Having doubts about my own faith

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swagglestar214

Guest
#1
Lately, I have been have my own doubts in my Christian faith. Sometimes, I'm just tempted to leave it and not be apart any faith, and this has nothing to do with having anger and hostility towards God like a lot of Christians assume. I just question if the Bible is really authentic, when I wasn't there at the time of course, so how can I be so sure this is true? So many Christians think they're right and people of other beliefs are wrong when how can you be sure? I know some people who are intolerant of hearing other opinions and don't care to hear it because they're close minded. I do admit, the doubts do kind of concern me. I just feel like I'm going through all the Christian motions like going to church with my mom and attending a Christian school, without feeling it in my heart.
I'm forced to take Catholic lessons from my mom, because she wants me to ne confirmed into the Catholic faith, when I don't even consider myself Catholic. I don't even think I consider myself really Christian because of my doubts and no motivation to carry out my faith by reading the Bible and praying. I don't even do that, so I guess I'm not, or just a pretty bad Christian. I just feel like most churches, or the one I'm forced to go to with my mom, which happens to be Catholic, is so repetitive. I don't feel I learn anything new. Like I know God is the father and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins...it's just the same thing I hear over and over. I don't know what to believe anymore. I sometimes wonder if I would be happier just being agnostic or not believing in anything. Christians say that you can't be truly happy without God, when who are they to say that? how do they know for sure that people who don't believe in God are not truly happy? you can't just say that.
I'm just tired of worrying if I'm being a good enough Christian or not... I just don't care anymore. I just want to enjoy my life without having to worry about these things, and I'm not saying I want to be a "rebellious teen" and do the wrong thing either. However, what's keeping me from leaving the Christian faith is the huge fear of going to hell..I don't want to take the risk to end up in enternal damnation as you hear as a threat if you stop being a Christian.
 
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Animus

Guest
#2
I read everything you wrote, but I would stop you right at the line, "I just question if the Bible is really authentic, when I wasn't there at the time of course, so how can I be so sure this is true?" This is important, and I think if we address this properly then the problem will be much simpler. I'm not trying to be mean, but I know that there are a lot of stupid Christians that believe the Bible is authentic for no logical reason. I get the feeling you have encountered many of these types. But Christianity is a rational religion, and it has been believed by some of the greatest minds throughout history, and many great minds today. I recommend you read this article by Dr. Jason Lisle, which gives reasons for the validity of the Bible, How Do We Know that the Bible Is True? - Answers in Genesis
 
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TheAristocat

Senior Member
Oct 4, 2011
2,150
26
0
#3
Lately, I have been have my own doubts in my Christian faith. Sometimes, I'm just tempted to leave it and not be apart any faith, and this has nothing to do with having anger and hostility towards God like a lot of Christians assume. I just question if the Bible is really authentic, when I wasn't there at the time of course, so how can I be so sure this is true? So many Christians think they're right and people of other beliefs are wrong when how can you be sure? I know some people who are intolerant of hearing other opinions and don't care to hear it because they're close minded. I do admit, the doubts do kind of concern me. I just feel like I'm going through all the Christian motions like going to church with my mom and attending a Christian school, without feeling it in my heart.
I'm forced to take Catholic lessons from my mom, because she wants me to ne confirmed into the Catholic faith, when I don't even consider myself Catholic. I don't even think I consider myself really Christian because of my doubts and no motivation to carry out my faith by reading the Bible and praying. I don't even do that, so I guess I'm not, or just a pretty bad Christian. I just feel like most churches, or the one I'm forced to go to with my mom, which happens to be Catholic, is so repetitive. I don't feel I learn anything new. Like I know God is the father and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins...it's just the same thing I hear over and over. I don't know what to believe anymore. I sometimes wonder if I would be happier just being agnostic or not believing in anything. Christians say that you can't be truly happy without God, when who are they to say that? how do they know for sure that people who don't believe in God are not truly happy? you can't just say that.
I'm just tired of worrying if I'm being a good enough Christian or not... I just don't care anymore. I just want to enjoy my life without having to worry about these things, and I'm not saying I want to be a "rebellious teen" and do the wrong thing either. However, what's keeping me from leaving the Christian faith is the huge fear of going to hell..I don't want to take the risk to end up in enternal damnation as you hear as a threat if you stop being a Christian.
A few observations, sister:

1. I've seen a lot of Catholics leave the faith - in particular Catholics. And it may have a lot to do with the fact that their services are rather repetitive and meaningless. They don't engender spiritual growth. I'm no expert on Catholics, but I've been to a Catholic church once and it was one of the most boring and pointless experiences of my life.

