back to my faith then so be it, if it leads me to somewhere else then so be it.

Just to clarify ,I didn't search to disprove or prove the bible. I wasn't mad at God or 'deceived by evil doctrines' or left the religion so I could sin or what not. It was just an innocent search for the truth , about life, existential questions, spirituality, is there a God or gods etc.

I saw lots of things that didn't fit what I used to believe in, I saw the errors in the bible, I saw what things I never knew about (Just to name a few) things like Extra Terrestrials, Reincarnation, Real age of the Universe. That which you can't criticize controls you. Now that I look at Now that I'm a freethinker, and true to myself. I was able to truly see and admit to all the attrocities and evil by Yahweh in the old testament, the logical issue with the problem of evil, and his mode of punishment.

I've also decided that if infact the 'God' of the universe turns out to be the Hebrew deity Yahweh, I wouldn't give him that admiration, because I don't root tyrannical, cruel and narcissistic figures of authority. In the same way I wouldn't stand for Hitler simply because he was a figure of authority.

IN SUMMARY: Questioning my faith has lead me to a whole new perspective, the bible isn't innerant , there is more to life and the universe that you are unaware about, Truth is out there, and I encourage everyone to actually do their research.

Read Lee Strobels "Case for a Creator" and get back to me. If you're going to honestly search you need to look deeper at both sides. Also Ravi Zacharias is all over youtube. Check him out. If you want an honest answer you'll search for it. If you told the truth about your age, there is a lot of life you haven't lived yet. Your friends are probably unbelievers and you've been swayed. I think you are more intelligent than that and you will look deeper and find answers to your questions. I think you will be surprised when you come full circle back to God.

Bassey · Mar 30, 2016

If you're right, muslims and budhists and all other non believers who don't accept christ would be tortured by burning for every single moment of their later existence.

If the muslims are right you would be tortured by burning for every single moment of your later existence.

Can you prove that you're right and they're wrong?

Bassey · Mar 30, 2016

What happens when you die?

Bassey · Mar 30, 2016

Willie-T said:

What happens when you die?

Willie-T · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey said:

Which answer you want? The one I was sure of at 18?... the one I was positive of in my 30's?.... the one that comforted me in my forties?... the several since then?... or the one I suspect I will be thinking about if I make it to 80?

coby · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey said:

I thought the miracles I've seen done in His Name were quite convincing.

Torben Sondergaard Healing | Best Documented Healing Miracle Site

Bassey · Mar 30, 2016

The one you believe in now.

Bassey · Mar 30, 2016

coby said:

Any one can do those same miracles all you need is a Youtube account, a camera, and convincing actors.

Miracles doesn't really say much, there really isn't any logical connection between the authenticity of the scriptures , and the miracles christians can do. An analogy would be ; just because a man has wealth influence and power doesn't mean what he says is right/true.

Lets just say the miracles are true, lets say those videos are legit. There are also people from other walks of life, from psychics, other religions, pagans, voodoo practicioners , that have these same claim and there's also evidence too I've seen so myself. Does that justify their beliefs ?

Not really, so the argument from miracles doesn't say much really. You shouldn't be looking at truth from that angle.

kaylagrl · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey said:

Let me know what you think of his answer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAfAP0lP-ws

kaylagrl · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey said:

Any one can do those same miracles all you need is a Youtube account, a camera, and convincing actors.

Miracles doesn't really say much, there really isn't any logical connection between the authenticity of the scriptures , and the miracles christians can do. An analogy would be ; just because a man has wealth influence and power doesn't mean what he says is right/true.

Lets just say the miracles are true, lets say those videos are legit. There are also people from other walks of life, from psychics, other religions, pagans, voodoo practicioners , that have these same claim and there's also evidence too I've seen so myself. Does that mean their beliefs are right too?

Not really, so the argument from miracles doesn't say much really. You shouldn't be looking at truth from that angle.

Yes, they can do "miracles" under demonic power. Jesus did so under His own power.

coby · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey said:

I just asked God for signs for a year to see if He existed when I was 14. It all happened but I thought it was a coincidence a lot of times until a year had passed and everything I asked for had happened. Then I was convinced He existed, it couldn't all be coincidental anymore and went to a church and later understood I had to ask Him to forgive me my sins. Then I got to know Him and later I saw these miracles happen in church and when I prayed for people. I thought it was pretty convincing. I think what convinces the most is when you meet Him. If you meet a person you're sure. Many muslims get visions of Jesus now and become a christian. My brother saw Jesus when he was doing Zen buddhism. It doesn't convince someone else, only when you meet Him yourself I think. I started to get interested when I read about ghosts and experiences of people. Then I thought: if I believe this I can't say I'm an atheist anymore and believe that there is nothing. So then I decided to see if there was an upperspirit as I called it. He answered so then it was clear to me after a while.

Bassey · Mar 30, 2016

kaylagrl said:

Well according to him there are 4 tests a religion must pass, so we can know it is the true one, and only christianity passes those 4 tests.

The test being
Origin
Meaning
Morality
and Destiny

He automatically excludes Islam from being a considerable religion due to the apperance that it has a historical error (regarding the death of Jesus) . Well let's take a look at the historical errors in the bible Historical Errors in the Gospels..

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historicity_of_the_Bible

So that really isn't a good argument because both religions are filled with historical innacuracies

Willie-T · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey said:

This is why I chuckle. I think you are too smart to have missed the point I was trying to impress upon you when I wandered down the chronological history trail of what I "knew" at the time, to be THE way, and the ONLY way.

Live life for the day in front of you, for God, and for your influence and help of others.... NOT as the seeker of answers to mysteries.

