I am lost, am I welcome here?

[Hao]

Hi all,

My name is Hao, I am in my late 20s (that still counts as young adult, right? ) and I live in the United Kingdom. I was born in China and came to England when I was 8 years old with my parents. I have come to a few realizations recently that encouraged me to seek out a Christian community, although I'll be upfront and honest - I am not a Christian and I am not seeking to become one. I would however very much appreciate your advice and guidance. Apologies in advance for wall of text...

My Realizations:

1. I have been at least somewhat unhappy since I was ~12 years old and I've probably been depressed on and off ever since. I did very well at school, so my parents assumed that I was fine and I thought I was fine, but I now realize that I did well at school in spite of my unhappiness, and when life got harder as I got older, I stopped coping and my life kinda fell apart.
2. I realized that I am unhappy because ever since my school friends split into different cliques and changed (or perhaps "matured", depending on how you look at it) to fit into those cliques, I have never truly felt at home in any community. I've always had individual friends, but not a settled group of friends. For a long time I felt like I didn't need a community, but now I think that was just a coping mechanism to deal with daily realities.
   1. Growing up as an only child and with no other Chinese boys my age nearby until I was older, I've often felt totally alone. Don't get me wrong, I always had the unconditional love of Mum and Dad, and I am very grateful for that, but that's not the same as growing up with people I can relate to.
   2. I realized that I was very proud and judgmental. I refused to compromise in order to fit in anywhere, because I felt that I was right and everyone else was faking it to fit in. Now I wonder if perhaps I am to blame for my own failure to appreciate the differences of other people?
   3. The result is that I ended up feeling too British for the Chinese people I met at University (too materialistic, shallow etc) and too Chinese for the British (everything seems to revolve around binge drinking) and I found faults in nearly every group I came across. Obviously I am generalizing here, I know better than most to not judge individuals on stereotypes. I have resolved to be more tolerant and understanding in the future, but truthfully, I don't know where to draw the line between "be yourself!" and "tolerate differences".
3. I realized that although I have never really been religious, I hold many core Christian values that are sadly eroded in our modern world, including the importance of the family unit, community and respect for women. I am repulsed by the modern trends of selfishness, materialism and promiscuity, which seems to represent a general culture of escapism and short term hedonism, and an utterly irresponsible attitude to personal responsibility and effect on other other individuals and society as a whole.
4. I realized that although I did not like all the Christians I have met (I believe that some of them are not true Christians and some are dangerously ignorant and fanatical), almost all of the nicest and most altruistic people I know are Christian. So if at all possible, I would like to have more good Christian people in my life.

Questions

1. I have recently moved to a new city and I want to make Christian friends here. How would I go about doing that? Should I just visit my local church and attend a Sunday service there? Would it be offensive to attend Church when I am not Christian?
2. I want your honest opinion, even it's harsh, on what the average Christian will think if I tell them that I do not share their faith or intend to embrace it? I do not wish to lie to people, especially on something as important as religion. Is it possible to be close friends with Christian people in the long run, if I refuse to embrace the religion myself?
3. What are your thoughts on the balance between "being true to yourself" and tolerating differences between people and adapting your behaving to fit in? This sounds like a high school problem but I find that the challenge never really ends after school.

Many thanks if you've read all that, any answers and/or general advice would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Hao

 

[blue_ladybug]

I tell things as they are. To try and answer your questions:

1. Visiting a local church and attending services would be fine. You don't have to be a Christian to attend church. Get involved in some activities and meet people.

2. If you tell people that you're not Christian and have no intention of becoming one, they will probably ask you some of these questions: Why are you attending a Christian church? Why do you want to become friends with Christians if you don't share their religion? Why is it that you don't want to be a Christian?

3. You're supposed to be true to GOD, not yourself. Is your true self rebelling against wanting to be a Christian? Or maybe that you actually DO want to be a Christian, so therefore are trying to gain access to them? Does your true self want to remain unsaved and in sin, or do you want salvation and God's saving grace?