2. People say a lot of things that aren't biblically based. I would argue that in some cases you can feel completely alone and unhappy even with God. After God made Adam he said that it was not good for the man to be alone, so he made Eve. Even though Adam had God, he still needed a human being to relate to.

Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

But the good thing is that God knows our desires and needs and is better able to meet them (one way or another) than anyone else on Earth.

3. A lot of Christians do not consider Catholics to be Christians because of their distraction from the Gospel. A person can say that they believe in God's redemptive act through Christ as the sole means of our salvation, but if they add circumcision (the Jews of Paul's time) to it or add baptism (the Catholics and Mormons of our own time) to it, then it's really not the same Gospel.

I think you are right in wanting to learn more about God. If you want to have a reason for your faith you need to begin to really learn about God for the first time in your life rather than give up on him. I would say give him a chance. Study the Bible. Ask plenty of questions. You can ask me anything regarding it you want, and I can present multiple points of view as well as my own.

God bless, sister. I'll be around, so shoot me an email any time you feel like it.
 
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jogoldie

Senior Member
Mar 20, 2014
1,616
48
48
#4
11 Timothy 3:16 ....Every Scripture is God breathed and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction
Error and dicipline in obedience , for training in righteousness ...

This is how we know the bible is real ...I don't think God would ever have His Word misrepresented.... I have tried to live my life without Him..
And it was a disaster ...Now that I live my life with Him I always win....i have seen things to prove He is real.....sorry to jump in I know
I shouldnt but it breaks my heart when someone doubts Him..... I grew up catholic and I had doubts as a young woman too
But when I found a good bible based church then the understanding came'... try to pray for understanding the next time you read your bible
Even before you open it...He will guide you........
 
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lov3123

Guest
#5
I know how you feel, I am a teen as well and I am going through what you are. Its sucks really because i feel so lost and empty. I was so confused and I often was angry at myself for "being a bad Christian". I didn't know what to do, I felt like I was alone.... but through all those emptiness feelings and confusion I opened my Bible and began searching for answers and reassurance. I also, decided to attend a different church because like you my mom also forced me to attend a church that wasn't really "spirit lifting". I searched for a Church I liked and I found it ! I suggest you find a church that has a strong youth ! it helps!\u can talk and be friends with people your age about your problems with your faith, trust me YOU ARE NOT ALONE! God is always here for you and he understands. PRAY IT OUT and listen to God's voice <3
 
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Jda016

Guest
#7
Have you ever felt the cleanness that comes from Christ washing away your sins? Have you ever felt the convicting touch of God that showed you were a sinner deep in your heart?

have you felt The Lord speak to you or show you something profound in his Word or in life?

Have you ever felt the presence of Christ's nearness to you?

I am not talking about religion, but rather a relationship. Do you have this relationship in your life?
 

Lucy68

Senior Member
Jan 21, 2011
2,538
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#8
Seeking answers is not a bad thing. Christianity can stand up under close scrutiny. What you're going through is what every person who is raised in a Christian household goes through....growing your own faith. At first, you think you're rejecting everything you've been taught...but really you're learning to see it through your own eyes and not your parents. It can result in a very strong belief and a very strong relationship with Christ.

Just be careful not to reject something simply because you're parents believe it. This is developing a contrary attitude...one that does not consider carefully God's teaching. Reading apologetics may help to understand the 'logic' of the Bible:

Josh McDowell "Evidence that Demands a Verdict"
Paul Little "Know Why You Believe"
Richard Pratt "Every Thought Captive"
Lee Strobel "The Case For Christ"

Every Christian needs to consider carefully what he or she believes and know why they believe it. Reading about other belief systems will also help bring the truth to light. For me, studying other beliefs solidified why I rejected them.

Humility goes a long way in seeking truth. Our world portrays agnosticism and atheism as sophisticated and 'enlightened'...but nothing could be farther from the truth :).

May the Holy Spirit lead you in your quest for truth and knowledge :).
 

