Born Again Christians

[Gvac]

I know quite a few people in my life who have taken the "born again" route and I've got to say that I have really mixed feelings about it.

Some of the people I knew where on the road to nowhere: alcohol and drug addiction, jail time, etc. I've seen them literally do a 180 degree turn with their lives once they found something to believe in. It truly saved their lives to find religion.

On the other hand, the fanatical devotion almost seems like another addiction to me and I wonder if it's the healthiest way in the world to cure someone of their inner demons.

Is anybody here a Born Again or Evangelical Christian? What led you to your decision?

And how do the rest of you feel about those who have used religion to set them on the right path?

I'd really appreciate it if this thread didn't deteriorate into the usual "the bible is a fairy tale" "religion is for the weak" stuff. While I'm not a believer in either one, I don't think it's fair to mock someone else's beliefs, especially when no one knows for sure what the ultimate truth is.

[Slumbag]

I don't think it's fair to mock someone else's beliefs, especially when no one knows for sure what the ultimate truth is.
I know.

But I'm selfish and refuse to share.
Sorry.

[Whiskeyportal]

For some it seems to work out well for them. I've had old bosses that were junkies ect. then found god, and really made something of them selves. For them it worked out great. What I don't like are the one's that find god and then proceed to try and shove it down your throat. I don't try and force my beliefs on anyone, and appreciate it when the same respect is returned. Some people just need something to believe in, I am not one of them.

[yojimbo7248]

I have gone full circle with evangelicals. I was raised in a very conservative, literal born again church. I fought against it since I can remember. I never understood the Jesus is Son of God concept. Our church taught that only faith matters and God will judge the world based on whether you believe that Jesus was both 100% man and 100% deity. I have always thought this is complete bullshit so I left the church as soon as I could.

Long story but I ended up living in China and Taiwan for a few years and became involved in Buddhism. I have recently become friends with a Zen-practicing Catholic priest. He and his group consider themselves fully Christian. I have also met liberal Protestants who integrate other spirituality practices but are still born again. Christianity at the core is a compassionate, good religion but it has been corrupted by centuries of politics and divisiveness.

My parents are still batshit crazy, gay bashing, Palin supporters. We can't talk religion but I have gone from hating evangelical Christianity to thinking that underneath all of that bile is a good-hearted spirituality.

[EliSnow]

Some of the people I knew where on the road to nowhere: alcohol and drug addiction, jail time, etc. I've seen them literally do a 180 degree turn with their lives once they found something to believe in. It truly saved their lives to find religion.

On the other hand, the fanatical devotion almost seems like another addiction to me and I wonder if it's the healthiest way in the world to cure someone of their inner demons.


Well, if they are doing programs, the goal there is to replace the addiction with spirtuality and belief in a Higher Power that is bigger than themselves. I'm mean, an addict is someone who turned to some substance or activity to help them with problems, anxiety etc., and kept doing it so much that they couldn't control their abuse of the substance etc. And their own will became insufficient to control the addiction. So they turn to a Higher Power to help them arrest the addiction and to have something to turn to help deal with stress, etc.

But with every spirituality, if you get to the point where you feel that everyone should follow your spirituality/religion, and you try to force that belief on people. If religious people simply lived their lives and only tried to lead by example or provide info when asked, then I don't think anyone would have a problem with religion.

[RoseBlood]

I've shared my opinions on this topic often enough, so why not once more. Gvac, you know my stance on this and I love when you start threads like these.

I agree with your feelings about religion and for some reason I have pretty strong opinions on the matter for someone who's not an atheist nor "practicing" Catholic. Personally, I find it pretty ignorant and close-minded when anyone finds themselves on an extreme end of the spectrum.

I have a difficult time believing in anything para normal but am always willing to listen to the “believers” because it would be hypocritical of me to dismiss them entirely. It may just be early conditioning but I often find myself “praying” to myself. I can’t believe in a “higher-power” simply when it’s convenient for me, which is what I think many of us do. I think a lot of people who call themselves atheists or agnostics say so because it’s easy too, just like someone calling themselves Catholic when they haven’t practiced in years; it’s just easy to label themselves and others find comfort in a simple black and white answer.

As I get older, I’ve learned to have a lot more confidence in my own mind. I do have a tendency to feel judgmental with extremely religious people because it goes against my personal belief that you should think for yourself. But aren’t we all on some level being influenced by other sources? And we just take from them to make our own judgment calls.

