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Atheist.85

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Jan 23, 2008
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I am new here folks so let me start by saying hello. I have been an atheist for about as long as i can remember. Sure i went to sunday school at church when i was a kid but as soon as I was able to think for myself, it just seemed to ludicrous to me. I can never find any reasonable answers to simple questions, every tough question is answered by the typical "a miracle occurred" , or "it's gods plan for you". Or the outrageous claims in the bible such as animals and plants talking, the universe was created in a week by a singular entity, people lived 900 years long and so on and so forth. All I would like to see is some sort of tangible proof that god actually exists, or has actually answered a single prayer. I would like to believe there is some sort of divine being or plan set out, or that there actually is a heaven where all the people from all time congregate together on a cloud, but I am an atheist and skeptic of pretty much everything. But being a skeptic, I am naturally open to new ideas and other sides of the coin, but at the same time cannot accept explanations for events with a simple, oh but a miracle happened.I look forward to your responses and thanks for letting me stay here a little bit and get your side of the story.
 

Simple

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Jan 21, 2008
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Peace be upon YouIn order to believe in God, one needs to ponder. Say for example, I decide to ponder on my own existence. If I ask myself, “who created me?” My initial response will be that, “ My mum and dad, who got together.” However, if I ponder for a second and use my intellect to question, “ Did my mum and dad have any control or power in transforming me from liquid to flesh & bones and did they have any authority in creating sophisticated systems in my body ?”, This question leaves me thinking because with all honestly, I am unable to answer it. Now, if I assume that it all happened by nature i-e it is a natural process. Then my intelligence will question myself, “If nature, by itself, has the intelligence or authority in perfectly designing thousands of systems around the universe ?” And once again, it leaves me thinking again since we define natural process as something which just follows a certain flow due to various phenomenas. The natural process itself is dependant on many things. So it is not wise for one to conclude that the systems of creations in this universe which are so marvelous and have wisdom withheld in them, can be created by a process which has no intelligence or common sense of it's own. It is due to such reasoning that I believe that there is a source of Power, which is Perfect itself and Mighty enough to create the system of creations. Once I realize this, it becomes easy for me to listen to and then understand the ideologies of a religion such as Islam, which I currently follow.Unlike other creations, human beings have been blessed with intelligence. It is our intelligence which helps us differentiate between right and wrong. Thus, we use it, in our everyday life, for our own good. A religion brings set of ideologies which have reason and purpose. Such ideologies help us answer questions by using our intelligence as opposed to being in a situation where we are unable to answer those questions by using our limited senses.Be Blessed
 

Christina

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Apr 10, 2006
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(Atheist.85;32327)
I am new here folks so let me start by saying hello. I have been an atheist for about as long as i can remember. Sure i went to sunday school at church when i was a kid but as soon as I was able to think for myself, it just seemed to ludicrous to me. I can never find any reasonable answers to simple questions, every tough question is answered by the typical "a miracle occurred" , or "it's gods plan for you". Or the outrageous claims in the bible such as animals and plants talking, the universe was created in a week by a singular entity, people lived 900 years long and so on and so forth. All I would like to see is some sort of tangible proof that god actually exists, or has actually answered a single prayer. I would like to believe there is some sort of divine being or plan set out, or that there actually is a heaven where all the people from all time congregate together on a cloud, but I am an atheist and skeptic of pretty much everything. But being a skeptic, I am naturally open to new ideas and other sides of the coin, but at the same time cannot accept explanations for events with a simple, oh but a miracle happened.I look forward to your responses and thanks for letting me stay here a little bit and get your side of the story.
Hello I assume you are looking for tangable things which is really open to ones interpetation as the Word faith itself means belief in things not seenI could tell you of the parting of Red sea, Noah ect. but it again takes a leap of faith to be convinced. The best solid evidence comes when you make that leap and begin to see the deeper teaching of Gods Word but these things are difficult to explain to someone with little understanding or disbelief.In away that fact in itself is pretty amazing that One can read the surface text and only begin to get the basics I could tell you after 20 years of study I learn new things all the time how could a book written by men without divine inspiration be possible? I could tell you that the whole book is a plan from being to End. I could tell you that it not only is an accurate depiction of history but an accurate predictor of the future but there again you have to read it and have some understanding and that requires some faith.So we are left with little to just give you tangible proofI will give you an example of what I consider proof whether or not it meets your criteria is really up to youNow you know that Christ was nailed on the cross his last words were the following Mat 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Now why did he say this? It was a teaching to direct the reader to where these words had been said beforePsalm 22A psalm of David. 1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? Now Psalm 22 was written hundreds maybe even 1000years years before Christ was ever bornit is a prophecy of exactly what would happen to him right down to the casting of lots for his clothing.So if the Word isnt from God how did the writer of this Psalm know hundreds of years before Christ was even born that he would be crucified nailed to a cross and that the Romans would even be gambling for his clothes.????
 