Calmador

Senior Member
Jun 23, 2011
945
40
28
#9
Lately, I have been have my own doubts in my Christian faith. Sometimes, I'm just tempted to leave it and not be apart any faith, and this has nothing to do with having anger and hostility towards God like a lot of Christians assume. I just question if the Bible is really authentic, when I wasn't there at the time of course, so how can I be so sure this is true? So many Christians think they're right and people of other beliefs are wrong when how can you be sure? I know some people who are intolerant of hearing other opinions and don't care to hear it because they're close minded. I do admit, the doubts do kind of concern me. I just feel like I'm going through all the Christian motions like going to church with my mom and attending a Christian school, without feeling it in my heart.
I'm forced to take Catholic lessons from my mom, because she wants me to ne confirmed into the Catholic faith, when I don't even consider myself Catholic. I don't even think I consider myself really Christian because of my doubts and no motivation to carry out my faith by reading the Bible and praying. I don't even do that, so I guess I'm not, or just a pretty bad Christian. I just feel like most churches, or the one I'm forced to go to with my mom, which happens to be Catholic, is so repetitive. I don't feel I learn anything new. Like I know God is the father and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins...it's just the same thing I hear over and over. I don't know what to believe anymore. I sometimes wonder if I would be happier just being agnostic or not believing in anything. Christians say that you can't be truly happy without God, when who are they to say that? how do they know for sure that people who don't believe in God are not truly happy? you can't just say that.
I'm just tired of worrying if I'm being a good enough Christian or not... I just don't care anymore. I just want to enjoy my life without having to worry about these things, and I'm not saying I want to be a "rebellious teen" and do the wrong thing either. However, what's keeping me from leaving the Christian faith is the huge fear of going to hell..I don't want to take the risk to end up in enternal damnation as you hear as a threat if you stop being a Christian.
Call it intuition but I have a bit of suspicion that your not a 17 yr old christian girl dealing with doubt but possibly an anti-christian-person (lol my made up word) on a agenda... with the looks of some of your wording.. its familiar... anyways....

I'll give you my reason why I think the Bible is authentic. In short, I used to be agnostic... I was in a critical/dramatic point in my life and wanted to find out if God exists... I decided to become Christian so I can communicate with God and ask him for a miracle, a vision.... I became a Christian... then I prayed intensely and asked for a vision as a sign. I also said that if it happens I'll serve him the rest of my life and if it doesn't I'll never believe in him again. I meant it with a lot of or all of my heart. And a few days later, I received that miracle. And I've stayed Christian ever since... miracles happen which is why I believe in God. Also, throughout my church attendance time the two ONLY times a random person sat next to me... happened after the two ONLY times I prayed and asked God to send me someone for company since I was lonely and went to church alone.

Also, if you haven't heard of it already, the latest evidence that supports our Christian beliefs are the dinosaur soft tissue which obviously couldn't have survived for millions of years. Here's a video of one those scientist: Interview with Mark Armitage on Genesis Week - YouTube

Here's a secular source and scientist: Scientists recover T. rex soft tissue - Technology & science - Science | NBC News

^^^^ I still smile/laugh at the msn news report calling it a 70 million yr old soft tissue... like that could've survived that long. (And no it wasn't frozen)

As for other religions... That doubt was easy to deal with once you get study them a little, at least major religions anyways. Basically, Christianity says yes to good and no to evil. Hinduism yes/no to good and evil. Islam says Allah creates both good and evil. Also, Islam is okay with lying. Buddhist believe in neutrality...and no such thing as good or evil. By default... these grey moralistic religions should instinctly repulse anyone since they invite you to accept that rape is possibly okay to some extent. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam... say evil is sort ok. Christianity says... No, evil is not okay, ever. Lastly, the Jewish religion was the old testament, part of Christianity. The difference is Jesus Christ. That's a place you might want to investigate. Investigate Jesus, open up a bible and read about him.

Next... a Christian is someone that has accepted Jesus Christ is your lord and savior and as a result you want, you want to read your Bible. It took me literally years to get into the habbit of reading the Bible... but I've pretty much wanted to. I've pretty much alway felt guilty about not reading but I think I've been Christian because of my wanting to get closer to God. My walk wasn't perfect when I first became a Christian, but it was a working progress.

As for happiness, I think its over-rated. But, yes as a Christian I'm pretty happy. As a non-Christian, I was pretty miserable since I recognized there was a lot of injustice in the world. I hated it and had no satisfaction. I think a lot of people live thier lives like that... never getting enough of something... always wanting more and more and more... but its never enough. For me, I found out about God and God was enough. I think that's why Christians say, you can't "truly" be happy as a non-Christian because outside of the Christian religion... you have limited of whatever it is your looking for or value... while in Christianity.. you have an unlimited God to find what your looking for or value. For me, it was justice. I was satisfied with the idea that all evil will be accounted for and at the same time it makes feel for God more since Jesus was the payment for our sins.. providing both justice and a love pathway for us to God.