So anyway, I do think religion can be very beneficial for some individuals and society. I’ve only known one Born Again and one Jehovah. The Born Again is a recovering alcoholic/drug addict. For him, finding God turned his life around and who am I to begrudge him for that? I do think most of us just replace one “addiction” for another but that’s not always entirely wrong. We all find solace in different things and if it helps anyone to live a better more meaningful life then who are we to call them weak or stupid?

[RoseBlood]

But with every spirituality, if you get to the point where you feel that everyone should follow your spirituality/religion, and you try to force that belief on people. If religious people simply lived their lives and only tried to lead by example or provide info when asked, then I don't think anyone would have a problem with religion.

I agree to a point because many non-religious people turn their noses up at the religious fanatics and tell them to think for themselves etc. Granted this is usually just in response to another trying to convert them but I do see the judgments on both sides. People just tend to dismiss others actions when we agree with them and when we don't we tell them to mind their own business.

I suppose their passion for their religion leads them to their behavior, but really how much different is that from a political activist, animal activist etc preaching or even just making slight comments to others about their opinions.

[biggestmexi]

Real men love Jesus.

[ANC]

I have 2 different parts of my extended family that are Born Again Christians. One side didn't have any addictions or is using it for any other reason than it's their faith. They go to church and do their own thing. They are aces in my eyes.

Another part of my family that are Born Again have a few recovering drug addicts. I think it's great that they turned themselves around.....however I can't stand them. Whenever I see one of my cousins he likes to get a rise out of me by luring me into religious conversation and saying I'm going to burn in hell because I'm not Born Again. He is righteous in God's eyes and I need to stop living a life of sin. I'll spare you any further details because it usually escalates from there.

I honestly don't care what religion someone practices as long as they don't push it on me or attack me for what I believe.

[Jujubees2]

The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.
- Thomas Paine

[KatPw]

One of my cousins is born again. He was heavily into cocaine in the 80's, and it helped him get clean. I think it's great for him. My issue is that ever since he "got God" you cannot have a conversation with him that does not turn into a lecture on why you must convert ASAP. He does not step foot out of his house without his bible. He tried to get me to convert when I was a kid, without my parents knowledge. That was interesting to say the least.

[RoseBlood]

One of my cousins is born again. He was heavily into cocaine in the 80's, and it helped him get clean. I think it's great for him. My issue is that ever since he "got God" you cannot have a conversation with him that does not turn into a lecture on why you must convert ASAP. He does not step foot out of his house without his bible. He tried to get me to convert when I was a kid, without my parents knowledge. That was interesting to say the least.

Yeah, this has been my experience with the Born Again I know. It's great it helped him but, just because it saved him doesn't mean that is the only way others can live. My friend has an uncle who's Born Again and told her then 14 yr old brother that masterbation was a sin. Needless to say his mom was not happy and rightfully so.

[ravn816]

Ahh...the born agains. A group of people (large group of people) that I find BEYOND facinating. This is mostly due to my Senior year Thesis class in college was on the history of American Prodestant Fundamentalism. It has even continuted to the point where I am currently reading the Left Behind series, which is a massively sold series about a fictionalized account of the end times (Revelation, etc.)

I realized in the course of all of my studies that I'm OK with the I love Jesus and charity stuff. It's all the bullshit that gets mixed up into it that makes me a little scared. The church I had to visit for my class said Marilyn Manson fans are a cult and schitzophrenic people are possessed by the devil. That was the limit for me. :blink:

[grlNIN]

My boyfriend's parents are born again and my brother's wife and her family are Pentecostal.

I was raised Roman Catholic, am now non-practicing and don't consider myself "religious" but "spiritual". as in i have many beliefs taken from life experiences, personal beliefs and knowledge.

I can safely say that every devout Christian i have ever met has been nothing more than someone who has wanted to use that religion as a pedestal in order to justify their behavior and actions towards others. (Which is always hypocritical, condescending and un-Christian).

I love my boyfriend's parents but i can't get down with their mindsets or ways of thinking and acting sometimes. My brother and i however have not spoken in over a year an a half and although i know it is by our own wills, i don't hesitate to believe that his wife has a small hand in keeping it this way, as she never liked my family and used any excuse in the book to cut my brother off from us.