Seek not to know, nor to be known, but simply to be.

jenniferand2 · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey I have struggled also with my beliefs in Christianity. I have also searched for things out in the world to make sense I have watched shows on the bible I have watched shows on trying to debunk the bible. I feel that you heart is at a loss this moment do you still pray for answers you seek? I am also interested in where you are finding information that makes you lean to the point you are now did you find you information from true sources of theology, scientology etc? Either way only your own heart will give you the answers. people can debunk anything if they try hard enough because there are so many opinions on everything. you must search your soul for the answers no one can or should force you to do anything but If i were you I would continue to seek answers through prayer and your heart and your searches. Please do not get to invested in one thing until you are sure where your heart belongs. I will pray you find your answers

Tintin · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey said:

You don't have a foundation for reasoning anything unless the one true God of the Bible is true.

Willie-T · Mar 30, 2016

You're undoubtedly going to find your way to this poet in your searching, so you might as well take a look now.... (It's from his poem, "The Prophet", I believe.)

On Self-Knowledge
Kahlil Gibran

Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.
But your ears thirst for the sound of your heart's knowledge.
You would know in words that which you have always known in thought.
You would touch with your fingers the naked body of your dreams.

And it is well you should.
The hidden well-spring of your soul must needs rise and run murmuring to the sea;
And the treasure of your infinite depths would be revealed to your eyes.
But let there be no scales to weigh your unknown treasure;
And seek not the depths of your knowledge with staff or sounding line.
For self is a sea boundless and measureless.

Say not, "I have found the truth," but rather, "I have found a truth."
Say not, "I have found the path of the soul." Say rather, "I have met the soul walking upon my path."
For the soul walks upon all paths.
The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.
The soul unfolds itself like a lotus of countless petals.

PeterJens · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey said:

If I could I would shake your hand and say Amen. If you want to know Jesus you have to meet love and what you really are. Jesus is bounded by real life experience, which is why the bible is a work of the people God touched, rough and ready, peoples memories and experiences, putting the emphasis on what happened with God not the minor issues.

A minor issue is how many angels in the tomb, or how where the grave clothes folded.

No, it is Mary coming to the tomb and saying to the gardner, "Tell me where you have laid him" "Mary".

This is about people becoming friends with the living God, people so deeply touched over 3 years, they died testifying to this man, who was raised from the dead. And what is His message? We have twisted evil blame to God and those around us and not to our hearts and our failures. And how do we fail? We do not know how to love each other and ourselves.

Now I know these words are true. But it takes a long time, and many experiences to know the depths of this meaning. Interlectual truth, denial of family, friends, ownership, faithfulness, lead to a very dark cynical place where all the brutal truth of desolation and depression dominate, that life has no meaning, that everything is a cynical joke on life has significance and meaning, and anything really matters.

Maybe one day you will find this for yourself, I know I did.

Yeraza_Bats · Mar 30, 2016

Bassey said:

Everything you are saying now are all the same things many of us said at your age : p

The idea that everything poofed itself into existence, that life came about from nothing, then evolved into more advanced and complicated beings on its own without a real reason, that the earth formed itself and did so in such harmony and balance, that some creatures evolved into predator creatures and some into prey in order to help keep from over population, all this happening on its own with no planning or design, its way too much of a extraordinary thing to believe : p Look at the walls that surround you in the room youre currently in, and tell me they formed themselves with no designer at all : p
There is a god, the only issue is finding out who or what god is.

You mentioned the real age of the earth. As far as Im aware, the bible gives no indication of the age of the earth.

And those who refused Him wouldnt die because they didnt follow the right religion. They will because they are guilty of sin. Whether or not we agree that evil is evil doesnt change the fact that weve all done wrong. Weve all done evil in our lives, and we will be held accountable to it. God has decided to call His children from the wrath thats coming, and has given His life for us.

And as for the Islam thing, Muhammad claims to be from the same god as the prophets of Israel, but his message is pretty much the exact opposite of the bible. The bible tells us in Isaiah that a child would be born, who would be called God. Jeremiah tells that a branch would be given from the line of David, and He would be a righteous king, whos name would be called the Lord our Righteous Savior. And in Isaiah, God tells us He alone is our Savior, that He would be our King and our Lord.

God tells us that anyone who puts themselves against Israel is His enemy. In the last days a man under a singular god of war will rise against His nation and people, and He will come to save them.

Muhammad denies that God came in the flesh of a man. Ask any Muslim about God coming in the flesh and they will tell you it will never happen. If they are following a prophet of God, they should know that He was already prophecised to do so before Muhammad. Islamic doctrines command the Muslims to fight and kill the Jews. Bukhari 52:177 of the hadith tells the Muslims that they must gather against the Jews. Nothing in Islam actually fits with anything with the God of Abraham, other than claiming allah is one god who is the same as Him.

As for why people believe in God, there are many reasons. There are His prophecies, the things He foretold coming true, and not just "generalizations anyone could say", actually events happening that were foretold beforehand. And then there are the testimonies of others. Lets take Christ's apostles.

His apostles claimed that Christ came back from the dead. Anyone could make this claim willingly knowing its not true, sure. But almost all of them were put to death for their claim. If they lied, they really stuck to it until the end. They didnt gain anything from it, they never had power or riches or any of these things, many of them spent alot of time in prison before their deaths. But they held out unto death, they willingly let themselves be put to death for what they believed. This shows that they were confident in their beliefs, they had no doubts, they proclaimed what He had done until they were killed for it.

There are so many people in the world who have seen things we have not, who will tell you it was no lie. Its easy to just place it on "natural" things. Hallucinations can seem real. The brain is capable of so many things we dont understand, yada yada yada : p But they arent definitive proven claims, they are just alternative explanations to keep yourself from questioning the world around you.

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