As for hell... you called it a threat? The word threat has bad connotations and is vague You'd be wrong since I think have the context twisted. Would you call it a "threat" if a cop said to a criminal who has his hand on a gun and is about to commit murder... "drop that gun, or I'll shoot"

I wouldn't call it a threat. I'd call it a justified judgment. You should send criminals to prison. You should shoot the criminals who want to murder. Likewise, God will send people to hell because people have chosen evil instead of good. Murders, lairs, thieves, adulterers... etc etc will go to hell. And according to God's really high standards, everyone is pretty much a sinner and on route to hell. So, we need accept Jesus Christ's sacrifice to be forgiven.

Hope this helped. God Bless
 
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Feb 16, 2014
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#10
Also, if you haven't heard of it already, the latest evidence that supports our Christian beliefs are the dinosaur soft tissue which obviously couldn't have survived for millions of years. Here's a video of one those scientist: Interview with Mark Armitage on Genesis Week - YouTube

Here's a secular source and scientist: Scientists recover T. rex soft tissue - Technology & science - Science | NBC News

^^^^ I still smile/laugh at the msn news report calling it a 70 million yr old soft tissue... like that could've survived that long. (And no it wasn't frozen)
From what sources I could find, it appears this soft tissue is still being investigated. If the soft tissue really did come from the T-Rex, we can't assume the age of the T-Rex is only a few thousand or a few hundred years old. After all, the fossils date back 70 million years. Instead of assuming, we must look for an actual answer and verify it with science.

One team hypothesized how it could be possible for soft tissue to last for 70 million years old. It's not definitive, but it's an example of how research is done. If something, such as soft tissue, contradicts all the evidence we have - we don't automatically discredit the current proofs we have, we figure out why there's a contradiction and if there's a contradiction to begin with.

New evidence backs up claim of dinosaur soft tissue find

Do your homework.

As for hell... you called it a threat? The word threat has bad connotations and is vague You'd be wrong since I think have the context twisted. Would you call it a "threat" if a cop said to a criminal who has his hand on a gun and is about to commit murder... "drop that gun, or I'll shoot"
Yes, that is a threat.

I wouldn't call it a threat. I'd call it a justified judgment.
It's only justified because God's making the call. If God declared everyone who didn't eat babies would go to hell, it would still be justified because God made the call.

Likewise, God will send people to hell because people have chosen evil instead of good. Murders, lairs, thieves, adulterers... etc etc will go to hell
So will atheists who donate to the poor, help the needy, stand up for truth, cry when they read of murders, and protect others from thieves.

We're talking about people burning in hell for lacking belief in God.
 

TheAristocat

Senior Member
Oct 4, 2011
2,150
26
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#11
It's just too bad they weren't able to recover any DNA. Was looking forward to visiting the T-Rex exhibit in the San Diego Zoo. Speaking of which, I've heard they do have some DNA of so-called earlier human ancestors. Would be interesting to clone them and see what they really looked like and how they acted. I don't think the international community's going to be so cavalier with human life, though. That's a big gray area in terms of morality. Which is the reason we haven't cloned them yet. At least as far as I understand the subject.

Of course we're learning more about Dinos, too, and can now discern the color of plumage and skin from the fossils of ancient creatures. Which is pretty impressive. Now I just need to figure out whether or not there is petrified wood of Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat in Turkey. If so it'd be interesting to date it. *drools*

Noah's Ark Discovery in Turkey? Explorers Claim Yes - TIME
 

Calmador

Senior Member
Jun 23, 2011
945
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#12
From what sources I could find, it appears this soft tissue is still being investigated. If the soft tissue really did come from the T-Rex, we can't assume the age of the T-Rex is only a few thousand or a few hundred years old. After all, the fossils date back 70 million years. Instead of assuming, we must look for an actual answer and verify it with science.

One team hypothesized how it could be possible for soft tissue to last for 70 million years old. It's not definitive, but it's an example of how research is done. If something, such as soft tissue, contradicts all the evidence we have - we don't automatically discredit the current proofs we have, we figure out why there's a contradiction and if there's a contradiction to begin with.