I know that sounds like more of a personal issue with her but believe me, it is beyond that and it all stemmed from nit being able to connect with her because of her religious views. (She gave me a talk about the Rapture when i was 17 and how i should try and become "saved). Her family also owns and operates the church she grew up believing these things in.

[KatPw]

My boyfriend's parents are born again and my brother's wife and her family are Pentecostal.

I was raised Roman Catholic, am now non-practicing and don't consider myself "religious" but "spiritual". as in i have many beliefs taken from life experiences, personal beliefs and knowledge.

I can safely say that every devout Christian i have ever met has been nothing more than someone who has wanted to use that religion as a pedestal in order to justify their behavior and actions towards others. (Which is always hypocritical, condescending and un-Christian).

I love my boyfriend's parents but i can't get down with their mindsets or ways of thinking and acting sometimes. My brother and i however have not spoken in over a year an a half and although i know it is by our own wills, i don't hesitate to believe that his wife has a small hand in keeping it this way, as she never liked my family and used any excuse in the book to cut my brother off from us.

I know that sounds like more of a personal issue with her but believe me, it is beyond that and it all stemmed from nit being able to connect with her because of her religious views. (She gave me a talk about the Rapture when i was 17 and how i should try and become "saved). Her family also owns and operates the church she grew up believing these things in.
Ugh. The Rapture. A family member of ours is into that, and she is Roman Catholic. I don't know if that is becoming a RC thing also now, or if she is involved in some bizarro fringe group within the RCC. Either way, since she has become into the Rapture she has turned really strange, in a scary way.

[Thebazile78]

Ugh. The Rapture. A family member of ours is into that, and she is Roman Catholic. I don't know if that is becoming a RC thing also now, or if she is involved in some bizarro fringe group within the RCC. Either way, since she has become into the Rapture she has turned really strange, in a scary way.

It's a definitely a fringe group of people searching for meaning, much like the Cenacle Prayer Societies and Marian Devotionals that sprang up in many parishes over the years, and not a core tenet of Catholicism.

[KatPw]

It's a definitely a fringe group of people searching for meaning, much like the Cenacle Prayer Societies and Marian Devotionals that sprang up in many parishes over the years, and not a core tenet of Catholicism.

I always wonder what the official feeling (from the Pope and the other church higher ups) is on these fringe movements. I have a patient that is a Priest, I'll have to remember to ask him what he thinks next time I see him.

[Death Metal Moe]

I was raised "born again" and am now completey against religions of any kind. I want people to have the freedom to practice whatever they want, but I personally want nothing to do with it.

Religion is there for you at your lowest, most vulnerable times to give you something you lack in your life. It's just a game you play in your head with yourself. You shouldn't need an excuse to do the right thing with yourself or for your fellow man.

[torker]

Ahh...the born agains. A group of people (large group of people) that I find BEYOND facinating

Individual spirituality and personal faith are wonderful things. It's the 'following the heard' mindset of any religion that leds to problems.


It's a touchy situation ~ ANDREW 'DICE' CLAY

[angrymissy]

Ugh. The Rapture. A family member of ours is into that, and she is Roman Catholic. I don't know if that is becoming a RC thing also now, or if she is involved in some bizarro fringe group within the RCC. Either way, since she has become into the Rapture she has turned really strange, in a scary way.

I blame those left behind books. After they came out everyone started getting way into the Rapture

[Death Metal Moe]

To be fair to Born Again Christians, I don't think they're going to get a fair shake on this board. I'm sure there are good things one could say about their experiences, but I don't think many of them listen to Ron and Fez or frequent this messageboard.

The way Ron speaks frankly about religion, Born Agains wouldn't stick around much. They seem to like to surround themselves with constant religious reinforcement, like any outside thoughts could courrupt their Christian ways. I see it as a weakness personally that they can't even consider other's points of view, but maybe that's just me.

So in short, I don't think GVAC is going to get many Pro-Born Again points of view here.

[scottinnj]

I blame those left behind books. After they came out everyone started getting way into the Rapture

You must have been having fun in the 70s while every Sunday I was being terrified by my church elders about it. There were movies, books and traveling preachers making a fortune off of it.


As far as The Rapture is concerned, there is now a new debate in the protestant church whether there will be one or not. My mother believes it emphatically, and even asked me once if Barack Obama could possibly be the Anti-Christ.

My father believes it as part of his faith, but after a discussion of it with me, he concluded that even though he believes in The Rapture, there is an equal argument against it as there is for it, and both sides have sound scriptural bases to wage their argument on it.