toddsumrall.com

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Jan 18, 2008
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(Atheist.85;32327)
I am new here folks so let me start by saying hello. I have been an atheist for about as long as i can remember. Sure i went to sunday school at church when i was a kid but as soon as I was able to think for myself, it just seemed to ludicrous to me.
Yes the Gospel of Jesus Christ is foolishness to those who are perishing like you. But it is the wisdom of God for those who are saved.1 Cor 1:18 and 1:25Furthermore; though God is not willing that any should perish but all would come to repentance 2 Pet 3:9, but for those who are perishing like you, he sends a strong delusion that they should believe a lie that they may be condemned because they love not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thes: 2:11You my friend, God will allow you to continue being an athiest right up to the time you perish. Yet he still offers you a space to repent while you breath, and call upon the resurrected Son of God. However, it is hard to come to the Lord and be saved once you have rejected the truth as you have stated from your Sunday school. I pray the the God of my Lord Jesus Christ will open the eyes of your understanding and enlighten you with the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.Free eBook "AntiChrist Islam's Awaited Messiah"http://ToddSumrall.com
 

Lunar

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Nov 23, 2007
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You my friend, God will allow you to continue being an Muslim right up to the time you perish. Yet he still offers you a space to repent while you breath, and call upon the resurrected Son of God.
Er, he said he was an atheist, not a Muslim...Anyways, hello, Atheist.85. I'm glad you've come to post on these boards. I was also an atheist for a very long time, before becoming a Christian recently, so I can understand where you are coming from. Christianity isn't something you can really demonstrate scientifically or prove rationally, you're right about that. And there is a broad range of opinion as to how literally we should take the Bible - some Christians say all of it is the literal word of God, some say that there is truth mixed with some inaccuracy, and some would claim that we shouldn't view the Bible as a historical document so much as the reflection of views of ancient Christians. If the idea of stories like the burning bush turn you off, be aware that there are many ways to interpret the Bible, not all of them literal.That being said, there is obviously something definitively non-naturalistic about Christian views. The truth or falsity of the more minor stories may be called into question by some, but you would be hard-pressed to find a Christian that didn't believe in Christ's resurrection, obviously. And I can guarantee that you won't find anything in science that would compel you to adopt such a view. However, I also believe that God makes himself evident in everyone's life eventually. It took me 21 years before I could see clearly, and for many it takes more than that. I almost didn't feel as though it was through any effort of my own - I simply felt moved one day by feelings unlike anything I've experienced before.I am confident that someday, you, too, will experience such a feeling. Until then, I won't try to urge you to repent - I find that God is a lot more persuasive than man in doing that. I understand your feelings, so please don't feel alienated - until God stretched out his hand to me, being a theist would have been completely insane to me, too. So take your time and don't feel pressure to adopt a certain view. If I'm wrong (and hey, I might be!) then things will work out just fine for you, anyways.Take care! I hope this helps.
 

toddsumrall.com

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Jan 18, 2008
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(Lunar;32658)
Er, he said he was an atheist, not a Muslim...Anyways, hello, Atheist.85. I'm glad you've come to post on these boards. I was also an atheist for a very long time, before becoming a Christian recently, so I can understand where you are coming from. Christianity isn't something you can really demonstrate scientifically or prove rationally, you're right about that. And there is a broad range of opinion as to how literally we should take the Bible - some Christians say all of it is the literal word of God, some say that there is truth mixed with some inaccuracy, and some would claim that we shouldn't view the Bible as a historical document so much as the reflection of views of ancient Christians. If the idea of stories like the burning bush turn you off, be aware that there are many ways to interpret the Bible, not all of them literal.That being said, there is obviously something definitively non-naturalistic about Christian views. The truth or falsity of the more minor stories may be called into question by some, but you would be hard-pressed to find a Christian that didn't believe in Christ's resurrection, obviously. And I can guarantee that you won't find anything in science that would compel you to adopt such a view. However, I also believe that God makes himself evident in everyone's life eventually. It took me 21 years before I could see clearly, and for many it takes more than that. I almost didn't feel as though it was through any effort of my own - I simply felt moved one day by feelings unlike anything I've experienced before.I am confident that someday, you, too, will experience such a feeling. Until then, I won't try to urge you to repent - I find that God is a lot more persuasive than man in doing that. I understand your feelings, so please don't feel alienated - until God stretched out his hand to me, being a theist would have been completely insane to me, too. So take your time and don't feel pressure to adopt a certain view. If I'm wrong (and hey, I might be!) then things will work out just fine for you, anyways.Take care! I hope this helps.
Athiest is right. I went back to read the op and read the one under it instead. i'll fix it
 