New evidence backs up claim of dinosaur soft tissue find

Do your homework.



Yes, that is a threat.



It's only justified because God's making the call. If God declared everyone who didn't eat babies would go to hell, it would still be justified because God made the call.



So will atheists who donate to the poor, help the needy, stand up for truth, cry when they read of murders, and protect others from thieves.

We're talking about people burning in hell for lacking belief in God.
That source is 3 years old... 2011

One of my sources was as recent as 2013.

I know that its still being investigated. I didn't assume it was but between organic life surviving millions or thousands. Its for more reasonable for it to survive for thousands. We don't have to be experts in any field to understand what happens to dead organic life after time. It decays. The evidence heavily points to dinosaurs not being millions of years old. And granted both Mark Armitage and Dr. Schweitzer, last I checked, wanted to do more tests. However, Mark Armitage was so confident in the studies that he went so far as to say, "The debate is over, creationists have won."

This is why I thought it was worth posting. Its something worth checking out and very likely, if not already definitely, to support the young earth idea.

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The word threat has bad connotations. That was the problem. It paints the picture of a criminal. However, you don't picture a police officer shooting the bad guys as a threat but as a savior, protector, hero, a just hero. God is like the police officer doing what ought to be done. He's a just hero to send evil doers to hell.

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You make it vague because in the methodology that you think I have, you imply that fundamentally its just "obey God"... You assumed that. That's not where I'm coming from. So, your making a strawman. There is no "If God asked me to eat babies ..." (just for giggles, for no reason) because its clear in his word that he isn't cruel. However, I can imagine God destroying a people for their sins like a world wide flood where most of the human population is evil to the core, every thought of the heart is evil, which would include children. I can see that because there is a justified reason to destroy hitler-like people walking around.
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The reason why people (not just atheists) are going to hell is for their sins. God has a far different justice system than ourselves. We think of one tiny lie as nothing... God looks at a lie as if it was a rapist-murder-hitler like person who has committed the most horrific crimes imaginable. This is to give you an idea of how bad sin is. You may look at it as if its nothing... but sin to God weighs so much, is so evil, that it deserves death and hell.

What people in general need is forgiveness for their evils. In God's word, he says that you should repent, (realize your evil is a terrible evil and turn away from it) ask for forgiveness, and ask Jesus Christ as your lord and savior.

We're talking about lairs, thieves, murders, adulterers, etc. evil doing people burning in hell for their sins.
 
Feb 16, 2014
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#13
Yet, it has never been verified.

I know that its still being investigated. I didn't assume it was but between organic life surviving millions or thousands. Its for more reasonable for it to survive for thousands. We don't have to be experts in any field to understand what happens to dead organic life after time.
Actually, you do.

You claim the organic material can't be millions of years old because organic material should have decayed long before 1 million years. However, organic material shouldn't even last 100 years, let alone 1,000. So if you want to argue, "Organic material doesn't last that long", then all you're doing is contradicting your own claim that the organic material is thousands of years old.

It decays. The evidence heavily points to dinosaurs not being millions of years old. And granted both Mark Armitage and Dr. Schweitzer, last I checked, wanted to do more tests. However, Mark Armitage was so confident in the studies that he went so far as to say, "The debate is over, creationists have won."
By refusing to study this issue further, he has forfeited the debate. Just because he said the debate is over and he won the debate, doesn't actually mean the debate is over and he won the debate. In the scientific community, this is like flipping a chess board over and shouting, "This game is over! I win!"

The word threat has bad connotations. That was the problem. It paints the picture of a criminal. However, you don't picture a police officer shooting the bad guys as a threat but as a savior, protector, hero, a just hero. God is like the police officer doing what ought to be done. He's a just hero to send evil doers to hell.
If a murderer breaks into your house and you shoot him in the head to protect your family, did you "kill" the man, or would you argue "kill" is too strong a word associated with negative connotations?

Threat is the proper word to use.

There is no "If God asked me to eat babies ..." (just for giggles, for no reason) because its clear in his word that he isn't cruel.
But if it were in the Bible, would you consider it cruel?

The reason why people (not just atheists) are going to hell is for their sins. God has a far different justice system than ourselves. We think of one tiny lie as nothing... God looks at a lie as if it was a rapist-murder-hitler like person who has committed the most horrific crimes imaginable.
Now this is cruel. Or is it not cruel because it's God?

