Quote of the day
posted at 10:30 pm on May 11, 2009 by Allahpundit
“When I think about atheist friends, including my father, they seem to me like people who have no ear for music, or who have never been in love. It is not that (as they believe) they have rumbled the tremendous fraud of religion – prophets do that in every generation. Rather, these unbelievers are simply missing out on something that is not difficult to grasp. Perhaps it is too obvious to understand; obvious, as lovers feel it was obvious that they should have come together, or obvious as the final resolution of a fugue…
My departure from the Faith was like a conversion on the road to Damascus. My return was slow, hesitant, doubting. So it will always be; but I know I shall never make the same mistake again. Gilbert Ryle, with donnish absurdity, called God ‘a category mistake’. Yet the real category mistake made by atheists is not about God, but about human beings. Turn to the Table Talk of Samuel Taylor Coleridge – ‘Read the first chapter of Genesis without prejudice and you will be convinced at once . . . ‘The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life’.’ And then Coleridge adds: ‘‘And man became a living soul.’ Materialism will never explain those last words.’”
Blowback
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Not necessarily…sometimes through purpose, one finds their faith.
katy on May 11, 2009 at 11:43 PM
touche!!
blatantblue on May 11, 2009 at 11:44 PM
I feel the same way and I’m how much older than you? I’ve felt that way for so long, I wouldn’t know what it would even feel like to have some sort of faith.
But at least you have the guts to put those words up on this blog, which is a whole lot braver than what I could have done. I’m not even sure what love is anymore. I’m bitter.
Keep your head up, you have a lot to look forward to and hopefully it will come to you.
Knucklehead on May 11, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Wrong. Love is a decision, a commitment to do good for someone.
I don’t know. But try to regain your faith. God promises to reveal himself to all who will wholeheartedly seek him.
Don’t apologize. Your writings remind me of Solomon’s despair in Ecclesiates. Touching.
jgapinoy on May 11, 2009 at 11:46 PM
It’s really a bad feeling, Knucklehead.
And wallowing in my hate of liberals and love of Bass Ale, music, and groupies can only help for so long.
You keep yours up too.
blatantblue on May 11, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Lew Wallace comes to mind.
jgapinoy on May 11, 2009 at 11:47 PM
katy on May 11, 2009 at 11:48 PM
just saying what so many others are feeling.
People mock the religious — I hold them in high regard.
While so many others like myself fall to the wayside in despair, they carry on.
And there is a lot to say about people who keep on keeping on when its hard to keep at all.
blatantblue on May 11, 2009 at 11:48 PM
There’s your problem..
katy on May 11, 2009 at 11:50 PM
There is a longing and emptiness we can only fill with God. A thirst, if you will.
Nothing else we turn to last for any amount of time. We eventually need more and more of it to get us to the same place we were for that first time. Sex, Drugs, Work, relationships.. they are all great for awhile but the longing always comes back. It’s the basis for every addiction known to man.
GoodBoy on May 11, 2009 at 11:51 PM
I gotta hit the sheets
You’re all good folks.
AP you will find a girlfriend, and she will be fine bodied with golden hair.
Maybe a tooth loose, but hey, who’s counting?
Night guys.
blatantblue on May 11, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Correct – because there’s no such thing.
OldEnglish on May 11, 2009 at 11:53 PM
1. People die in car accidents. This is sad. Does it mean it’s not true?
2. Exactly how sad is it?
radiofreevillage on May 11, 2009 at 11:54 PM
I very much appreciate your kind words, but I have to give the credit to the object of my affection: God. He keeps me going. Christianity really is a relationship between the Divine & the mortal.
jgapinoy on May 11, 2009 at 11:54 PM
I am not an expert but I think Buddhism has a some what similar take.
Gaurav on May 11, 2009 at 11:54 PM
The coming economic collapse will make humble Christians out of many who think they are strong.
Scotsman on May 11, 2009 at 11:55 PM
That makes me very sad to think of it.
Faith begins with a desire to know. Desire, wanting, then pray to know what to do.
I know it may feel like you are talking to yourself, but do it any way. And wait. Don’t stop right away. Wait. And you will feel something. God does know you. And he loves you.
If you really want to know, you can know. It feels good to pray and you don’t have to find a religion or church right away. Just start to talk to God with a real desire to know and he will lead you.
Pray for help and open your mind to see it happen.
petunia on May 11, 2009 at 11:55 PM
You, too, sir.