Atheist.85

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Jan 23, 2008
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(toddsumrall.com;32662)
Have you considered the existence of the Jew????????????
Cant say I've had to consider their existence, because theres lots of jews, I've seen them. What I do ponder though is the existence of any sort of god because there is no proof, no one ever has seen "god" with their eyes literally. You can see jews, just turn on the T.V. lol.
 

Simple

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Jan 21, 2008
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Dear AthiestPeace be Upon YouMay I ask a quick question. Did you ever got injured in your childhood ?Thankyou
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Be blessed
 

Atheist.85

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Jan 23, 2008
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(kriss;32651)
The best solid evidence comes when you make that leap and begin to see the deeper teaching of Gods Word but these things are difficult to explain to someone with little understanding or disbelief.
The best "solid evidence" I have ever been given or heard is either quotes from the bible, or a simplistic "it's a miracle". The bible is not a historical document. You can't try to validate a book by quoting it.
 

Atheist.85

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Jan 23, 2008
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(Simple;32816)
Dear AthiestPeace be Upon YouMay I ask a quick question. Did you ever got injured in your childhood ?Thankyou
smile.gif
Be blessed
No, what does that have to do with anything? 0.o
 

Simple

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Jan 21, 2008
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Peace be upon you I read your comment where you mentioned that we are unable to see God. So I just wanted to give another example of things which we cannot see but believe in. For example, when we get hurt, we feel pain, but we cannot prove it through sight. No one can claim to have seen "pain". Our senses such as 'touch', 'sight' , 'hearing' e.t.c are limited in many ways. Thus, we maybe unable to see God through sight, but we can use our intelligence to see Him. Be blessed
 

Ricky W

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Jun 6, 2007
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A'udzubillaahiminasysyaithonirrojiimBismillaahirrohmaanirrohiimDear Atheist.85,I would like to ask you a question, may I
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?Ok, this is the question, do you know when people are aware that when they climp up/go up to the sky their chest will felt tight and restricted ?Wallaahu a'lam.
 

Learner

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Jan 19, 2008
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um Hello Athiest.85I am gonna stick my neck on the block lol....... No one can prove to you that God exists. It's to be experienced, studying God's word comes later.I was dragged to church and Sunday school as a kid, and could not wait to get out of it,,, but I have since experienced God. That in itself is a miracle to me.I cannot actually think why an Athiest would believe anything out of the Bible other than historical facts which have been proved. Open your heart and ask Him to come,,, it may take some time, but its not science, its Faith .
 

Thunder1

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Dec 12, 2007
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um Hello Athiest.85I am gonna stick my neck on the block lol....... No one can prove to you that God exists. It's to be experienced, studying God's word comes later.I was dragged to church and Sunday school as a kid, and could not wait to get out of it,,, but I have since experienced God. That in itself is a miracle to me.I cannot actually think why an Athiest would believe anything out of the Bible other than historical facts which have been proved. Open your heart and ask Him to come,,, it may take some time, but its not science, its Faith .
Thunder1:May I ask how did you come know God, what were your experiences?
 

Christina

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Apr 10, 2006
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(Atheist.85;32820)
The best "solid evidence" I have ever been given or heard is either quotes from the bible, or a simplistic "it's a miracle". The bible is not a historical document. You can't try to validate a book by quoting it.
What are you talking about have you ever looked into archeology where the Bible says someone or a place exsisted and they find it and it was exactly as recorded in scripture?? though it was not recored anywhere elseexample:http://www.christianityboard.com/biblical-...&highlight=sealIf you are looking for a picture of God as proof you wont find it I had hoped you were here to ask reasonable questions as to why we believe not just as all the others to say show me proof of God its not our duty to prove anything to you if God wants you to have proof he will give it to you. Nothing we can say is going to change your mind unless you want to change it. If you have bible questions or are interested in why we believe we'll be happy to tell you but if you want proof you will have to ask God for it.There is only one way to prove God exists and thats to ask him into your life and see how it changes no Believer can prove it to you if you want tangable proof and nothing satisfies you as tangable. Then thats the only way. If your not willing to try it then guess you really dont want proof
 