What people in general need is forgiveness for their evils. In God's word, he says that you should repent, (realize your evil is a terrible evil and turn away from it) ask for forgiveness, and ask Jesus Christ as your lord and savior.
But this requires belief in both God and Jesus, something many people genuinely lack. People are being punished for being ignorant.
 
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swagglestar214

Guest
#14
to calmador, I am a 17 year old girl who in searching of my faith. And no, I'm not an "anti Christian" person. why would I pose as someone I'm not??... I don't have an agenda...but then again, I shouldn't even have to explain myself to a person who doesn't even know me. I know who I am.......
 

Calmador

Senior Member
Jun 23, 2011
945
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#15
Yet, it has never been verified.



Actually, you do.

You claim the organic material can't be millions of years old because organic material should have decayed long before 1 million years. However, organic material shouldn't even last 100 years, let alone 1,000. So if you want to argue, "Organic material doesn't last that long", then all you're doing is contradicting your own claim that the organic material is thousands of years old.



By refusing to study this issue further, he has forfeited the debate. Just because he said the debate is over and he won the debate, doesn't actually mean the debate is over and he won the debate. In the scientific community, this is like flipping a chess board over and shouting, "This game is over! I win!"



If a murderer breaks into your house and you shoot him in the head to protect your family, did you "kill" the man, or would you argue "kill" is too strong a word associated with negative connotations?

Threat is the proper word to use.



But if it were in the Bible, would you consider it cruel?



Now this is cruel. Or is it not cruel because it's God?



But this requires belief in both God and Jesus, something many people genuinely lack. People are being punished for being ignorant.
No, you don't have to be an expert to understand what is commonly reasonably believed. I look up at the sky and there's a certain color that our eyes receive... blue, which is commonly reasonably believed. Like-wise, everyone commonly reasonably believes that decay happens. I imagine its easily one of the most verified concepts out there. Its like saying... you have to be an expert to understand how gravity works SPECIFICALLY in its most fundamental way. What goes up must come down. Wow (jaw drops) just wow, you completely missed the point.................. I was comparing two hypothesis's. The evolutionary point of view needs millions of years and the creation point of view only needs thousands. I'll state what I said in my last post again... its more reasonable to believe that this dinosaur tissue lasted thousands instead of millions. The point is its simply more reasonable, not that it was conclusively true. Also, if your so inclined about how dinosaur tissue couldn't last thousands... I'll grant you it and the creationist hypothesis is just as supported if not more so. Since this dinosaur tissue may have been from a dinosaur that has very recently died... which would fit just fine in the creationist point of view. Perhaps those medieval knights really were fighting dragons.

Now, could there be some new form of decay process that we've yet to discover, possibly but unlikely. Also, I don't think I ever said "1 million years" in my last posts like you say I did...

You assume a lot. I never said or implied that Mr. Mark Armitage will not continue further studies... Infact, from what I've seen in one of his video recorded conferences... he is enthusiastic about making further tests.

Also, I'll qoute myself, "And granted both Mark Armitage and Dr. Schweitzer, last I checked, wanted to do more tests. However, Mark Armitage was so confident in the studies that he went so far as to say, "The debate is over, creationists have won.""

I literally TOLD YOU that Mr. Mark Armitage wants to do more tests. Your not reading my posts very well...

About the"threat" word. My point is context... its not just that one word. And I'll grant you that the word threat could be used however with the word lawful attached to it. Lawful-threat. The context and spirit of subject is what I'm really concerned of. I'm sure you understand that the OP's wording may convey an incorrect context. I'm sure you can see the difference between a police officer pointing his gun to do justice and a thug pointing his gun to do evil. There's a clear difference and the way the OP explained it. Anyways, we'll just leave it at that... if she is who she says she is, perhaps she doesn't understand that. Maybe I'm making a big deal out of it.

About for the babies questions... Recall I said that if there is justified reasoning then its okay. Sinful people do deserve punishment. Since God is going to punish sinful people with the worst possible punishment possibly imaginable, hell. It would follow that God might punish a sinful people with cannibalism. If its being done to a people that is sinful, then there's justification for it. So, if you were you thinking of bringing up verses that have to do with cannibalism... where God curses or reports it? I'm aware. Its not cruel and its done for a reason, punishment of sinful people. If you haven't realized that the God that sends people to hell, forever... is a God that takes sin seriously, your not listening. Sin, is that bad to him. He literally sacrificed himself because of sin... God is absolutely against evil and he'll stop at nothing to destroy and punish it.