I personally am in the middle. I used to believe there will be a Rapture, but even though I may believe it now, I am not allowing myself to base my life on it.

I am a "born again" evengelical Christian, and while not a member of any particular denomination of the protestant church, consider myself a Baptist.

The term "born again" is simply saying that I have come to the conclusion that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and His whole purpose in coming to earth was to be crucified as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. We don't actually believe we are reborn or get some magical powers-it is a simple acknowledgement that we have become Christians and have embarked on a new path to serve God.

What led me to that was simply this: I got scared about going to Hell. And my preacher showed me "the way" to get to Heaven. I was 12 years old, and was having nightmares about nuclear war (thanks to the whole Rapture stuff I was talking about earlier) and didn't want to die in a nuclear war and go to Hell.

But I have come to the conclusion that it wasn't the actual words I spoke that opened up the Book of Life for me. It was my faith in those words, and the faith I had in my preacher who as the ambassador of God's Word to the church I was attending. I believe God understood my faith, and accepted me as a believer and now I am going to Heaven. That same faith I see demonstrated in Catholics who as kids, take their First Communion. They may not understand what they are saying, or why they are doing this proceedure when they turn 12, but they have faith in that what they are doing and saying is what is going to get them into Heaven.

I also believe that a Muslim, born into a Muslim family, raised to love Allah, and goes to temple and wants to model his/her life in a way that will please Allah the way they were raised, will in fact be with me in Heaven. Why? Because that's what they know, were taught and it is the faith they demonstrate in God that is their salvation. Jesus' sacrifice may be the catalyst for God's forgiveness, but that forgiveness, as far as I have been taught, has been extended for the whole of humanity. And it is faith in God that saves us.

[boosterp]

The World is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.
- Thomas Paine

Perfect quote!

I am spiritual, I like the teachings of Buddhism and a few of the teachings of Wicca, and a few from Christianity. Basically I have meshed a few together to create my view. I do not fault others, I try to do good, my patients loved me, but in the end I just need to do what feels good to me and makes me a strong person.

[scottinnj]

To be fair to Born Again Christians, I don't think they're going to get a fair shake on this board.

I've always gotten a fair shake from just about everyone who reads my posts defending my faith. It's very rare I get a response from someone who is so close-minded the mere mention of my faith sends them into a tizzy.

But I have gotten into some good drop-down arguments with some guys on the board. But the cool part about it, we have become better friends as a result of it.

[DonInNC]

I've come to realize that most people become something at some point in their lives. Some people become alcoholics, some become workaholics, others become zombies in front of the TV between dinner and bedtime. Becoming religious is a pretty good alternative.

[MacVittie]

A bunch of people in my family are born again. None of it has to do with alcohol or drugs, I think a lot of them became evangelical for social reasons. Those are the largest and most popular types of churches out where they live, so they're part of the in-crowd by believing those things.

I do get suspicious of some people who are seemingly "demon-free" who convert... I wonder of there's something deep down that they see as a terrible that caused them to need to convert.

[west milly Tom]

I know quite a few people in my life who have taken the "born again" route and I've got to say that I have really mixed feelings about it.

Some of the people I knew where on the road to nowhere: alcohol and drug addiction, jail time, etc. I've seen them literally do a 180 degree turn with their lives once they found something to believe in. It truly saved their lives to find religion.

On the other hand, the fanatical devotion almost seems like another addiction to me and I wonder if it's the healthiest way in the world to cure someone of their inner demons.

Is anybody here a Born Again or Evangelical Christian? What led you to your decision?

And how do the rest of you feel about those who have used religion to set them on the right path?

I'd really appreciate it if this thread didn't deteriorate into the usual "the bible is a fairy tale" "religion is for the weak" stuff. While I'm not a believer in either one, I don't think it's fair to mock someone else's beliefs, especially when no one knows for sure what the ultimate truth is.


