I can count on one hand (with leftovers) the Christians who have the moral, intellectual and spiritual honesty to say, "I choose to believe this not because of facts or proof but because I want to'. And, again, let me stress...that's ok. However, it leads to at least two questions for me..
One, because it is a matter of pure 'faith' (belief without or in the face of facts) how do you regard your version as any better or 'truer' than another's?
Two, (and this is the big, important one for me) how does your 'faith' then make you a better person? Because most Religious people I've met end up using their beliefs to judge others and make themselves feel superior--sometimes 'innocently' and often maliciously.
In the end, both atheists and Christians have the same evidence for God/gods...none. The Christian chooses to believe anyway and tries to convince you it's fact. The atheists chooses no belief and doesn't try to convince you of anything.
Who's more honest?"
I will be honest with you. I believe in God and Jesus Christ, the Son OF God. Why, because I want to, I made that choice myself without any need for proof. In fact I will go on record as saying not only is their no proof but it may even be a sin to try to find a proof. I believe because I believe and that's all I need.
Just out of curiosity, which finger am I? I won't be upset if you say the middle.
Here's your answer, Scott...
👍🏻
Thumbs up for being honest. Thank you! If only there were a few more on this thread, I could start on the other hand!
Though I have failed a time or two, I do try to be honest but faith, as in the Christian faith, cannot be argued on an Internet forum when "your side" doesn't want to hear anyway. It appears that you've chosen whatever world view you have necessitating denial of a faith that counters it.
The Catch-22 with the Cnristian faith is, if you have it, it is confirmed in you literally by God's Spirit; conversely, by denying or rejecting the Gospel (orthodox Christianity), you become spiritually blind to it and cannot accept it or discern it. So if you won't, don't believe, you can't believe. How then? By earnestly seeking--God draws near to those who search for Him. Christ does not kick the door to your heart down and come in; it is said, "the lock to your heart's door is on the inside."
Assuming for a second or two that my statement above is correct, consider your position-- by your rejection, you risk an eternity of separation from God, and won't even know it (until too late!) affirming yourself in denial. If you are really intellectually honest, you will have to give pause to that thought, do some more studying, research, and questioning.
I'm always open to PMs about this if you are truly open to it because of its importance (an understatement if there ever was one) which is why I posted this, but can carry it no further in this thread.