 

[PrynceNY]

You should explain why you dont intend to become christian. There are people who attend church who are not christian. However for the most part they have an open mind to become one & have a relationship with God. I dont understand the reason for wanting Christian friends but don't want to become one hopefully you can explain that. Not to seem harsh but you seem to embrace rebellion

 

[wwjd_kilden]

- Yes you can go to church / services without being Christian

...but, won't it feel weird sitting there listening to something you don't believe, and intend to keep on not believing?

Give it a try though, maybe you will get a pleasant surprise

 

[Absolem]

Maybe who you really are is someone who has a need or an affinity for fitting in so compromising some values for the sake of community is in reality staying true to yourself. See what I mean?

Sure you can have Christian friends but prepare to hear a lot about Jesus. The Lord said your either for me or against me. So your willingness to accept on some level the values of Christians your accepting the values of Jesus because as Christians all we have and all we do revolves around him. Get some Christian friends. Hang out at church
Stick around here on cc. Get to know this wonderful God we have.

 

[Hao]

You should explain why you dont intend to become christian. There are people who attend church who are not christian. However for the most part they have an open mind to become one & have a relationship with God. I dont understand the reason for wanting Christian friends but don't want to become one hopefully you can explain that. Not to seem harsh but you seem to embrace rebellion

Hmm... I will reflect on the "embrace rebellion" thing, I am actually instinctively quite respectful of authority and organization, because I have a negative view of what anarchy would entail. I am perhaps overly argumentative though.

Regarding why I don't think I will become Christian... I didn't explain it in my OP because 1) It was long enough as it is. 2) I don't want to appear disrespectful of a faith that I clearly do admire or undermine anybody else's faith.

In short however, I have a problem with the whole concept of faith, of believing something without evidence, or even contrary to evidence and I have a problem with how organised religion has tended to be used as a tool of mass control by fallible human beings.

That said, I believe that I am open minded. I am not so arrogant as to believe that I know the nature of the universe and its creation, or that some divine being or greater truth could not exist. If I genuinely find understanding, clarity and a connection with God, I will of course absolutely embrace it! However I felt that it would be wrong of me to pretend that I am the classic spiritually curious person looking to learn about Christianity and possibly embrace the religion. I share many Christian values and I have observed that many of the best people I know in my own life, and in the world as a whole, are Christians, but that does not mean I believe only Christians are good people or that all Christians are good.

 

[blue_ladybug]

Look around you. Who do you think created all the trees, birds and flowers, etc? GOD DID.

 

[PrynceNY]

Hmm... I will reflect on the "embrace rebellion" thing, I am actually instinctively quite respectful of authority and organization, because I have a negative view of what anarchy would entail. I am perhaps overly argumentative though. Regarding why I don't think I will become Christian... I didn't explain it in my OP because 1) It was long enough as it is. 2) I don't want to appear disrespectful of a faith that I clearly do admire or undermine anybody else's faith. In short however, I have a problem with the whole concept of faith, of believing something without evidence, or even contrary to evidence and I have a problem with how organised religion has tended to be used as a tool of mass control by fallible human beings. That said, I believe that I am open minded. I am not so arrogant as to believe that I know the nature of the universe and its creation, or that some divine being or greater truth could not exist. If I genuinely find understanding, clarity and a connection with God, I will of course absolutely embrace it! However I felt that it would be wrong of me to pretend that I am the classic spiritually curious person looking to learn about Christianity and possibly embrace the religion. I share many Christian values and I have observed that many of the best people I know in my own life, and in the world as a whole, are Christians, but that does not mean I believe only Christians are good people or that all Christians are good.