As for your statement of cruelty about God's justice system. Your still stuck in interpreting things from your own moral system. God is infinite. You are finite. When he says good. He means ABSOLUTELY good, not any amount of evil what so ever. When you say good, you may relatively think... people are still good as long as they don't do anything major. Please just follow, I know I may not be representing you perfectly. But, if God is real and he's standards truly are that perfect then that means by default everyone is not good, but in sin and deserve hell.

Now about those people who don't know about God. Let me quote some scripture...
[h=3]Romans 2:14-15[/h]
[SUP]14 [/SUP]For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
[SUP]15 [/SUP]Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)


[h=3]Romans 1:20[/h]
[SUP]20 [/SUP]For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:




Again, people will be punished for their sins. To further explain...

You said they are ignorant? Now, think we either live in a "universe" with God in it or without it. If this Christian God is real... than according to these scriptures, everyone has some kind of knowledge of right and wrong since the law seems to evidently be written in our hearts. And apparently Romans 1:20 speaks of some kind of evidence that is seen in the creation of things, perhaps the concept is design? However, I think the main message is clear... certain things about God, invisible qualities, are clearly seen and we have no excuse. So, could they look for God even without a pastor or a bible... I think so. And I'm sure you can imagine how an all powerful God... all powerful God... repeat again, an all powerful God may reach those "far away" people who may not have belief in Jesus Christ.


Look, from what I can tell, you have trouble getting things into the correct context. That's your biggest problem. And you seem to have a problem with missing the point too. I think I've answered these question pretty well. Take another look at God, this time with a more open heart to him. I've had my problems against God myself too... as you might've noticed/read my conversion was a bit dramatic. I resented God a lot at one point. But, today I understand because I understand much better, how he thinks.
 
Apr 16, 2014
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#16
i dont mean to be the devil's advocate, quite literally, but i left my "faith"

of course the response will be that i was never christian anyway....my response to that is if following the bible, believing jesus is the savior, and having a belief in God isn't enough then whatever.

Anyway, don't be scraed. Losing your faith doesn't kill you. I went through the same doubt when i was around 12-13, and i gave up when i found out there were others like me. You shouldnt hang on to something out of fear, you should follow what you feel
 

Calmador

Senior Member
Jun 23, 2011
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#17
to calmador, I am a 17 year old girl who in searching of my faith. And no, I'm not an "anti Christian" person. why would I pose as someone I'm not??... I don't have an agenda...but then again, I shouldn't even have to explain myself to a person who doesn't even know me. I know who I am.......
I'm sorry if I accused you wrongly. Either way, any doubt you have ask for prayer and ask for help for it ok? I'm glad you posted on here. You ask in church too. This is important alright. Your loved and valued by God so much he was willing to die for you okay. Feel free to ask more questions. Some, may be unanswerable and some may have answers.
 
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Animus

Guest
#18
I went through the same doubt when i was around 12-13, and i gave up when i found out there were others like me.
Everyone should pay close attention to this statement; notice the age he went through this "doubt". There is no way that he understood either sides of the argument at that age; he came to the convenient conclusion that there was no God, not based on any evidence or reason, but because he didn't want to believe in anything preventing him from indulging in the vices that so often come with puberty.

"You should follow what you feel" - Biologist

And follow what he felt he did.

Without any care for truth.
 
Feb 16, 2014
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Everyone should pay close attention to this statement; notice the age he went through this "doubt". There is no way that he understood either sides of the argument at that age
How stupid do you think 13 year olds are? It's reasonable to believe he likely didn't understand most of the Christian apologetics that are out there, but to jump the shark and suggest he couldn't have known anything? Furthermore, you didn't know the logic behind his decisions at that age, so don't assume! He could have been quite enlightened for his age, you don't know.

I'm not telling you to believe he knew what he was talking about at such an age. I'm telling you to stop assuming and stating those assumptions in a factual manner.

he came to the convenient conclusion that there was no God, not based on any evidence or reason
Even if he didn't understand Christian apologetics at all, it doesn't mean he didn't use logic and reason to come to his conclusion. Sure, it's possible his logic was flawed - but to say it was nonexistent is just asinine.

but because he didn't want to believe in anything preventing him from indulging in the vices that so often come with puberty.
This statement is just stupid.

That's like saying, "I want to rob this bank, but I don't want to get arrested. I know! I'll stop believing in cops!"