P.S. Maybe you’d feel better if we didn’t always call you Knucklehead.
: P
jgapinoy on May 11, 2009 at 11:56 PM
AP, I hope one day you will find faith in GOD. Its not something that can be explained into understanding. Its something you have to experience.
I was a chmpion hedonist doing my thing when the figurative “knock at the door” and my becoming aware that there really was a GOD who wantd to have a relationship with me. ME. Yeah, the filthy sinner dude.
I went through denial.
I tried to run GOD off by being the most prolific sinner I could imagine without hurting someone.
And I finally figured out why it was I hated religion.
Religion is basicly a construst of man in an attempt to gain the apprbation and approval of GOD through their “good works”.
You can’t “work” your way into GOD’s grace. GOD will grant you grace when you exercise Faith in HIM.
He just wants you to trust HIM, love HIM and let HIM work in your life.
Once you can surrender to that as a core, the rest is so unbelievably easy its embarrassing that it took me so long to get it figured out.
Anyway, I know there’s a lot of “I told you so’” on your back about Megan McCain, and I am sorry she disillusioned you. Be carefull not to start doubting too much about your judgement because she was a dipsh_t. You have a fine intellect, and I enjoy reading your input.
/skirt blowing complete now.
//sets Bible to the side.
44Magnum on May 12, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Speak for yourself. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of economic collapse I will fear not for I am the most conniving sidewinder in the valley.
Tuco on May 12, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Somehow I think a guy who calls himself ALLAH-PUNDIT… is probably heading in a particular direction whether he is aware of it… or not.
katy on May 12, 2009 at 12:04 AM
Bravo!
OldEnglish on May 12, 2009 at 12:06 AM
Love? Madness? ‘Tis all the same.
PercyB on May 12, 2009 at 12:08 AM
Why being coy, just say Allah Pundit is going to burn in eternal fire of hell, after all it is your duty to save the unbeliever’s soul.
Gaurav on May 12, 2009 at 12:10 AM
Don’t you think there is some truth that is universal?
Doesn’t God love all his children? Wouldn’t he give wise teachers to help them live more productive lives?
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 12:10 AM
blatantblue on May 11, 2009 at 11:35 PM
Those are not just words blatentblue.
FontanaConservative on May 12, 2009 at 12:12 AM
Oh no my point was different again with the caveat that I am not an expert in Buddhism, to best of my knowledge it is fairly atheistic faith, its basic premise is
1. There is dukkha(suffering) in this world
2. This dukka is brought by sensual indulgence (of humans).
3. This dukka is cyclically repeated in form of birth death and rebirth.
4. The only way to release from this cycle is by following the eightfold path.
Gaurav on May 12, 2009 at 12:17 AM
Good one!
repvoter on May 12, 2009 at 12:20 AM
Fixed.
: )
jgapinoy on May 12, 2009 at 12:22 AM
Allah- a name referring to God.
Pundit- The term originates from the Sanskrit term paṇḍitá (India), meaning learned. It refers to someone who is erudite in various subjects and who conducts religious ceremonies and offers counsel to the king or mayor. Wiki.
The direction I was referring to in my post was north of where you think I was referring.
katy on May 12, 2009 at 12:22 AM
Well I was not aware that Christians believed in reincarnation ;-)
Gaurav on May 12, 2009 at 12:24 AM
SnarkVader, Knucklehead, blatantblue (should you come back to this thread tomorrow) … I feel for you. I do have faith but I’ve had some very dark days, some in the last year or two, when even faith wasn’t enough to keep me from feeling despair and desperation. But if I didn’t have a relationship with God I don’t know how I would manage – I know things would be a lot worse.
You know, that’s one problem I’ve never had. The vastness and wonder of the universe have paradoxically always made me feel enormously loved by God – that He created so much that’s beautiful and awe-inspiring (and sometimes powerful and terrifying), and then put us all in the “middle” of it to enjoy and study and marvel over – we’ll never get to the end of it, and every discovery we make unfolds for us a little more of the mind of God. Maybe you could think of it this way: God, instead of setting us down in the midst of a terrible emptiness, has built us the largest of playgrounds, to enjoy all our lives long.
…And who knows that there might not be playmates to meet, somewhere across the sandbox? Though maybe bullies too. Hmm!