I understand, well I can tell you that God desires a personal relationship with everyone of us and probably dislikes how organised religion has become. God even wants a personal relationship with you but he has given you freewill and will not force himself on you. I hope you are aware of the consequences of rejecting Christ. You will face Gods judgement and there will be no second chances. Not trying to instill fear into you but many people have had so many chances to turn to God and end up regretting it for eternity. That being said hopefully you do accept God before it's too late. God has his arms open to receive you.

 

[Angela53510]

I have been to many churches that have unbelievers in attendance. Mostly, they were husbands of women who were Christians, going to please their wife and be an example for their children. One man in particular, the husband of one of my best friends, I prayed for for years. Sometimes I would try and figure out what it was that was holding him back. Like you, I am sure he wanted more evidence.

But really, what more evidence can you want than changed and transformed lives? True, some people don't seem or act like Christians, I'm not commenting on them. I'm commenting on all those people you know who believe and live out what Jesus said to do. Do you think they are doing it in their own strength? I used to say, "I know Jim believes what he believes, but I can't seem to believe what Jim believes!" I certainly couldn't change my life like he did. And I tried many times! Well, at least I saw evidence of the incredible changes in people's lives, especially when their was a revival where I lived.

There are studies which show that someone attending a church, whether they believe or not, is mentally healthier than those who do not. Social interaction and fellowship is something that is very illusive in our fragmented society. Church is a wonderful place to find that. You should go for just that reason, alone!

As for faith, it is a gift of God. When I was in my unbelieving stage, I went from atheism to agnosticism, too! I knew there had to be something more, I just didn't know who or what his name was. It took Jesus Christ himself coming and speaking to me about repenting of my sins, and following him the rest of my life to save me!

It was very life shattering! But in a wonderful way! Some of us are doubting Thomases. We need to put our hands in his feet and side to believe that Jesus is real. Then we bow down and say, "My Lord and My God!" I have no doubt that one day, God will stop you in your tracks. You may think you have the universe more or less figured out, which is ok. But, when God comes into your life, you will have a very different end result.

I do hope you find a good church, with lots of love, and attend there regularly. I can see how you might feel lonely, because you don't fit in. A good Christian church will allow you to fit in, in spite of your lack of faith. There are no signs on the doors of churches saying, "Only believers may enter in." Instead, we welcome those who are hurting and alone, who are satisfied and happy, or any other state of being and mind.

I do hope you take the initiative and find a good church. I know you will learn and grow, and I pray that besides finding friends, you will find Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.

PS. Have you tried reading the New Testament in a modern version? I was reading the Bible before I got saved, and I just didn't get it. The day I came to know Christ, the Bible made sense! But, the seeds had been planted, and the Word of God never returns void!

 

[Miri]

Hi Hao,

There would be no problem with you attending church at all.
You would be surprised at the number or non Christians who go to church.

I know what you mean about not quite fitting it, I'm mixed race but born and brought up in the
UK. I feel British I act and speak British, I consider myself to be British, but I have a nice
sun tan. There are several on here who are also in the same position.

Here is my testimony if you are interested - sorry it's a bit long!

http://christianchat.com/testimonie...ildless-father-who-discovered-father-god.html

 

[jenniferand2]

Hi all,

My name is Hao, I am in my late 20s (that still counts as young adult, right? ) and I live in the United Kingdom. I was born in China and came to England when I was 8 years old with my parents. I have come to a few realizations recently that encouraged me to seek out a Christian community, although I'll be upfront and honest - I am not a Christian and I am not seeking to become one. I would however very much appreciate your advice and guidance. Apologies in advance for wall of text...

