Reluctant Athiest looking for faith

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JimmyB105

Junior Member
Dec 5, 2016
1
1
3
#1
Hi

I'm New to Christian chat so I'll tell you a little bit about myself and my situation.

I'm in my early 30s, I'm married and I have a 2 year old son. When he was born i started to think about what I would say when he asked me about faith and religion. I myself am not religious, I was bought up in a non religious family and went to a non religious school. My parents weren't anti religion they were just neutral on the subject but were happy and supportive in what ever belief on non-belief i chose.

I started watching lots of athiest vs religion videos on YouTube to try and see both sides of the debate. And to be honest out of the two positions I found myself leaning towards athiesm. So I went and spoke with some atheists one on one and found most of the people I spoke to (not all but most) to be quit arrogant and rude about Christianity, I asked some of them "have you read the bible yourself, front to back all of it?" and again most (not all but most) said "well ive not read all of it but ive seen lots of videos on it and read some of it and its full of lies and contradictions" and I thought how can you be so certain its all rubbish and lies if you havent even read it? If I said Lord of the rings was rubbish and then when asked if Id read it I say "no but other people have told me its rubbish" I wouldn't be justified in my opinion so how can they say the same about their opinion of the bible?

I didn't want to call myself an athiest as i was worried some people would automatically assume im going to be an arrogant and rude person about religion. So I've bought myself a study bible and started studying it for myself.

I found this site and thought I'd aske for some help as I study. I've come a cross a few passages that i dont understand and was hoping I could ask here for a bit of guidance if that's ok? I'm not sure where the best place to post my questions are so if someone could help point me in the right direction I'd be most greatful.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post

JimmyB105
 

blue_ladybug

Senior Member
Feb 21, 2014
70,862
9,583
113
#2
Welcome to CC. Head on over to the Bible forum. There are many there who would be glad to answer your questions. :)
 
H

HisHolly

Guest
#3
I'm gonna be honest.. Not all of us even agree on what's right.. After you ask still read BC truth will line up with at least 2 or 3 scripture. If not, Chuck that advice . Welcome to CC
 
H

HisHolly

Guest
#4
I do mean that in a helpful way.. you'll see once you get in these threads.. opposition like crazy.. don't be discouraged please, God is faithful if you want truth
 

tourist

Senior Member
Mar 13, 2014
41,243
16,252
113
69
Tennessee
#5
Glad to have you join us Jimmy. It is good that you are beginning to study the bible. In that book God will speak to you about the answers that you seek. Welcome to CC.
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
0
#6
Hi,

I think that although you will ALWAYS get plenty of people on most of these "Christian" forums who will more than happily regale you with their absolutely "truthful" and "guaranteed" versions of what "individual" passages mean, you will usually find that if you read the Bible as a collection of letters written to different people or groups of people... by the time you read one chapter (or better, the whole book) you will find the answers to most of your perceived confusion about selected passages.

The Bible is an interesting book, in that, usually, if a person is reading from a certain perspective, they are very likely to find "answers" that fit whatever worldview they tend to live by. This is why asking for too much enlightenment or explanation, instead of reading for yourself while persistently asking for some of that divine guidance we hear so much about (praying), may serve to only confuse you even more than you might have originally thought you were.

I think it is much better to read whole books of the Bible (maybe several times) and come to your own conclusions, THEN ask questions about whether or not your thoughts are accurate....... rather than trying to get various people's opinions on esoteric passages as you run across them.
 

notuptome

Senior Member
May 17, 2013
15,050
2,538
113
#7
I do suggest that you take a bible and read epistle to the Romans and the gospel of John. These two books in the bible will give you a foundational basis to obtain the information you seek. If you ask God to show you what you need to know God will be gracious and open your heart and mind to the answers you seek.

For the cause of Christ
Roger
 

notmyown

Senior Member
May 26, 2016
4,588
1,049
113
#8
i don't believe in atheists. lol

and you know what? God doesn't either. ;)

welcome, JimmyB, and may the Lord be with you.
 
Aug 16, 2016
2,184
62
0
#9
Welcome, i encourage you to study the scriptures to gain spiritual wisdom & decernment. That way you will know what is of God & what's not of him. It's ok to ask questions but it's best to be rooted in the word of God first.
 