Rosmerta on May 12, 2009 at 12:24 AM
If you look at all of the world’s religions, they say you have to do things (such as “following the eightfold path”) to earn divine favor. Only Christianity says that God loved us & reaches out to us before we do anything for him.
jgapinoy on May 12, 2009 at 12:25 AM
In that case my humblest apology for being rude. It is just this chorus of bringing AllahPundit to God becomes tedious after a time.
Gaurav on May 12, 2009 at 12:25 AM
I agree with GoodBoy and with you. I was just stating my belief that if Buddha happened upon a universal truth that was a good thing. I think Spiritual guidance in every culture comes from God. They don’t get it perfectly, but our own culture has messed up some pretty basic truths as well.
I know very little about Buddhism. I had to read Siddhartha in an English class. But I like the concept of Karma a great deal. And all truth comes from God.
If a Buddhist and a Christian believe the same truth. That truth must come from a loving God to his children.
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 12:26 AM
I used to feel that way. It was kind of like a grieving process. I’m not going to go into detail about how I got over losing my religion, because a lot of it is deeply personal, other than to say that life has never made more sense than it did once I did get over it. A lot of religious people would say the same thing about finding religion, which only convinces me more that there isn’t one cosmic plan for the human race.
RightOFLeft on May 12, 2009 at 12:26 AM
Point well taken; I should’ve used the strike on # 3.
It’s late, I’m getting sloppy.
jgapinoy on May 12, 2009 at 12:27 AM
Allah invites the invitations! He will find his own way. He may claim to be an Atheist. (I don’t believe in Atheists) But he sure likes to talk about or read about religion.
I love Allah’s name because it is blasphemy–yet it’s not–and that is very clever.
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 12:32 AM
The existential questions will be answered by science eventually. That will include understanding human consciousness. Buddhism can help there.
CapitalistBuddhist on May 12, 2009 at 12:32 AM
Although AP did refer to himself the other day as a “dyed-in-the-wool atheist,” so if he is heading north it’ll be in spite of what he now believes! ;)
Personally I’ve always thought that the world (both outer and inner) can be such a place of confusion, that the final choice of our destiny (for it is our own choice – it’s not God who sends people to Hell, it is we who might refuse Heaven) won’t come until we see everything clearly, just after we die. How we believe and live in this life can help make that decision an easy one, but I think it’s not really final till then. I imagine people seeing Jesus in death for the first time – some running to him with arms open, some hesitating as they remember their sinfulness, and some shocked and stunned – and then, I hope, amazed and overjoyed. And some, sadly, maybe none I hope, refusing to see or accept, even in the face of the truth.
Rosmerta on May 12, 2009 at 12:34 AM
I doubt that the science can fix the bug, the bug is in error.
Gaurav on May 12, 2009 at 12:35 AM
;)
I think people who have a steady and comforting faith only wish others could find what they have found. Wanting AP or anyone else to seek God is a good thing.
After all… it takes great sacrifice, faith and tenacity to pursue AP with God, considering what we have had to endure for QOTD over the last few months….eh…/
katy on May 12, 2009 at 12:36 AM
Absolutely! Science as a search for truth. Look how much it improves our lives!
Scientific theory was a great revelation from God to his children!
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 12:36 AM
+1
katy on May 12, 2009 at 12:40 AM
What a coincidence! I don’t believe in theists.
OldEnglish on May 12, 2009 at 12:43 AM
Ditto!
modnar on May 12, 2009 at 12:45 AM
Rosmerta on May 12, 2009 at 12:34 AM
I believe something similar. Although the biggest difference is that I believe everyone on this Earth knew Christ before this life, and have forgotten him.
And when they come to see him again they will realize what they have done.
All of us will need his Atonement. And all will come to him on bended knee in reverence for his plan for our happiness and his mercy to us.
And another difference although it is similar is that the decisions we make form us. The desires of our hearts are proven by what we choose to do. We become better or worse by our own choices.
This life is about becoming. Our rewards will depend on who we have become.
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 12:51 AM
Good that is a basis for friendship then we are both religious!
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Can you believe in God but not believe in religion?
SnarkVader on May 12, 2009 at 1:00 AM
I think that’s how He originally designed it to be.
katy on May 12, 2009 at 1:04 AM
Thank you Allah this actually goes along with a thought I had about religion…regardless of your religion or beliefs system…from Paganism to Christianity religion to me seems to be a way that a person and a society can aspire to be better then their basest instincts. with the exception of those extremists in all faiths religion seems to make a people better. Now regardless if you truly believe in God or not I think that a moral belief system improves a society. But as that is just what i think.
