I've seen it before. I've seen people fall to their knees crying because they found Jesus. It's really something to see.
Yes, I've witnessed that so many times. It's a truly wonderful thing, they find they're purpose, they find hope, they find peace for the first time. And all the while, Heaven's angels are rejoicing.
You speak of eternal damnation a lot and what a lot of people don't realize (again not trying to convert) is that it's something that's very easy to escape.
Exactly. My pastor always uses the 'better safe than sorry' statement. Basically, he talks about how he would rather believe in Jesus either way, whether it is true or whether it is a lie. Because if you think about it... you're safe! If you die and you're right, you go to Heaven. If you die and you were wrong, oh well at least you're not going to spend an eternity in Hell. That's why so many people convert right before they die -- They don't want to take that chance.
Very interesting.. It might be neat to meet this guy, and see what he has to say. I can't understand why an atheist would convert.. unless he/she was old, and close to death..
Yeah, he's a really good man who doesn't beat you with the Bible.
lol...age makes you religious! That gives me an idea. Can you ask this guy why he became a christian? I have never heard of a atheist converting to a religion...
I've heard of many atheists converting... (not as teenagers, but usually as adults..). I'm not really clear about why he became a Christian.
With age comes wisdom. And if you're going to brag then I can too. My SAT score was higher than yours, and I've taken the same advanced classes. I've been to plenty of awards ceremonies and already I've been offered free rides at good colleges and I'm only a Junior. I believe I've earned the right to speak on your level considering I meet the same qualifications as you (some of which I haven't listed, mind you). You're on a website that includes a lot of intellectuals. An SAT score doesn't measure how smart someone is. Believe me I know. I've seen our validictorian get a horrible score and a few not-as-good students get pretty high scores. Age is definitely something to consider, although not to discriminate against. There is a thread on here called, "Why this scientist believes in God". A scientist that believes in God. I know I said I abondoned this post but I didn't want to let this one go. From now on I'll post on here when it isn't about something as controversial as atheism-religion. I'm only 17 and I can already say that with age comes wisdom, and if you haven't realized that, then your mind is still a bit too young. With your great accomplishments, don't you believe that you will become even more smarter as you grow older?
Does he think that atheists go to hell? I would think he might have a different view than most christians on that matter.
Does it even matter, since you are atheist? But to answer your question, yes. -Why do you continue to talk about an eternity [hell], that you claim doesn't exist?
I just got back from my Christian Development Class about an hour ago and ironically, my pastor was talking about how he used to be an atheist... this will probably show you how intelligent he really is.
-One day his father wanted him to go on some kind of trip with him... (I think it was supposed to be a Christian get together), which he of course resisted because he didn't want to be around people like that. Anyway, his dad finally pressured him into going and when they were getting ready to leave, his dad surprised him by bringing 3 other ministers along with him. Through the whole trip there and back, my pastor completely destroyed them with his philosophies and questions of Christianity that they had never been faced with. He said that they were "unequipped to challenge him." And he was right, because by the time they got back, 2 of the men quit the ministry completely. He said that the other one debated with him pretty well though. And he was only a teenager at this time.
That's why I think he's so intelligent... he knew everything about atheism and now he knows more about Christianity than anyone I've ever met... and I think it's due to the fact that he's been on both sides and has answered the questions he used to ask other Christians.
But one point he made was that we [Christians] will never be able to push an atheist …
What do I know???? I scored 1310 on the SATs and am planning for perfect next year. I will be doing calculus next year in 9th grade, and this sunday I am going to an awards ceremony because I got one of highest SAT scores in Maryland for 8th graders.This summer I am going to a three week cryptology course hosted by John Hopkins and next year, in high school, I will be going to Eleanor Roosevelt High school. Eleanor Roosevelt High School is the school this years national science fair winner came from. DO NOT EVER DISCRIMINATE AGAINST MY AGE. It is not some thing I tolerate or accept.
Okay, okay. Chill. That's very impressive and good for you. I was simply asking why you think you know everything about religion. Maybe I should have clarified.
Before I abondon this thread I want to say a few more things. I'm probably not going to make another reply after this one.
I'm not sure what OP means but if it means the person who started the thread, then my original idea was only something I thought was interesting. It definitely isn't something I believe in at all, I just wanted to see what people thought of it.
As for the christian-atheist bash going on, it would appear to me that in most cases (not all) atheists try to force their nonbelief on others with angst. As if they were betrayed by religion, which would only mean in the back of their mind they actually do believe in it. The true atheists don't really see the need to debate the topic at all. But like I said that description doesn't fit everyone. From a third party perspective it seems as though the atheists are bashing and the christians are remaining humble. Which in any case shows a lot about one's beliefs and character and establishes who is a credible source and who isn't.
As for doubt, I began to doubt my religion once. I even hated it for a little bit. I questioned it, and I looked at science for answers too. I decided I needed to know what's right and what isn't. I ended up a believer again and there is most certainly logic in it. I still disagree with my parents on just about everything so …
>> follow something b/c your parents do or your friends do. Christina>you (can' I just call you Christina for now on?), honestly, do you follow Christianity now because of what your parents/friends do? Did it start off that way? Is it now that way?
Yes, you can call me Christina. I don't follow Christianity, I follow Christ. And I do this because I've witnessed it first-hand what it can do for a life that's been changed, such as my own. My mother used to be Buddhist (born and raised in Korea) - My father used to be a heavy drinker/smoker. But they're both Christians now. So yes you can say I was born into a Christian home, but I haven't always been 'devoted.' Only one of my friends is a true Christian.
Can't people just accept that some people have some views that others just can't agree to. Consider the views of the OP - they're mad (really) :) who has dissed him for putting forward such an obscure idea? Nobody did seriously. Why do you feel the necessity to give out to Christians? Just accept that they have certain views. Does it hurt you?
I don't know if this is pointed towards me, but when I read a post that says something untrue about my faith, I will stand up for it, regardless.
Questioning is vital to be an intellectual. Without questions, without doubt, a person cannot claim to think, to understand, to analyze, to process anything. One must always be doubtful. For ignorance and acceptance is the beginning, and end, of a person.
That doesn't make sense. So on a test, I should always doubt my answers? =/ Don't try to explain to me why I should question my faith, it's been proven already to me.
Absolute truth is never known and never will be.
Well, I've found absolute truth.
If you were presented with extreme evidence that absolutely proved that god did not exist. Would you still believe in him?
That will never happen, and even if it did, yes. I would still believe. I'm never going to deny Jesus. He gave His life for me. Like I said, I've seen too many miracles and too many answered prayers to believe anything else.
