I was reading an article today in the "Decipleship Journal" and came across some presumptions that deeply offended me.
Why is it that every Christian seems to beleive that all athiests have a deep-seated need to be accepted by the lord and somewhere wish that they could find the true light of Christ? Is it not possible for an athiest to ask a question out of simple curiosity, a quest for knowledge of faiths, or jsut to see what you think on it? Why is it that everytime we ask a question christians feel that we are "reaching out in search of the Lord"
I understand that the bible tells you to go out and spread the word of the lord, but i think a rational discussion and answer to the question would suffice for that rather than a sermon about why you should convert.
Further in, and as a second question... i have attended a Catholic school for the past 4 years, and over that time I have not gotten a direct anser to a SINGLE question that i have asked concerning faith. The nuns, deacons, and most devout followers always skirt the issue or change the subject completely? Why is this?
(i know this whole question is very sterio-typical and i don't mean it to apply to ALL christians... i just mean that a good majority over-react when answering deep questions about their faith and i'm hopeful to see some theories on why this is) ***Please excuse my Typos... it is late :-)**
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Not Catholic, but...28% Voted for by NoUseForAName, Everlasting-Fallout.
I was raised in church and went to private Christian schools for most of my life. I started questioning religion and God at a young age. (I'm now, and have been for many years, an atheist). I was fortunate enough to be in a church where the ministers welcomed my questions. They couldn't answer everything, but were always honest about what they didn't know and spoke often of faith and prayer for answers. Because they were so honest, I had (and still have) great respect for these particular men.
I have a friend now who is married to a pastor. Knowing her, I find it fascinating. I've questioned him at length as well- as to how he can keep his faith and still acknowledge all of the inconsistency in the bible. I have a great respect for him, as well, because he is truthful in what he doesn't know.
In my experience, most people of the church (regardless of denomination) believe that questioning faith or god is a show of weakness in personal faith. If you keep searching and don't take no for an answer, you'll come across someone who will answer your questions. Even if you have to talk to someone who is not Catholic.
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Doubt28% Voted for by Untouchable Blue, sweetypie101.
I don't think it's because everyone has a deep faith, but rather because the fact that you doubt what they may never have even questioned unnerves them. I think it's nearly impossible to have faith if you start questioning it. I think if anybody who is religious talked to an atheist and honestly tried to answer their questions, either they'd have well prepared answers or they would be unable to answer them. The way I see it, all faith is blind. I've never been able to get one good, solid reason about why I should believe in God. So why won't they answer our questions? I think it's simply because they would find it harder to believe in what they do if somebody made them question it.
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RepetitionVoted for by Ajay.
Christians are told over and over and over again that they must spread the word of Christ. This is why, when given the tiniest opportunity to do so, they take full advantage of it. When you allow them to preach on you, they do it.
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Also...Voted for by NoUseForAName.
Check out this website. I don't know what kind of questions you're looking for, but this might be helpful.
http://everystudent.com/features/isthere.html
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TrueVoted for by Everlasting-Fallout.
Indeed, I would have to agree with your opinion. Though I am not sure that it should be aimed at solely Christians. There are people in every religion of the world that are either over-eager to spread their faith or simply are not educated enough to give answers and attempt to cover it up by stating worthless facts.
I myself am a Christian, and I do say that everyone does have a need for God. But that is no reason that there cannot be open discussion of Jesus, God, Heaven, Hell, and whatever else. I have no problem with people disagreeing with me and telling me that. In fact, at the college I attend, I get in discussions on subjects or spiritual nature almost on a daily basis. Rational discussion is certainly a necessary thing for every christian to be willing to have. However, there is a point where it must go beyond the rational, especially if it's a discussion of God. For what worth would a God be who is definable by humanities weak, rational words?
As for the Catholic school you attend, I will say first that I have nothing against catholics and have a number of good friends who are solid christians and attend a catholic church. But sadly, the majority of the catholic faith has become no longer a faith, but a religion based upon tradition and action and nothing more. The most likely reason why the nuns, deacons, and teachers avoid your questions is because they are scared. They are not prepared and do not know the answers, and arent willing to admit their lack of knowledge or search for that knowledge. It is a sad thing to see apparently devout people of any faith who cannot give evidence for what they believe.
I would say that anyone, in any faith, in any religion, must be able to give logical evidence outside of their own faith. (an example is that christians should be able to give evidence for God and the Bible from sources other than the Bible or simply their own faith) Without this knowledge I believe that such faith is worthless.
I am glad that you're asking the questions, no matter what the driving force behind them are, and I wish more christians would ask the same questions. Best of luck in your quest for knowledge!
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April 7, 2006
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Very cool
What you say is cool, and that's how it should be with all christians, and for any religion. Definitely all of the religion's leaders, and ideally all of the followers, should be willing and able to answer questions, and be able to admit when they don't know. (and better yet be willing to attempt to work through finding the answer with the person who is questioning.) There is no weakness to be found in questioning anything, whether it is faith or what you are taught in school or what is seen on the television. Without asking questions the truth can never be found.Please register or login to comment! It's totally free