Evangelical Christian here reporting for duty. I grew up in the church worked in the church, went to two evangelical bible colleges (Oral Roberts University Nyack College), and its not religion that saves anyone. It's God/Jesus/Holy Spirit without which I'd be dead. Religion is an enemy of God, I believe because religions impose rules that the Bible which is God's written Word does not dictate. Think not eating meat on Fridays. For me Christ is my hope and a light at my feet. When I feel like killing myself or wondering why I am the way I am sometimes it is my faith that centers me and gives me perspective. Knowing that I am forgiven even in the worst moments of my life is very comforting.
Besides accepting Christ as one's personal savior, the next greatest command is to love your neighbor as yourself. True evangelical christians are always doing things for other people. Most, in fact, give a tithe of ten percent of their income to the church, and that is only the begining. That money is spread around the community and church families in various ways, it does not enrich the pastor. My parents spend at least 3 weeks a year going to help people where help is needed. They both went to New Orleans twice, and recently my father helped a group of men from my church build a home in the Mexican Jungle for a family that had no means to do it themselvs. I'm not saying this to exalt my parents, but to illistrate that this is standard behavior, and since they're humble they'd never tell you they went.
The typical stereotype of the pushy bible thumper is often a wrong one. I don't preach to anyone, I don't tell them that they're wrong and I'm right but I also don't let cultural relativisim cloud my spirit.
I know I ranted a little here but take from it what you will. If you have more specific a question I'd be happy to try and help. I already know my spelling sucks. :tongue:

[Death Metal Moe]

I found a way to help people without wasting time in a church or giving 10% of my income away.

[scottinnj]

I found a way to help people without wasting time in a church or giving 10% of my income away.

Yeah, but it's only legal to do in Nevada. Wakka Wakka!

[west milly Tom]

I found a way to help people without wasting time in a church or giving 10% of my income away.

however it works good for you, but my time is not being wasted in church

[Death Metal Moe]

however it works good for you, but my time is not being wasted in church

Well, mine was. Completley and totally. But I don't want to get this thread going like that. GVAC asked a question so some of the Born Again Christians answered his question. Hopefully it helps him out.

[Swannee]

I know quite a few people in my life who have taken the "born again" route and I've got to say that I have really mixed feelings about it.

Some of the people I knew where on the road to nowhere: alcohol and drug addiction, jail time, etc. I've seen them literally do a 180 degree turn with their lives once they found something to believe in. It truly saved their lives to find religion.

On the other hand, the fanatical devotion almost seems like another addiction to me and I wonder if it's the healthiest way in the world to cure someone of their inner demons.

Is anybody here a Born Again or Evangelical Christian? What led you to your decision?

And how do the rest of you feel about those who have used religion to set them on the right path?

I'd really appreciate it if this thread didn't deteriorate into the usual "the bible is a fairy tale" "religion is for the weak" stuff. While I'm not a believer in either one, I don't think it's fair to mock someone else's beliefs, especially when no one knows for sure what the ultimate truth is.

I am a Christian. I do not know if I would consider myself born-again or an evangelical though. I believe that i am a sinner and am redeemed, not by any good that I have done but by the sacrfice made by god. I just think the born again notion for me takes glory away from god. If it as simple as just making a choice than why would man have even needed jesus, they could have just followed the law. But to answer your question Gvac, I grew up in the church and have always been a believer. But in the last ten years I have grown tired of the religious right, in which i grew up in. I don't like the notion that because i am christian I must also be republican, pro-war, and believe that the US and Israel can do no wrong. I do believe that religion and faith are two different things. Once money and power become part of the equation, whether it is religion, govt., or corporations, corruption is usually to follow. I continue to be a christian though because of the message of the gospel, and how that message has worked in my life and others. I wish I could explain what that means, but it has just been how I have seen god work in my life and i don't know if I would be able to express those things to someone who didn't experience them. But I do know that God has changed me, and can change anyone. And I know this is cliche, but Jesus said all we have to do is love God and to love our neighbor, so that is what I pray i am able to do.

[Freakshow]

christians? later.

[grlNIN]

I hate this whole "born with sin" deal.

It's like people cannot fathom or cope with taking responsibility for their own actions as adults and therefore seek retribution and pardoning by the words "God" and "Jesus".

:thumbdown:

[Death Metal Moe]

I hate this whole "born with sin" deal.

It's like people cannot fathom or cope with taking responsibility for their own actions as adults and therefore seek retribution and pardoning by the words "God" and "Jesus".

:thumbdown:

Bingo. It's the whole guild trip to get you hooked on the forgivness cycle right from the womb.

Damn it! I just can't stop attacking Christianity! And I promised I wouldn't!

[RoseBlood]

Bingo. It's the whole guild trip to get you hooked on the forgivness cycle right from the womb.

Damn it! I just can't stop attacking Christianity! And I promised I wouldn't!

