Former Believers

[nailit]

leaving a faith...and in turn, your friends, community and social group...can be one of the hardest things that anyone will ever have to do.
I left my christian faith and in turn had to loose my friends (I use that term losely now) and to some degree my identity.
It was traumatic to realise that I had been wrong for so many years and it was traumatic to try and carry on in life as though nothing had happened. But something HAD happened. My world-view had changed.

For the evangelicals on here who berate my atheism and threaten me with hell and damnation for not believing as you do (albeit in a more 'backdoor way') I have once been a believer as you are now. I have also 'preached' the prophecies of the Bible. I have more than likely read all of the same books that you have.

So Please dont try and convert me with all the same, old, tired arguements and apologetics.
Either accept that Im an apostate beyond redemption, OR (and here's a novelty) give me some evidence for God?

(I didn't give up Christianity easily)

[Theland]

OK then.
Read Gods promises to Abraham.
Learn what God says He will do to His people if they disobey Him.
The Jews disobeyed and God kept His word, check it out.

[Theland]

Read Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar's dream.
The statue.
Four great empires.
All came true and still coming true.

[Theland]

God said He would scatter His people amongst the nations, and they would be persecuted. Their name would become a byword, an insult, ''dirty Jew!''
All came true.

[Theland]

God said He would preserve His people as a nation. He did. No matter where they were scattered they retained their national identity.
He did just that.

[nailit]

Oh God.
I give up!!

[Theland]

God said He would bring His people back to the land, in unbelief, forcing their return.
That's going on now and ever since 1948.
More promises kept.

[Theland]

You can't dispute any of it.

[Buenchico]

God didn't say anything, Theland, because he/she/it doesn't exist.

I've never found it necessary to give up my friends due to religion, Nailit. My best friend when I was in Sheffield was a Methodist lay preacher. My current best friend here in Suffolk is a practising Roman Catholic, who devotes much of his spare time to theological studies.

On the other hand though, I have long minimised my contact with most of my relatives. Those on my father's side (most of whom are dead now anyway) were of the ultra-traditional C of E type. (For example, my aunt and uncle gave up listening to 'The Archers', after many decades of doing so, when a gay couple were introduced into Ambridge). Many of those on my mother's side are strongly into the 'happy clappy' Baptist churches. I find it best to steer clear of them, as they wouldn't appreciate the mouthfuls of abuse that I'd really like to throw at them.

[Theland]

God spoke through His prophets, recorded in a book.

[naomi24]

Theland, it can all be disputed and has been. You have no evidence and never have had. Now do us all a favour and put a sock in it. Give the former believers to whom this thread is addressed the courtesy of a chance to respond without being preached at.

I'm a former believer but I never fell for the dubious and frankly sinister charisma of the evangelical happy clappy brigade, as nailit did - and thank 'God' for that because in my experience those people are dangerous. I didn't lose friends when I eventually recovered my brain - in fact although I know several Baptists who are of the happy clappy variety, I number among my associates believers of all sorts, from Anglicans to Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, two white witches - and one of my best friends is our local vicar.

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

Nailit it seems you post many questions than anyone in R&S, so if you wish Christians to ignore you, why ask the questions to start with? If you crave attention, you will get it in spades on R&S.

You say you are a former Christian. Can I ask how your life has worked out since leaving Christ out if your life? Do you feel completely at peace regarding the future? Are you psychologically secure? Are you free from addiction? Do you seek to live at peace with others? Are you free from bitterness towards others? Have you peace about the past? Is living a godless existence giving you the fulfilment and mental settlement you appear to be seeking? Do you feel life has a meaning and a happiness that you wish to celebrate with others?

Keep asking the questions. God will give you the answers.

[naomi24]

Hazi-Hammenuhoth, curious questions. Are you suggesting that having God in your life resolves all the difficulties and problems you mention?

[douglas9401]

How many ways can the same old tripe be dressed up?

[naomi24]

Dunno, doug, but I'd be interested to know how God can resolve all the problems Hazi mentions. I know a fair few religious people whose lives are not proving idyllic.

[fiveleaves]

Nailit, I,m sorry but you are going to be asking for evidence for God until your last day. It is simply the wrong question to be asking.
If you are sincere in your heart and ask God to reveal Himself to you I'm sure He will, but this is not a game it's serious.
For one of my friends, God showed up in his living room. Another friend met God in a prison cell.
It shouldn't be too hard to find similar testimonies online.
There is a series of books called "The God who changes lives". Check out the stories there.

[naomi24]

When God showed up, fiveleaves, how did your friends recognise him? What did he look like?

[10ClarionSt]

Blimey, this religion thingy-me-bob don't half get people going don't it?

[Theland]

Being Christian is no guarantee of happiness. In fact we can expect persecution. From sharp words to sharp swords, but we fear not those who can kill the body, our souls are secure with God.

[naomi24]

‘We fear not’? How very .. erm .. biblical.

[Peter Pedant]

// How many ways can the same old tripe be dressed up?//

legion - - - - ( as in their name is 'legion for we are many' Mt (8:28-34)

the usual suspects have been at it for years - - ter daaah !