Quote:
Originally Posted by DionPlett
Atheism and Agnosticism could merely be the description to the struggle within. Most atheists were at one time church goers and where raised with religeous beliefs and upbringings.
What do you say about people that we've all known as friends and that have had obvious life changing experiences and are now Christians?
Or famous people like Brian Head who used to be in Korn or even CC Deville from Posion. I saw a series of interviews with him recently on YouTube and I must say I was surprised, I didn't know that about him.
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Good point DionPlett
I think one problem people have with "religion" today are the scandals that have emerged from institutions such as the Catholic church. People are dissilusioned by trusted people such as priests who have commited acts of paedophilia against young innocents. The reaction is understandable as this is abhorrent and unacceptable behaviour. It has caused many to become dissilusioned with their faith, in particular Catholics who have been taught that their church was/is the one true church and salvation comes through the sacraments and membership of that church.
Many though like the individuals you have named have found a peace and new found zeal for life through a personal relationship with God. A relationship that does not require church membership or observing institutional sacraments. It is free and without ties. The individual then is free to express their faith in the manner in which they feel comfortable rather than being a part of a club where they are expected to perform.
That is not to put down organised religion where many receive enormous satisfaction and meaning in their lives by participating in such.
It is just that we can't throw the baby out with the bath water when it comes to our faith. We must keep our eyes on God and not be distracted by man. Man will always fail, God won't. Man's desire are carnal, God is our Abba and loves us beyong our comprehension. When one comes to God as these people have the most powerful thing they have is their testimony. They experience something which can't be put into words as they go on a journey and realise the reality of God in their lives. That is what changes them - not will power.
It then becomes a spirtitual journey not an intellectual one alone.
We debate here with words and our minds. When we come to God it is our spirit which communicates. That experience is unlike anything you have ever experienced in your life and is impossible to explain unless you have went through it personally. To feel God's presence is incredible and as such to those who have had the experience they will forever be changed.
To those who doubt no explanation will suffice.
To those who seek however it is promised that they shall find truth and truth will set them free. That freedom is absolutely wonderful.