My Realizations:

1. I have been at least somewhat unhappy since I was ~12 years old and I've probably been depressed on and off ever since. I did very well at school, so my parents assumed that I was fine and I thought I was fine, but I now realize that I did well at school in spite of my unhappiness, and when life got harder as I got older, I stopped coping and my life kinda fell apart.
2. I realized that I am unhappy because ever since my school friends split into different cliques and changed (or perhaps "matured", depending on how you look at it) to fit into those cliques, I have never truly felt at home in any community. I've always had individual friends, but not a settled group of friends. For a long time I felt like I didn't need a community, but now I think that was just a coping mechanism to deal with daily realities.
   1. Growing up as an only child and with no other Chinese boys my age nearby until I was older, I've often felt totally alone. Don't get me wrong, I always had the unconditional love of Mum and Dad, and I am very grateful for that, but that's not the same as growing up with people I can relate to.
   2. I realized that I was very proud and judgmental. I refused to compromise in order to fit in anywhere, because I felt that I was right and everyone else was faking it to fit in. Now I wonder if perhaps I am to blame for my own failure to appreciate the differences of other people?
   3. The result is that I ended up feeling too British for the Chinese people I met at University (too materialistic, shallow etc) and too Chinese for the British (everything seems to revolve around binge drinking) and I found faults in nearly every group I came across. Obviously I am generalizing here, I know better than most to not judge individuals on stereotypes. I have resolved to be more tolerant and understanding in the future, but truthfully, I don't know where to draw the line between "be yourself!" and "tolerate differences".
3. I realized that although I have never really been religious, I hold many core Christian values that are sadly eroded in our modern world, including the importance of the family unit, community and respect for women. I am repulsed by the modern trends of selfishness, materialism and promiscuity, which seems to represent a general culture of escapism and short term hedonism, and an utterly irresponsible attitude to personal responsibility and effect on other other individuals and society as a whole.
4. I realized that although I did not like all the Christians I have met (I believe that some of them are not true Christians and some are dangerously ignorant and fanatical), almost all of the nicest and most altruistic people I know are Christian. So if at all possible, I would like to have more good Christian people in my life.

Questions

1. I have recently moved to a new city and I want to make Christian friends here. How would I go about doing that? Should I just visit my local church and attend a Sunday service there? Would it be offensive to attend Church when I am not Christian?
2. I want your honest opinion, even it's harsh, on what the average Christian will think if I tell them that I do not share their faith or intend to embrace it? I do not wish to lie to people, especially on something as important as religion. Is it possible to be close friends with Christian people in the long run, if I refuse to embrace the religion myself?
3. What are your thoughts on the balance between "being true to yourself" and tolerating differences between people and adapting your behaving to fit in? This sounds like a high school problem but I find that the challenge never really ends after school.

Many thanks if you've read all that, any answers and/or general advice would be much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Hao

well first of all no Christian church would turn you away a true Christian community would take you in and pray and hope that someday you may become a christian yourself.. I am unclear as to why you would want to be around Christian people if your hell bent on not becoming a Christian yourself.. Also maybe you are being to judgemental maybe you are over speculating what people think of you. Did the people come right out and say oh your to British or your to Chinese? Sometimes when we think we are reading people and we think what they may be thinking we are totally missing the mark. People have read me in the past as being a stuck up snobby ***** but when they really get to know me they see that I am very caring and would give you the shirt off my back. I think the most important thing is you need to be happy with you first then you need to surround yourself with people who will help you achieve your life goals. People who will guide you on your path and people who will help you get where you want to be... but first you must come to realize who you are and what you want from life not what you think others want for you.... Only you have the power to find the road you want to take in life in every aspect be it religion, education, friends etc... Do not close the doors on anything that is possible to you until you give these things a fair chance. if you close the door on something prematurely it may end up being the best thing that could ever happen to you and you will have missed out because you are being closed minded... So your young you have some time to seek the answers you are searching for. but do it with an open mind not a closed mind.
[h=2]Buddha Quotes on Truth and Spirituality[/h]To conquer oneself is a greater task than conquering others.
You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself.
The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.
No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.
Purity or impurity depends on oneself. No one can purify another.
However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?
Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.
Three things can not hide for long: the Moon, the Sun and the Truth.
If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.
Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living.
There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.
In separateness lies the world’s greatest misery; in compassion lies the world’s true strength.
When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.
If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.
If you find no one to support you on the spiritual path, walk alone. There is no companionship with the immature.
Learn this from water: loud splashes the brook but the oceans depth are calm.
I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.
If you knew what I know about the power of giving you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way.
It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you.