Atheist.85

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Jan 23, 2008
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(kriss;32964)
What are you talking about have you ever looked into archeology where the Bible says someone or a place exsisted and they find it and it was exactly as recorded in scripture?? though it was not recored anywhere elseexample:http://www.christianityboard.com/biblical-...&highlight=seal
Ok, so I read the article you linked and browsed through the web page you cited as your source, which is of course part of a religious "newsmagazine" published by the Philadelphia Church of God. So basically an archaeological dig in Jerusalem unearths a stone that has the name "Temech." In the bible, that name is mentioned. Fantastic. Allow me to quote part of this article."...Dr. Mazar believes that Temech is the name of one of the families of the “Nethinim,” the temple servants, who were among those who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah 7:6 reads, “These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city.” Verse 46 begins to list the family names of these servants, “The Nethinims,” and among them, in verse 55, are “the children of Tamah...”Ok, right at the beginning its is stated that Dr. Mazar believes that the name on this seal is related to some obscure family written in the bible, he has no proof, other than...Gasp!.. the bible. That would be using the bible to prove the bible is correct, which is a logical fallacy. Some people believe aliens come down from the sky to make circles in their cornfields, that doesn't mean that it is proof of aliens does it? Even the name in the bible verse is at best slightly similar to the seal that was dug up. How does one make the connection between "Tamah" and "Nethinims" with "Temech", I don't know. At best, all this is is saying is that because someone believed that what he found was related to a passage in the bible, then of course, the bible is true. Far, far from evidence, it is merely speculation.
 

Christina

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Apr 10, 2006
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That was just one I happened to have posted the other day so it was fresh on my mind there are thousands just look at Jerusalem itself all the gates are still there that Christ rode the donkey thru one has been closed for 2000 years it is said in scripture it will not be opened until Christ comes again and opens it yet everyone has tried to make the Bible not true today Arabs put cement blocks and use it as a cemetery so the Jews wont open it and claim the messiah has returned. they have excavated Sodom and Gomorrah which was said not to really exist they even found stones with the name KING DAVIDthere are thousands of these discoveries. And that doesnt even count the hundreds of stories from early civilizations all over the world of an anceit world wide flood And of course there is no way to be absolutely sure of the seal we can not go ask the guy if its his if that's your criteria than no finding would ever meet your criteria no matter what. I frankly find that irrational. In that case all finds are not provable as we cant ask the people involved. Or is it you hold it to a differnt criteria because its the Bible that says if so you are being unreasonable But really think about what are the odds of finding a seal with a family name on it mentioned in a 2000 year old bookin the town he was said to have lived in thousands of years ago the population of the earth was maybe a tenth of what is now what do you think the odds are???
 

Atheist.85

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Jan 23, 2008
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That was just one I happened to have posted the other day so it was fresh on my mind there are thousands just look at Jerusalem itself all the gates are still there that Christ rode the donkey thru one has been closed for 2000 years it is said in scripture it will not be opened until Christ comes again and opens it yet everyone has tried to make the Bible not true today Arabs put cement blocks and use it as a cemetery so the Jews wont open it and claim the messiah has returned. they have excavated Sodom and Gomorrah which was said not to really exist they even found stones with the name KING DAVIDthere are thousands of these discoveries. And that doesnt even count the hundreds of stories from early civilizations all over the world of an anceit world wide flood And of course there is no way to be absolutely sure of the seal we can not go ask the guy if its his if that's your criteria than no finding would ever meet your criteria no matter what. I frankly find that irrational. In that case all finds are not provable as we cant ask the people involved. Or is it you hold it to a differnt criteria because its the Bible that says if so you are being unreasonable But really think about what are the odds of finding a seal with a family name on it mentioned in a 2000 year old bookin the town he was said to have lived in thousands of years ago the population of the earth was maybe a tenth of what is now what do you think the odds are???
If everyone died in the flood, how are there "hundreds" of historical documents that record the flood that should have killed them. Noah couldn't even have taken these texts on this ark, because the dead and drowning don't really write down much of anything. Wouldn't it be more logical if all these texts were actually from civilizations that lived by bodies of water that regularly flood, and technology being as it was 2000 or 4000 years ago(doesn't really matter in that time frame) that they only knew of the general surroundings and if their entire city is flooded and destroyed, they would believe that the entire world must have flooded then? Not to mention that early civilizations that did not live by a large body of water have no such claims of world wide floods. The East didn't even know of the North and South American continent until a few hundred years ago. I would love to see some American Indian accounts of a gigantic world-wide flood.
 

Thunder1

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Dec 12, 2007
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Atheist.85,So you don't believe in God, the Creator of the whole universe. What is your belief? How everything to 'became to be' ? What is your theory?