K

kaylagrl

Guest
#10
Hi

I'm New to Christian chat so I'll tell you a little bit about myself and my situation.

I'm in my early 30s, I'm married and I have a 2 year old son. When he was born i started to think about what I would say when he asked me about faith and religion. I myself am not religious, I was bought up in a non religious family and went to a non religious school. My parents weren't anti religion they were just neutral on the subject but were happy and supportive in what ever belief on non-belief i chose.

I started watching lots of athiest vs religion videos on YouTube to try and see both sides of the debate. And to be honest out of the two positions I found myself leaning towards athiesm. So I went and spoke with some atheists one on one and found most of the people I spoke to (not all but most) to be quit arrogant and rude about Christianity, I asked some of them "have you read the bible yourself, front to back all of it?" and again most (not all but most) said "well ive not read all of it but ive seen lots of videos on it and read some of it and its full of lies and contradictions" and I thought how can you be so certain its all rubbish and lies if you havent even read it? If I said Lord of the rings was rubbish and then when asked if Id read it I say "no but other people have told me its rubbish" I wouldn't be justified in my opinion so how can they say the same about their opinion of the bible?

I didn't want to call myself an athiest as i was worried some people would automatically assume im going to be an arrogant and rude person about religion. So I've bought myself a study bible and started studying it for myself.

I found this site and thought I'd aske for some help as I study. I've come a cross a few passages that i dont understand and was hoping I could ask here for a bit of guidance if that's ok? I'm not sure where the best place to post my questions are so if someone could help point me in the right direction I'd be most greatful.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post

JimmyB105

Welcome! I'd just like to warn you that this is a discussion forum and therefore people have various opinions on what is right and wrong.I'd hate to see you become more confused. If you want some books to read Lee Strobel has several great books.He was an atheist who,like you,began asking questions and became a Christian. Hope you enjoy the site.
 
U

Ugly

Guest
#11
Hi Jimmy. Welcome to the site. I hope you can find some answers here.
Another author to look into is Ravi Zacharias. He is a Christian apologeticist.
 
K

kaylagrl

Guest
#12
Hi Jimmy. Welcome to the site. I hope you can find some answers here.
Another author to look into is Ravi Zacharias. He is a Christian apologeticist.
Wow,how
could I forget Ravi?! Yes! I have him on my FB page. To the OP if you look for him on youtube you will find a lot of his videos. They are terrific.
 
K

kaylagrl

Guest
#13
Thank you to whoever gave me the rep. :)
 

Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
55,249
25,719
113
#14
Hey, Jimmy, welcome to CC :) That is terrific that you are seeking the truth for yourself. God has promised that those who seek Him will find Him. Best wishes to you as you read, study, and seek answers. The good news is that it is Jesus Christ Who stands at the door to your heart. He is the way, the Truth, and the Life. As you come to understand that it will all make so much more sense to you. God loves you!
welcome.gif
 

Utah

Banned
Dec 1, 2014
9,701
251
0
#15
Blessings, Jimmy.

I pray God opens your eyes and heart to His glorious Truth in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Read Scripture slowly, frequently, and yes, prayerfully. It is a book of faith; may the Holy Spirit guide you and bless you with the faith you seek.
 
Feb 7, 2015
22,418
413
0
#16
Blessings, Jimmy.

I pray God opens your eyes and heart to His glorious Truth in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Read Scripture slowly, frequently, and yes, prayerfully. It is a book of faith; may the Holy Spirit guide you and bless you with the faith you seek.
This is a very wise tip.
 
W

wwjd_kilden

Guest
#17
Welcome to CC!

It's great that you are reading the bible, rather than taking other people's word for what is in it.
As others have said, keep in mind this is a discussion forum, so Christian or not, we will have different opinions
(meaning if someone says something, don't take for granted it's the only correct answer).

If you find a bible with references, it will help you find other verses related to the one you are reading, which sometimes helps make sense of it. (and always read the preceding verses, or maybe even chapter) if something seems strange, it might give the explanation you are looking for).
 

Socreta93

Senior Member
Jul 28, 2015
2,244
324
83
#18
You will see many different opinions on here (mainly interpretation of the bible) but I suggest you stay with an open mind and don't try to push atheism on anyone. You can say your side but be respectful. Have fun and I'm glad you're here
Hi

I'm New to Christian chat so I'll tell you a little bit about myself and my situation.