 

[Yahweh_is_gracious]

I first began looking into Christianity with the intention of proving it to be a fallacy. Eventually, I came to one solid conclusion. My conclusion was in direct opposition to my original hypothesis.

 

[GaryA]

That said, I believe that I am open minded. I am not so arrogant as to believe that I know the nature of the universe and its creation, or that some divine being or greater truth could not exist. If I genuinely find understanding, clarity and a connection with God, I will of course absolutely embrace it!

For the moment:

Forget 'religion' - focus on 'Truth'.



To obtain a "connection" with God, you must first believe that HE IS.

To obtain understanding, read the Bible.

To obtain the 'clarity' you are looking for -- call out to God, asking Him to show Himself to you. ( spiritually, not visibly )

He has promised this to any-and-all who will seek Him earnestly. He will do it!

Seek Him!



( And, of course, it will help if you can find a good Christian church to attend. )

 

[student]

Hmm... I will reflect on the "embrace rebellion" thing, I am actually instinctively quite respectful of authority and organization, because I have a negative view of what anarchy would entail. I am perhaps overly argumentative though.

Regarding why I don't think I will become Christian... I didn't explain it in my OP because 1) It was long enough as it is. 2) I don't want to appear disrespectful of a faith that I clearly do admire or undermine anybody else's faith.

In short however, I have a problem with the whole concept of faith, of believing something without evidence, or even contrary to evidence and I have a problem with how organised religion has tended to be used as a tool of mass control by fallible human beings.

That said, I believe that I am open minded. I am not so arrogant as to believe that I know the nature of the universe and its creation, or that some divine being or greater truth could not exist. If I genuinely find understanding, clarity and a connection with God, I will of course absolutely embrace it! However I felt that it would be wrong of me to pretend that I am the classic spiritually curious person looking to learn about Christianity and possibly embrace the religion. I share many Christian values and I have observed that many of the best people I know in my own life, and in the world as a whole, are Christians, but that does not mean I believe only Christians are good people or that all Christians are good.

Going to church is a good way to explore and learn the Word and you may very soon embrace the truth of what a Christian is. -student

 

[Hao]

I am unclear as to why you would want to be around Christian people if your hell bent on not becoming a Christian yourself.. Also maybe you are being to judgemental maybe you are over speculating what people think of you. Did the people come right out and say oh your to British or your to Chinese?

Thanks for taking the time to write so much for me

In answer to those two questions:

1) I am not "hell bent" on remaining Atheist, but as I explained in response to PrynceNY, I felt it would be dishonest to pretend that I am actively looking to learn about Christianity when that is not the case. I'll copy-paste my explanation:

"Regarding why I don't think I will become Christian... I didn't explain it in my OP because 1) It was long enough as it is. 2) I don't want to appear disrespectful of a faith that I clearly do admire or undermine anybody else's faith.

In short however, I have a problem with the whole concept of faith, of believing something without evidence, or even contrary to evidence and I have a problem with how organised religion has tended to be used as a tool of mass control by fallible human beings.

That said, I believe that I am open minded. I am not so arrogant as to believe that I know the nature of the universe and its creation, or that some divine being or greater truth could not exist. If I genuinely find understanding, clarity and a connection with God, I will of course absolutely embrace it! However I felt that it would be wrong of me to pretend that I am the classic spiritually curious person looking to learn about Christianity and possibly embrace the religion. I share many Christian values and I have observed that many of the best people I know in my own life, and in the world as a whole, are Christians, but that does not mean I believe only Christians are good people or that all Christians are good."