Don't worry, Jesus forgives all :wink:

[Death Metal Moe]

Don't worry, Jesus forgives all :wink:

I hope so. There's a lot to explain. :innocent:

[Fez4PrezN2008]

I have felt like a ship lost at sea on the whole religion issue lately. I thought I had pretty strong faith and belief in the past but after my parents died I just felt like I was seeing vast nothingness once they were gone. I am not sure what I expected - some kind of comfort or maybe some shit like an episode of the Ghost Whisperer type BS. Instead, nothing... I just don't know if I can prop up the whole hocus pocus abra-kadabra or Shirley Phelps Roper side of religion. Problem is the tenents of religion say you gotta buy into the whole sha-bang, you can't pick and choose what you want. I dunno what to do...

[Death Metal Moe]

I have felt like a ship lost at sea on the whole religion issue lately. I thought I had pretty strong faith and belief in the past but after my parents died I just felt like I was seeing vast nothingness once they were gone. I am not sure what I expected - some kind of comfort or maybe some shit like an episode of the Ghost Whisperer type BS. Instead, nothing... I just don't know if I can prop up the whole hocus pocus abra-kadabra or Shirley Phelps Roper side of religion. Problem is the tenents of religion say you gotta buy into the whole sha-bang, you can't pick and choose what you want. I dunno what to do...

To be fair to religions, there are many different ones. If you're having a specific problem with the one you were raised beliving in, you can always find a different "truth" with a new form of Christianity or even a different religino all together.

[Fez4PrezN2008]

To be fair to religions, there are many different ones. If you're having a specific problem with the one you were raised beliving in, you can always find a different "truth" with a new form of Christianity or even a different religino all together.
Raised Luthern, went to a Southern Baptist School, got hitched to one of them, and we have been Presbyterian and Methodist.

[Death Metal Moe]

Raised Luthern, went to a Southern Baptist School, got hitched to one of them, and we have been Presbyterian and Methodist.

Well that's the problem right there. You were raised to worship and follow the teachings of a popular singer. I mean a talented one at that, but it's just foolish.


That old gag.

[Fez4PrezN2008]

Well that's the problem right there. You were raised to worship and follow the teachings of a popular singer. I mean a talented one at that, but it's just foolish.


That old gag.
*Fez voice* Not Luther Vandross, Ron !

[scottinnj]

I hate this whole "born with sin" deal.

It's like people cannot fathom or cope with taking responsibility for their own actions as adults and therefore seek retribution and pardoning by the words "God" and "Jesus".

:thumbdown:

It's not like that at all.

Being born with sin is not an evengelical idea-that is catholic, aka "original sin"

We evengelicals believe we will eventually sin in one way or another, and since all have sinned, none of us are good enough to stand in front of God's perfection. Hence Jesus' sacrifice.

But being forgiven doesn't absolve you from responsibility for you actions. In fact, using salvation as an insurance policy to be able to be forgiven and do what you want is against scripture. As a Christian, you should be strive to live as good as you can, even though there are no worries about eternity if you screw up. Because of the Golden Rule:

1 Love the Lord your God with all of your heart.
2 Treat you neighbor (the rest of the world) as you would want to be loved.
3 Do these things, and the rest of the laws and words of the prophets will fall into place.

You want to be as good as possible to fulfill the Golden Rule, and to show your love to God who sacrificed his Son to save your soul.

[scottinnj]

That old gag.

I giggle every time they do that bit.

[scottinnj]

To be fair to religions, there are many different ones. If you're having a specific problem with the one you were raised beliving in, you can always find a different "truth" with a new form of Christianity or even a different religino all together.

I agree. Like I said, we were raised evengelical. However, my sister didn't agree with that and converted to catholicism.

I have always believed that if you search for God, He will find you. By any means necessary.

An interesting read is C.S. Lewis' book, "Mere Christianity" He was an atheist who used logic to come to a belief in God. It is fascinating the thought process he used.

[Fez4PrezN2008]

OK another problem I have to admit I stuggle with is the thought of "heaven" as we are all taught it will be like. I don't think spending the rest of eternity being Jesus' cheerleader or singing praises sounds as appealing as it did when I was a tot in Sunday school. I don't think I can give anyone praises for more than about an hour and then I'd get sick of it and turn on them like a bad dog or something. In fact I can't picture being truly happy doing anything for an eternity! Maybe the void of nothingness is not looking so bad after all. Am I alone in these thoughts?