JKotthoff on May 12, 2009 at 1:06 AM
Knowing how you know is more vital than knowing what you know.
The Aztecs knew what the Sun needed:
to be fed ripped-out live human hearts.
Their faith was strong.
Islamic true believers know that slicing off infidel heads pleases their Deity.
I prefer Lao Tse’s knowing:
“The truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.”
profitsbeard on May 12, 2009 at 1:09 AM
Can you believe in God but not believe in religion?
SnarkVader on May 12, 2009 at 1:00 AM
Of course.
I believe that belief in God is innate. It is built in to who we are. Finding a religion is something else.
Of course I’ve been a Mormon my whole life and never really been in the situation many here are in so I guess I’m sort of full of myself giving advice about how to go from not knowing to knowing. I’ve always known who I am and who God is. I wish you could know that too.
I suggest talking to God. Prayer. And Scriptures.
When you want to talk to God you pray. When you want him to talk to you, you read the Scriptures. Someone said that, I don’t know who.
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 1:14 AM
Not sure how many people know this example, but I’ve read a bunch of C.S. Lewis lately to prepare for when I teach about faith to high schoolers to better prepare to answer whatever they may ask.
Anyways, he gave an example of faith like a beam of sunlight coming through the roof in a shed. When you look through that beam of light you see the wonderful and bright world outside.
When you look at the beam you see something that looks cool and can aid you in the shed (the moral values, etc), but isn’t that significant in the long run.
His point was that without experiencing both views you can’t know what the other person is thinking. I’m not recommending the Christians on the board become atheists, call me bias but I’d like if the reverse happened ;), but even if you don’t become a Christian try to experience Christianity as though you were a part of it. Only then can you properly understand the other side and explain to the other your opinions.
angelwing34215 on May 12, 2009 at 1:23 AM
at least I think that’s what Lewis was trying to say…He’s light years beyond a simpleton like me so I could be wrong >.<
angelwing34215 on May 12, 2009 at 1:23 AM
I get your general point about truth being accessible to all. However the reason I categorized Buddhism as a atheistic faith is a bit complicated, one of the key differences between Buddhism and Hinduism is Śūnyatā, which is denial of any absolute essence underpinning cosmic existence. Thus for a Buddha the question whether God(s) exist is irrelevant. I hope I am clearer.
Gaurav on May 12, 2009 at 1:24 AM
Well, it was written by “A N Wilson”
I’m certain the A must stand for Allahpundit.
Reaps on May 12, 2009 at 1:24 AM
I do too. I miss that connection. But my faith in what was my church no longer exists.
SnarkVader on May 12, 2009 at 1:25 AM
I know blatantblue’s already gone to bed, but…
If it was sad, how would a bunch of firing synapses know it?
Think about it.
SteakRules on May 12, 2009 at 1:32 AM
I disagree, telling someone that there is something awfully wrong in being a unbeliever (which AllahPundit gets told on a regular basis) or worse that he is going to burn in hell (which many people have told him) is undignified and importantly counterproductive (if the aim is to convert AllahPundit).
A disclaimer is appropriate here I am a heathen and foreigner so I don’t really have a dog in this fight, it is just that I was exasperated with the calumny thrust on AP and since in past the commentators here have been gracious enough to allow me to join the conversation, so I took the liberty.
Gaurav on May 12, 2009 at 1:33 AM
For those to whom Wilson’s expression is simplistic (as some of his commenters seem to find it,) may I recommend The Revenge of Conscience; Politics and the Fall of Man by J. Budziszewski.
It is simply one of the most astonishing books of philosophy and politics I have ever encountered. The introduction details the inevitable collapse of Budziszewski’s earlier rationalization for nihilism, and the text presents the most profound persuasion for realism in the face of the modern world. Virtually everything we have encountered in the last 3 months is presented as inevitable.
I warn you, this is not easy reading. It does, however, present an irreducible argument for hope.
warbaby on May 12, 2009 at 1:38 AM
God’s absolute truth is in his Word. That’s His legacy, voice and instruction to us. Churches and religions come and go.
I am not dismissing either but having faith in an institution is a shakey prospect. Sometimes He’ll remove us from them in order to move us closer to Him alone.