2) Maybe I did not communicate that point clearly. I am not assuming that the people around me were too intolerant to accept me. I did experience some discrimination for various reasons, but I know that if I were willing to adapt more, I could have fitted in. But when I was younger, I was too proud and stubborn to change my behaviour to fit in, and I think I came across quite condescending.

 

[kaylagrl]

Thanks for taking the time to write so much for me

In answer to those two questions:

1) I am not "hell bent" on remaining Atheist, but as I explained in response to PrynceNY, I felt it would be dishonest to pretend that I am actively looking to learn about Christianity when that is not the case. I'll copy-paste my explanation:

"Regarding why I don't think I will become Christian... I didn't explain it in my OP because 1) It was long enough as it is. 2) I don't want to appear disrespectful of a faith that I clearly do admire or undermine anybody else's faith.

In short however, I have a problem with the whole concept of faith, of believing something without evidence, or even contrary to evidence and I have a problem with how organised religion has tended to be used as a tool of mass control by fallible human beings.

That said, I believe that I am open minded. I am not so arrogant as to believe that I know the nature of the universe and its creation, or that some divine being or greater truth could not exist. If I genuinely find understanding, clarity and a connection with God, I will of course absolutely embrace it! However I felt that it would be wrong of me to pretend that I am the classic spiritually curious person looking to learn about Christianity and possibly embrace the religion. I share many Christian values and I have observed that many of the best people I know in my own life, and in the world as a whole, are Christians, but that does not mean I believe only Christians are good people or that all Christians are good."


2) Maybe I did not communicate that point clearly. I am not assuming that the people around me were too intolerant to accept me. I did experience some discrimination for various reasons, but I know that if I were willing to adapt more, I could have fitted in. But when I was younger, I was too proud and stubborn to change my behaviour to fit in, and I think I came across quite condescending.

You said in one of you posts you are open minded,so Im going to take you at your word.
Right now there is a movie running,Im hoping it has reached you called "The Case for Christ" if you get a chance to see this movie please go. It may well change your worldview. The movie is the life story of Lee Strobel,who was a journalist and an atheist. His wife became a Christian and he set out to prove that Christianity was just a fable. In doing so he himself became a Christian and now is a pastor. He has written several books,the Case for Christ,being one of them.So if evidence is what you're looking for check out his books with an open mind.Also Ravi Zacharias can be found on youtube and he really is amazing and I bet you will be hooked if you look into these two men. Also CS Lewis is a great author to read. And lastly I recommend a book called "Evidence that Demands a Verdict".Thats alot of homework.lol But if you have an open mind I challenge you to check out some of these sources.

I just wanted to say that when you look at Christianity,look to Jesus. Whether people are faking it,use it as manipulation,whatever,Christ is who you look to. How He lived and died is what matters. People are human,they fail,they manipulate,they allow satan to use them. None of that takes away from the message of Christ and how we are suppose to live.You let God deal with them.You have to give an answer for your life one day. Now you may not believe that,but what if its true? Something to think about. Blessings!

 

[AOC]

In all honesty, Hao, you seem to have the heart of Christ much more truly than many “Christians.” You are respectful, a questioner, you rightly are angered by the use of religion as tool, you are refreshingly straight-forward about both your strengths and potential weaknesses, and you want to be a man of integrity and true to your nature (personality, etc.) while still enjoying loyal and close relationships. As a Christian I respect men like you and believe you are a better reflection of Him than many self-identified Christians!

If there is a Christian university in your area I suggest you email or phone one of the professors there and tell him what you posted here. You need someone who truly knows Christ, but who is also intellectual. Ask if he has office hours or if he’d get coffee with you and allow you to ask some questions. I think he’d be challenged and stimulated by conversation with you, and you might start a relationship.

