Question for the Atheist

[Paco Dennis]

When I debated other Christians about let's say "What is hell" "Are we tormented forever?", or I think it is in Hebrews that says the prophets of the Old Testament prophesized about the Messiah's birth.? So people have found many old testament verses that support that theory. People and scholars have debating these questions for centuries. All of them using Old and New Testament verses to support their theories. Maybe "cherry picking" is a derogatory term for "supportive verses".

 

[Mr. Ed]

Ed, have you heard of the book called "The Cloud of Unknowing"? It was written in the 14th century by an anonymous English author.
The book presents the idea that human understanding and language are limited when it comes to experiencing the divine. It suggests that to truly encounter God, one must move beyond the realm of rational thought and enter a state of unknowing—a cloud of unknowing—where the intellect and senses are transcended. It suggests letting go of discursive thoughts and entering into a state of silence and stillness, opening oneself to the divine presence.

It encourages the practitioner to let go of distractions, desires, and preconceived notions about God. It advocates for the use of a simple prayer/mantra word, such as "God" or "Love" or "Om", as a means of centering the mind and turning towards God in a contemplative manner.

Maybe that type of practice would be suited for you. I don't even know if your seeking a practice. Are you?

Make’s sense, If we could disassociate ourselves from distractions, perhaps a place might exist in pure reality or at least seem so.

 

[Mr. Ed]

Thank you @Gary O’ for your insight and wisdom

MR Ed has been through hell and back
He carries a lot of luggage

My heart goes out to him

and my prayers go up for him
to experience what The Lord offers;

'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.'
Matthew 11:28-30

 

[Mr. Ed]

I think it is foolish to praise or worship anyone or anything based on here say. Christians claim to know god one must have faith and feed the mind and soul with god’s word which is practically everything pertaining to god. God gave his only begotten son at Easter when spring revitalizes the world with new growth. Much hoopla about Jesus’ love especially when there is no proof outside of your mind but nothing solid.
How do you go about telling someone about Jesus when all of the information is text related?

I mean no disrespect, if your beliefs get you through each day, I am happy for you. Christiainity does not work for me and it’s pity because it is readily acceptable most everywhere in the US. If you do not follow Christianity there are few people and places available to discuss and explore alternative thinking.

 

[gruntlabor]

I think it is foolish to praise or worship anyone or anything based on here say. Christians claim to know god one must have faith and feed the mind and soul with god’s word which is practically everything pertaining to god. God gave his only begotten son at Easter when spring revitalizes the world with new growth. Much hoopla about Jesus’ love especially when there is no proof outside of your mind but nothing solid.
How do you go about telling someone about Jesus when all of the information is text related?

I mean no disrespect, if your beliefs get you through each day, I am happy for you. Christiainity does not work for me and it’s pity because it is readily acceptable most everywhere in the US. If you do not follow Christianity there are few people and places available to discuss and explore alternative thinking.

The bible charms us, not to say bewitches us, with the beauty and wisdom of its prose.

 

[Paco Dennis]

I think it is foolish to praise or worship anyone or anything based on here say. Christians claim to know god one must have faith and feed the mind and soul with god’s word which is practically everything pertaining to god. God gave his only begotten son at Easter when spring revitalizes the world with new growth. Much hoopla about Jesus’ love especially when there is no proof outside of your mind but nothing solid.
How do you go about telling someone about Jesus when all of the information is text related?

I mean no disrespect, if your beliefs get you through each day, I am happy for you. Christiainity does not work for me and it’s pity because it is readily acceptable most everywhere in the US. If you do not follow Christianity there are few people and places available to discuss and explore alternative thinking.

Have you ever visited the Unitarian Universalist church near you? They are very open minded, and are interested in many ways to approach life. I do feel where you are coming from. Once I left the Christian church and went out on my own I decided to go the Buddhist way. The choice was there at the time so I dove in.

Since then I too have had difficulty discussing these subjects with others. The range of viewpoints is so broad and nobody has the answers. If they think they do, I don't listen to them. It leaves us out without a friend. There is no use complaining about our lack of faith because it is hard. It was harder when I was a Christian and I have thought seriously of trying to regain the Holy Spirit and walk with Jesus. It still sounds great. But, it is a temporary illusion for me.

 

[Gary O']

Christians claim to know god one must have faith and feed the mind and soul with god’s word which is practically everything pertaining to god. God gave his only begotten son at Easter when spring revitalizes the world with new growth. Much hoopla about Jesus’ love especially when there is no proof outside of your mind but nothing solid.
How do you go about telling someone about Jesus when all of the information is text related?

Your thoughts are loaded @Mr. Ed

Consider this (you might relate from your church experience);

Christ died on Friday
Much to the relief of the priests and rabbis
So they could hurry home and prepare for the Sabbath

The church then was as upside down in their beliefs as they are today

The adversary works hardest in the churches

My hope and prayer is you study the scriptures, not to find fault, but to find salvation

 

[MarkD]

I think it is foolish to praise or worship anyone or anything based on here say. Christians claim to know god one must have faith and feed the mind and soul with god’s word which is practically everything pertaining to god.

Yes Christianity puts a great deal of stock in hearsay if by that you mean testimony. But to be fair there are many spheres of human life in which there is no empirical evidence or reasonable facts to draw on. Yet if you study with those who know music you may come to know it too. Likewise with poetry as well as with romance and loving relationships. Somethings you need to feel your way into. You can't learn to swim by reading a book about it. You start off observing and copying and maybe getting pointer from those further along. But then it is up for you to commit yourself to the effort to find out what works for you.

Many have noted that when it comes to wisdom, the mind is not a vessel to be filled but a torch to be ignited from one to another. All you can do is try what is offered and see what lights yours. If not Christianity there are many traditions or you can start from. But if you are content you can just pass.