Being in the wolderness is not a bad thing. Moses and Jesus did it and that’s when things really took off for both of them…
katy on May 12, 2009 at 1:38 AM
wolderness=wilderness
katy on May 12, 2009 at 1:38 AM
I didn’t see where anyone tonight said AP or any non believer were going to burn in hell.
People are giving their two cents, experience, ideas…
I don’t think AP feels ravaged by people wanting him to seek God. He’s a big boy and either finds it amusing, enlightening or fiscally advantageous.
God works in mysterious ways.
Glad you are here..
katy on May 12, 2009 at 1:46 AM
Put your faith in God not in man. Seek for truth–the best source for truth is the Author of truth.
Oh heck–this is a scripture from the Book of Mormon. I try not to get preachy but I am a Mormon! This is my religion I use it everyday! I think in King James English half of the time! It’s impossible not to use scriptures when life is just like the Scriptures!
You are not the first not to know God but you can know him as Lamoni’s father came to know him.
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 1:46 AM
There was a comment thread some time ago–I can’t remember quite where–in which AP disclosed that he had once had a Christian friend who never tried to convert him. He asked this friend if she thought he was going to hell because of his unbelief, and she told him, yes, she did think he’d end up in hell. So he ended the friendship with this Christian who considered him hellbound and yet did nothing to try to save him.
The Christians on this site tell him he is wrong to be an unbeliever and try to save him from hell are only doing what good friends ought to do.
SteakRules on May 12, 2009 at 1:49 AM
AP works in mysterious ways :-)
Gaurav on May 12, 2009 at 1:54 AM
Not tonight in some of the previous threads.
Gaurav on May 12, 2009 at 1:55 AM
I don’t even believe in the typical Christian Hell. So I certainly am not going to tell anyone they are going there.
I enjoyed your thoughts about other religions.
Allah can take it he is a big boy. I don’t have illusions that anything we say here would convert him. The Lord handles the converting. I just speak my mind.
I have been more blatantly religious tonight than I’m really comfortable with in public. I guess the article brought it out.
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 1:58 AM
Well, I didn’t come to my faith out of fear.
I came to my faith out of love and many people’s tenacity.
katy on May 12, 2009 at 1:59 AM
No, he doesn’t. He actually works in such predictible ways that he’s now a drinking game.
Which reminds me; this is an atheism post… DRINK!
SteakRules on May 12, 2009 at 2:03 AM
SteakRules on May 12, 2009 at 2:03 AM
The headline should have been, “Civilization Ends” I like Allah’s headlines.
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 2:17 AM
Yes I had the impression Mormonism is somewhat from other branches of Christianity, in fact I find some similarity between Mormonism and Hinduism (no offense intended)
Gaurav on May 12, 2009 at 2:32 AM
That’s better.
jdkchem on May 12, 2009 at 2:34 AM
If ever your optimism fails you, please remember what a gift it has been to others.
You are going somewhere. As you go and when you get there, continue to share your wealth with others.
In the event I am unable to post, please continue to remember hawkdriver and all those serving in harm’s way. Thanks.
Please take good care of yourself and help your son grow into a good man. You’re not so bad yourself.
Thank you Mr. Lyricist, for the moments when you’ve reminisced.
Please continue, please persist, or your melodies will be missed.
Thanks for taking a chance. I pray that your prayers are fulfilled.
Thank you for your kindness. May the music play on.
I pray all turns out well for your son. He is a remarkable young man. I doubt that’s a coincidence.
Thank you for your generosity and clarity.
Thank you for your acceptance.
Please keep sharing your humor.
Loxodonta on May 12, 2009 at 4:15 AM
The biggest rub and most humorous bit of this whole religion vs atheist deal is that everyone who is either religious or atheist thinks that there is this one definition of one big ole loving merciful god, it’s the truth according to their faith on either end of that scale, and that’s that. Either you’re a part of the major religions or you’re an atheist.
I think you’re all going to look pretty silly when the truth bonks you on the head. :P
Spiritk9 on May 12, 2009 at 4:24 AM
Hermann Hesse and India
By Günter Baumann
(English by Regina Baumann)
© Günter Baumann and HHP, Nov 2002
maverick muse on May 12, 2009 at 4:25 AM
I used to wonder why I’ve had to live in Hell on Earth. Then I decided that if people were not free to create Hell on Earth for others, they would also not be free to comfort those who have been so afflicted. You have survived. You are very strong. You have a gift to share.