I'm in my early 30s, I'm married and I have a 2 year old son. When he was born i started to think about what I would say when he asked me about faith and religion. I myself am not religious, I was bought up in a non religious family and went to a non religious school. My parents weren't anti religion they were just neutral on the subject but were happy and supportive in what ever belief on non-belief i chose.

I started watching lots of athiest vs religion videos on YouTube to try and see both sides of the debate. And to be honest out of the two positions I found myself leaning towards athiesm. So I went and spoke with some atheists one on one and found most of the people I spoke to (not all but most) to be quit arrogant and rude about Christianity, I asked some of them "have you read the bible yourself, front to back all of it?" and again most (not all but most) said "well ive not read all of it but ive seen lots of videos on it and read some of it and its full of lies and contradictions" and I thought how can you be so certain its all rubbish and lies if you havent even read it? If I said Lord of the rings was rubbish and then when asked if Id read it I say "no but other people have told me its rubbish" I wouldn't be justified in my opinion so how can they say the same about their opinion of the bible?

I didn't want to call myself an athiest as i was worried some people would automatically assume im going to be an arrogant and rude person about religion. So I've bought myself a study bible and started studying it for myself.

I found this site and thought I'd aske for some help as I study. I've come a cross a few passages that i dont understand and was hoping I could ask here for a bit of guidance if that's ok? I'm not sure where the best place to post my questions are so if someone could help point me in the right direction I'd be most greatful.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post

JimmyB105
 

willfollowsGod

Senior Member
Apr 14, 2011
1,515
66
48
33
#19
Welcome to Christian Chat, Jimmy. When reading the Bible, it is important to read a verse in context. First, the immediate context, the verses before it as well as the topics in the chapters. Second, the context in the Bible since the Bible flows a certain way. I recommend that you read the New Testament first for what I call Christianity 101 and then go back to the Old Testament. In the Bible, are a lot of the answers that you seek. But mostly importantly may you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and sovereign Lord, that he died on the cross for your sins because he loved you and to take away the wrath of God that was upon you, and that he rose from the dead on the third day. God bless. Have a beautiful day! :)
 

wanderer6059

Senior Member
Oct 27, 2013
1,282
57
48
#20
Hi

I'm New to Christian chat so I'll tell you a little bit about myself and my situation.

I'm in my early 30s, I'm married and I have a 2 year old son. When he was born i started to think about what I would say when he asked me about faith and religion. I myself am not religious, I was bought up in a non religious family and went to a non religious school. My parents weren't anti religion they were just neutral on the subject but were happy and supportive in what ever belief on non-belief i chose.

I started watching lots of athiest vs religion videos on YouTube to try and see both sides of the debate. And to be honest out of the two positions I found myself leaning towards athiesm. So I went and spoke with some atheists one on one and found most of the people I spoke to (not all but most) to be quit arrogant and rude about Christianity, I asked some of them "have you read the bible yourself, front to back all of it?" and again most (not all but most) said "well ive not read all of it but ive seen lots of videos on it and read some of it and its full of lies and contradictions" and I thought how can you be so certain its all rubbish and lies if you havent even read it? If I said Lord of the rings was rubbish and then when asked if Id read it I say "no but other people have told me its rubbish" I wouldn't be justified in my opinion so how can they say the same about their opinion of the bible?

I didn't want to call myself an athiest as i was worried some people would automatically assume im going to be an arrogant and rude person about religion. So I've bought myself a study bible and started studying it for myself.

I found this site and thought I'd aske for some help as I study. I've come a cross a few passages that i dont understand and was hoping I could ask here for a bit of guidance if that's ok? I'm not sure where the best place to post my questions are so if someone could help point me in the right direction I'd be most greatful.

Thanks for taking the time to read my post

JimmyB105
Hello brother and welcome!

my opinion though, get a good study bible.

depending on reading level, either NLT, ESV, NASB, NKJV, or KJV. those are my picks.

andd just ask the Father to open the eyes of your understanding, when seeking God, or if He is real, He has to be the one you go to, none of us can truly tell you of Him better that the word, and His spirit.

[h=1]Ephesians 1:17-18King James Version (KJV)[/h][FONT=&quot]17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,[/FONT]