You don't just "choose" to stop believing in God. If you "choose" to stop believing in something you know is real, then you're really placing yourself in a state of denial. Do you honestly believe Biologist is in a state of denial in which he does believe in God, but doesn't want to admit it?

"You should follow what you feel" - Biologist

And follow what he felt he did.

Without any care for truth.
I've talked to Biologist a few times already. He cares deeply about the truth.

Just because Biologist doesn't come to the same conclusion as you doesn't mean he couldn't care less about the truth. You're assuming Biologist is choosing to believe what he wants to believe, as if there's absolutely no sincerity behind his beliefs. But that's just ridiculous. Honestly, by the age of 20, you should know better than to jump to baseless conclusions about other people.

What if I said, "You don't accept the truth that there is no God because you fear death and you want someone to watch over you."? You would likely stop me and say, "No, I don't choose to believe in God because I fear death. I believe sincerely in God because that's what I'm convinced is the truth."
 
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Animus

Guest
#20
How stupid do you think 13 year olds are? It's reasonable to believe he likely didn't understand most of the Christian apologetics that are out there, but to jump the shark and suggest he couldn't have known anything? Furthermore, you didn't know the logic behind his decisions at that age, so don't assume! He could have been quite enlightened for his age, you don't know.

I'm not telling you to believe he knew what he was talking about at such an age. I'm telling you to stop assuming and stating those assumptions in a factual manner.



Even if he didn't understand Christian apologetics at all, it doesn't mean he didn't use logic and reason to come to his conclusion. Sure, it's possible his logic was flawed - but to say it was nonexistent is just asinine.



This statement is just stupid.

That's like saying, "I want to rob this bank, but I don't want to get arrested. I know! I'll stop believing in cops!"

You don't just "choose" to stop believing in God. If you "choose" to stop believing in something you know is real, then you're really placing yourself in a state of denial. Do you honestly believe Biologist is in a state of denial in which he does believe in God, but doesn't want to admit it?



I've talked to Biologist a few times already. He cares deeply about the truth.

Just because Biologist doesn't come to the same conclusion as you doesn't mean he couldn't care less about the truth. You're assuming Biologist is choosing to believe what he wants to believe, as if there's absolutely no sincerity behind his beliefs. But that's just ridiculous. Honestly, by the age of 20, you should know better than to jump to baseless conclusions about other people.

What if I said, "You don't accept the truth that there is no God because you fear death and you want someone to watch over you."? You would likely stop me and say, "No, I don't choose to believe in God because I fear death. I believe sincerely in God because that's what I'm convinced is the truth."
I'm not just saying he didn't understand Christian apologetics, I'm also saying that he didn't even understand Atheist apologetics. People hide their darkness well, so the truth about people's motives is almost impossible to produce solid evidence for, but as you've mentioned, I'm twenty years old, I've come to know what the teenage boys of my day are like. When a man goes to rob a bank the first thing he does is justify it to himself, he says, "The bank has plenty of money" or "The system has treated me unfairly". When the 13 year old boy wants to do something shabby he makes a similar excuse, and in this case it just involves him convincing himself that the words of the Bible are just a fairy tale. This is not such a hard thing when the media is constantly affirming man's sin, mocking God, and stating that man is nothing more than an animal. The world is putting a constant force on people to push them away from God, all you have to do to believe the lie is stop fighting against the current.

And nobody fears death these days. Believing in God means taking the narrow path, it means you have to deny yourself, fight off temptations all the time. Believing there is no God means you get to do whatever you want to do. I can respect the belief of a Muslim, or a Jew, but not the Atheist. I've yet to meet an Atheist that believes in the moral law of God, but disbelieves in God himself based on evidence. The Atheist's idea of morality, if he has one at all, is always so far from compatible with God's that it's no wonder he doesn't want to believe. The belief that there is life on other planets, for example, does not come in contact with a persons every day life because it does not come in contact with his morality; he is free to believe or disbelieve it entirely based on the evidence. But the question of God is not so simple, because one set of conclusions leads to a radically different life, and so we cannot assume that people are going to be completely rational in their reasoning. There are many Christian's that try to follow God's law and keep on failing but continue to try. If one day one of them wanders away because he decides its too hard and that he just wants to indulge in sin he will no doubt say something like, "I just realized that the whole thing wasn't true one day and decided to stop believing, and so now I'm an Atheist". And of course this will be followed with the belief that X is okay to do, and Y is okay to do, and Z is okay to do, etc..