Loxodonta on May 12, 2009 at 4:17 AM
Loxodonta on May 12, 2009 at 4:32 AM
Knucklehead on May 11, 2009 at 11:45 PM
I’m not even sure what love is anymore.
It’s what you continue to give to others that gives them Life, even if you do not see yourself doing so, or others do not appreciate your gift. I know how painful betrayal and thanklessness can be, and yet you continue to give your Love despite this pain. And no matter how sorry you think you are, you deserve Love yourself. So, I apologize if this is in any way discomforting, but I give you my Love, Knucklehead. No Deposit. No Conditions. Lifetime Warranty.
Loxodonta on May 12, 2009 at 4:33 AM
Dear blatantblue, I wish I had greater capacity to devote to you, as you are far too important to be undervalued. I apologize for the way I write, and any errors I overlooked, but this is all I can offer at the moment:
Your journey through doubt and uncertainty is painful and lonely, yet you are not alone. Everyone you have touched is with you. And so is everyone who has touched you. Right here. Right now. We are all in this together.
Your hunger is proof that there is bread. Here it is. Now. Partake and relieve your hunger.
Your thirst is proof that wine exists. Here it is. Now. Partake and quench your thirst.
You will make mistakes along the way. There will be missteps, detours, delays, times of doubt and despair. Whenever you need more bread and wine to sustain you, make use of the supply you always have with you. And if you ever think you’ve lost it, you’re simply looking in the wrong place.
So, live.
Loxodonta on May 12, 2009 at 4:34 AM
Loxodonta on May 12, 2009 at 4:15 AM
Schumann’s Fantasy
“Through all the tones sounding in this colorful earth-dream, there emerges one ethereal tone for the person who listens in secret.” Friedrich Schlegel
…the anticipations and excursions before the final authentic cadence.
maverick muse on May 12, 2009 at 4:39 AM
Along with Lox I tell you this Blatentblue.
When you start these feelings please KNOW that God is calling you to him. Do not ignore it.
He loves you enough to take the time, out of all the billions of people in the world, he has chosen you.
Be glad sir. He has a purpose for you, go see what it is.
GoodBoy on May 12, 2009 at 4:40 AM
before sunrise back to g’night
maverick muse on May 12, 2009 at 4:44 AM
Thanks commentors. As usual, you all are very good and interesting. You help keep this old mind working and thinking.
WildBillK on May 12, 2009 at 6:44 AM
What a lovely thread to wake up to. God bless everyone.
Cindy Munford on May 12, 2009 at 6:49 AM
You two are just sad.
Why are you atheists always trying to cause strife? Because deep down you know you’re miserable, and you think it validates you to spread it around. Happy people really bug you, don’t they?
Squiggy on May 12, 2009 at 6:49 AM
Oh, Allah! I have high hopes for you!
For the record, I LOATHE Purpose Driven Life. Anyone who says “Christianity gives purpose and meaning in life” as the chief argument for the existence of God and the truth of scripture is, how shall I say this, hurting rather than helping. It isn’t subjective and not based on our felt needs, but, rather, it is propositional truth. It is rational. It is coherent. It is comprehensive.
In the end, it GIVES meaning, but, that is subsequent.
My own walk mirrored this man’s. I liked this…thanks for posting it.
Mommypundit on May 12, 2009 at 7:16 AM
I want to hug you! You know, we are all practical atheists from time to time. To borrow(well, butcher) a line from one of my favorite theologians, there is a deeply rooted atheism within the hearts of men that crowds out the things of God within the mind and conversion does not automatically change that. Our desires for God are in a constant battle with the world, flesh and devil. We ARE men. We change.
You are in the company of many “greats” who have lost their taste for life, food, etc., when practically abandoning their faith in Christ. It is an easy thing to do, even as a believer. You are recognizing truth and should pursue it. But, churches of today are not holders of the propositional truths of God, entirely. If you are in the NYC area, there is a GREAT church (pastor Tim Keller) I’d love to go to if I were there…
http://www.redeemer.com/
In fact, check out Tim Keller’s book:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0525950494?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwredeemerco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0525950494
I haven’t read it, but, I have heard him speak and he is pretty good.
Mommypundit on May 12, 2009 at 7:38 AM
Atheists anti music?
Muslims are also extensively against music.