There is no obligation on your part. We each get a soul of our own to do with as we please. Yours is yours. God made you smart for a reason. You sound like a seeker and a question asker. Maybe one day you’ll be the elder academic sitting across the table from a young deeply-minded seeker! If interested, you might check out rzim.org Ravi Zacharias is a Christian philosopher and apologist with a team of ultra intelligent men and women who speak internationally to college campus students and dignitaries alike. Their presentations are available on his podcast. You could email your posting to them and see what they have to say.

As for making friends and being more accepting, relationships should be stimulating. You don’t have to engage in things you don’t like, but note the types of people you are drawn to and what characteristics attract you. Accept that you prefer tea over sports or find researching more fun than movies and you’ll start to keep an eye for others who seem to be the same. They’re just harder to identify than the football fans. You might fit in better with another age group. There are no rules that you have to engage with other young professionals. I find that I enjoy the older groups, and apart from the initial odd look people seem to tolerate my youth quite kindly.

Church groups are a great way to find like-minded people. If you go to a church and let them know that you respect their values and want to join their culture because there is something in you that leads you to think it’s a better way, even being non-Christian, than mainstream culture, they are sure to accept you and appreciate that you respect them and their lifestyle/values. Keep checking in if you can. I’d like to know how things progress for you personally.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

Hmm... I will reflect on the "embrace rebellion" thing, I am actually instinctively quite respectful of authority and organization, because I have a negative view of what anarchy would entail. I am perhaps overly argumentative though.

Regarding why I don't think I will become Christian... I didn't explain it in my OP because 1) It was long enough as it is. 2) I don't want to appear disrespectful of a faith that I clearly do admire or undermine anybody else's faith.

In short however, I have a problem with the whole concept of faith, of believing something without evidence, or even contrary to evidence and I have a problem with how organised religion has tended to be used as a tool of mass control by fallible human beings.

That said, I believe that I am open minded. I am not so arrogant as to believe that I know the nature of the universe and its creation, or that some divine being or greater truth could not exist. If I genuinely find understanding, clarity and a connection with God, I will of course absolutely embrace it! However I felt that it would be wrong of me to pretend that I am the classic spiritually curious person looking to learn about Christianity and possibly embrace the religion. I share many Christian values and I have observed that many of the best people I know in my own life, and in the world as a whole, are Christians, but that does not mean I believe only Christians are good people or that all Christians are good.

I like the way you think. You are a very deep thinker and i love that. You are in for the most amazing journey a human can take.

I once was in search for evidence also. I ended up with an overload of evidence.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

You said in one of you posts you are open minded,so Im going to take you at your word.
Right now there is a movie running,Im hoping it has reached you called "The Case for Christ" if you get a chance to see this movie please go. It may well change your worldview. The movie is the life story of Lee Strobel,who was a journalist and an atheist. His wife became a Christian and he set out to prove that Christianity was just a fable. In doing so he himself became a Christian and now is a pastor. He has written several books,the Case for Christ,being one of them.So if evidence is what you're looking for check out his books with an open mind.Also Ravi Zacharias can be found on youtube and he really is amazing and I bet you will be hooked if you look into these two men. Also CS Lewis is a great author to read. And lastly I recommend a book called "Evidence that Demands a Verdict".Thats alot of homework.lol But if you have an open mind I challenge you to check out some of these sources.

I just wanted to say that when you look at Christianity,look to Jesus. Whether people are faking it,use it as manipulation,whatever,Christ is who you look to. How He lived and died is what matters. People are human,they fail,they manipulate,they allow satan to use them. None of that takes away from the message of Christ and how we are suppose to live.You let God deal with them.You have to give an answer for your life one day. Now you may not believe that,but what if its true? Something to think about. Blessings!

Im reading his book the case for faith right now. Great book.

 

[Roughsoul1991]

You may be lost, but the one who is lost can choose to remain lost or choose to be found. Some want to remain lost but some choose to seek the one who searches. The one who seeks the searcher will be found and the one who resists the searcher will remain lost.

The question we all must face in our life. Is do we want to remain lost and why or why not.