A lot of music is from worship sources. How do you write tunes to worship self? Praise self hedonism? That won’t sell.
seven on May 12, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Another conundrum. I bet a big part of your self-reliance, independence and strength comes from not submitting to what you worry is merely a pleasing fantasy. But even if you successfully resist the attraction, you’re just left essentially alone again, albeit tough, having to be satisfied with what is so often such a silly world of man, useless in the ways you mentioned. Let’s face it, the people who so boldly don’t believe in God don’t seem to ever be doing anything better with their time. Twitter???
A good thing to do is have a wife and especially children, and take care of them. You will find a need in your children for you so great, that you will thank God for being alive. In the end, I don’t think there is anything but love to make living worthwhile. Get moving :)
JiangxiDad on May 12, 2009 at 9:40 AM
Atheists always have been about like the fundamentalists to me….rigid and obsessed. Having grown up in an agnostic’s home, it was different. Indifference simply isn’t shrill.
However, I like the description here of growing faith. That’s been my own experience.
AnninCA on May 12, 2009 at 10:06 AM
seven on May 12, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Are you utterly unaware of popular music? Pop music in general is exactly what you think it can’t possibly be.
Krydor on May 12, 2009 at 10:09 AM
Can you believe in God but not believe in religion?
SnarkVader
Sorry if I’m repeating someone here, but God created man and man created religions.
Atheists have a smug superiority because they believe they apply “reason” to life and eschew superstitious clinging to a creator. They are their own gods, powerless and impotent and devoid of any meaning beyond their own skin.
But God loves all his children but He will not grab you and drag you back to Him. He will wait for you to turn back toward Him and embrace Him again (He has always embraced you). This is true up until the moment of your death in this world. Only then is all hope lost.
SKYFOX on May 12, 2009 at 10:40 AM
God allows man (including atheists) to exist within His creation: not the other way ’round. Q.E.D.
landlines on May 12, 2009 at 11:40 AM
I guess I’ve never understood how those of you who have no faith keep on keeping on. For believers, this world is as bad as it gets, but for you, this world is as good as it gets. I don’t understand how you get out of bed in the morning or don’t just go shoot yourselves in despair. Every atheist I have ever known, my older brother included, is bitter, angry, and depressed. Christians aren’t perfect by any means, but we know that our hope does not lie in this world, but in eternity. All the trappings of this world are just as Solomon saw them – vanity, passing away. When I read the story of Joseph in Genesis, I am always uplifted.
College Prof on May 12, 2009 at 11:42 AM
I am not a good Christian, but Puddleglum’s defense of his faith is sufficient for mine:
The cross of Christ is the most compelling story I can imagine. I would worship Jesus for the sake of the narrative alone; the fact that it is all true is supplementary.
spmat on May 12, 2009 at 11:43 AM
But people come to that on their own, without any knowledge of the book you quoted, or Christ, or Christianity, or any organized religion. I see it as a gnostic theme myself.
JiangxiDad on May 12, 2009 at 11:49 AM
None taken. We try to respect all religions even if we disagree.
Our 13th Article of Faith is: We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous and in doing good to all men, indeed we may say we follow the admonition of Paul, we believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things and hope to be able to endure all things, if there is anything virtuous, lovely, of good report or praise worthy, we seek after these things.
I know little about the tenets of Hindus. But I see goodness in their lives, I am grateful for their goodness.
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 12:10 PM
Not sure I follow you. How can one cling to the beauty of the cross without knowing of its existence? That’s what makes the gospel the “good news.” It is the preaching of “Christ crucified,” risen and reigning.
Yes, experiential relevance and logical coherence are necessary for a complete apologetic, but I’m not talking about argumentation. I’m talking about personal confirmation and resonance.
In fact, this argument might be one of the most compelling to those outside of the Christian faith, as it does not destroy by tearing down through logic but instead appeals directly to the heart and subjective experience. Gandhi is an example of what I’m saying. The only thing that he could not reject out of hand was the cross, the innocent dying for the guilty. To those that desire an answer to the problem of evil and injustice can see it clearly in the cross of Christ. It is a better way, irrespective of being the only way.
spmat on May 12, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Yes, but if you believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God… what of all those who were created in the image of God but have no opportunity to know Christ?
God loves all his children wouldn’t he have provided a way for all to come to him?
In traditional European Christianity so much of the world is left out of the Atoning Sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God is not respecter of persons, he did provide a way for those outside of Christianity to grow and become better in this life.
And he does provide a way for them to accept Christ’s sacrifice in the next life. This life is not all there is.
petunia on May 12, 2009 at 1:05 PM
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