The Truth Within

[JoyToBeCatholic]

I would like to thank you for such an objective and informative post. I actually feel very emotional just now. I was at University today and I was actually doubting my beliefs. I am an atheist, but I was wondering if I had it all wrong. I just could not stop thinking about it, and was wishing I never ever found this site. Why did I find this site? There is so much of the Bible that I just cannot understand, in the sense that I cannot see any credibility in it, at all.

I am a homosexual 19 year old teen and I have told no one about it. I have written a letter to tell my parents. I did not have a conscious choice in this orientation, and now that I have embraced the fact that I am gay, I am proud of it and I don’t want to be any other way. What I’m trying to say is, I don’t want to God in my life if it means I change to being straight or whatever. I know that sounds really selfish but it is how I feel.

To be honest, I’m scared I might believe in God. I don’t think I want that.

I know the feeling. I put Him off most of my life so I could do what I wanted. You know what though? All the things I thought brought me happiness? All the things I thought were fulfilling? I had NO IDEA there was something better. I really thought I had everything I wanted. But:

1ST CORINTHIANS 3:9 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, the things that God hath prepared for them that love Him.

Step one to loving God is knowing you are loved by God. And you are. That is a hard thing for some people to accept. I hated myself so I couldn’t even dream of God loving me. But once you realize He loves you regardless of what you are attracted to you - be it drugs, sex, alcohol, power, you name it - it gets easier to love Him back. And that’s where the journey just keeps getting better.

Bless You~

 

[Maher]

And who said Atheists could not be humble?

Maher, side issue, what are you studying at school? I am guessing one of the sciences.

God bless

You would be guessing right. Although it’s not a pure science, but I have dealt with evolution, etc. It’s Sports Biomedicine I study.

 

[Maher]

I know the feeling. I put Him off most of my life so I could do what I wanted. You know what though? All the things I thought brought me happiness? All the things I thought were fulfilling? I had NO IDEA there was something better. I really thought I had everything I wanted. But:

1ST CORINTHIANS 3:9 - But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath entered into the heart of man, the things that God hath prepared for them that love Him.

Step one to loving God is knowing you are loved by God. And you are. That is a hard thing for some people to accept. I hated myself so I couldn’t even dream of God loving me. But once you realize He loves you regardless of what you are attracted to you - be it drugs, sex, alcohol, power, you name it - it gets easier to love Him back. And that’s where the journey just keeps getting better.

Bless You~

I am in a serious state of doubt.

Thanks for all your (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[Roman_Catholic_1]

You would be guessing right. Although it’s not a pure science, but I have dealt with evolution, etc. It’s Sports Biomedicine I study.

Yea, your minds tend to gravitated towards the science fields. Not always though, and there are Christians in the sciences as well.

I got a Bachelor of Science degree (I I got a BS degree… do you think looking back whoever came up with that regrets calling it that) even though the only sciences I really took were biology and geology in my entire 4 years of college

For some reason Criminal Justice is considered a science. My other major, History, is defiantly not a science major.

Thanks for sharing.

God bless

 

[Maher]

Yea, your minds tend to gravitated towards the science fields. Not always though, and there are Christians in the sciences as well.

I got a Bachelors of Science degree (I I got a BS degree… do you think looking back whoever came up with that regrets calling it that) even though the only sciences I really took were biology and geology in my entire 4 years of college

For some reason Criminal Justice is considered a science. My other major, History, is defiantly not a science major.

Thanks for sharing.

God bless

You have achieved a lot. Yeah, why is Criminal Justice considered a science? That’s strange.

Did you enjoy Biology?

My degree is now primarily focussing on the human body in relation to sport and sport performance, as well as performance enhancement and the effect on the body of using performance enhancing drugs or supplements. It’s quite interesting.

I had the opportunity to study History but I opted for what I am doing now. Did you enjoy History?

 

[Roman_Catholic_1]

You have achieved a lot.

No not really. You will have done as much as I have as soon as you are done with college.

Yeah, why is Criminal Justice considered a science? That’s strange.

Not sure? There is a lot of psychology and sociology involved int it (which correct me if I am wrong are also considered sciences) but there is also a great deal of history involved in it to. I have a lot of worthless information about its History; like for instance did you know that the term ‘copper’ and then ‘cop’ originated because of the copper badges that officers wore?. Amazing isn’t it?

So I have really no idea why it is considered a science degree. I thought I was getting a Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduation, when the degree came in the mail which stated Bachelor of Science, I was a little surprised. Shows you how much I paid attention to my adviser when we were planning my courses.

Did you enjoy Biology?

Yea I did. The professor who taught it was actually a member of my parish.

My degree is now primarily focussing on the human body in relation to sport and sport performance, as well as performance enhancement and the effect on the body of using performance enhancing drugs or supplements. It’s quite interesting.

Yea, I took what was called *sports medicine *in High School. It sounds similar. We got the opportunity to dissect a cat. Apparently dissecting a cat is the next best thing to dissecting a human…That was a memorable week.

I had the opportunity to study History but I opted for what I am doing now. Did you enjoy History?

There are three fields of study that I enjoy, History, Theology and Astronomy. Although I did not have the opportunity to study astronomy in College… It is more of a hobby.

God bless

 

[Schluns]

I am a homosexual 19 year old teen and I have told no one about it. I have written a letter to tell my parents. I did not have a conscious choice in this orientation, and now that I have embraced the fact that I am gay, I am proud of it and I don’t want to be any other way. What I’m trying to say is, I don’t want to God in my life if it means I change to being straight or whatever. I know that sounds really selfish but it is how I feel.

To be honest, I’m scared I might believe in God. I don’t think I want that.

I’d just like to apologise if I have offended anyone in this thread, and I know I have. This sight has been an eye-opener for me. I thought people who believed in the Bible had to be a little crazy, but you guys are actually very intelligent and humorous. I like the whole popcorn game that is going on. It’s funny!

As it stands, I do not believe in God, but I now respect why you do. Again, I apologise for any offence caused. Supermommy, I’m sorry.

Thanks guys.

Maher, you are a brave man. It really is a strange world out there, and to know deep in your soul that you just don’t fit the expected mold of society can cause a person to always be on the defense. Expecting attacks from all sides and getting misinformation from angry people who just don’t understand what life’s really about.

I know that you don’t want to hear this, but God loves you the way you are, it is what you do with it that makes the difference. God never turns his back on us, it is we who turn our backs to him, that is where sin lies.

Remember, Love the sinner and not the sin.
I will always share my with you; and if you are ever in the states come by and I will make you up the best Kettle Corn you will have ever tasted.

Roman_Catholic
I got a Bachelor of Science degree (I I got a BS degree… do you think looking back whoever came up with that regrets calling it that) even though the only sciences I really took were biology and geology in my entire 4 years of college

You know I have always felt this way. I have my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which of course makes me a B (cough) S Nurse.

 

[Roman_Catholic_1]

You know I have always felt this way. I have my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing, which of course makes me a B (cough) S Nurse.

My wife got a BSE degree… Which means she is a BS Educator.

God bless

 

[edjco]

I would like to thank you for such an objective and informative post. I actually feel very emotional just now. I was at University today and I was actually doubting my beliefs. I am an atheist, but I was wondering if I had it all wrong. I just could not stop thinking about it, and was wishing I never ever found this site. Why did I find this site? There is so much of the Bible that I just cannot understand, in the sense that I cannot see any credibility in it, at all.

I am a homosexual 19 year old teen and I have told no one about it. I have written a letter to tell my parents. I did not have a conscious choice in this orientation, and now that I have embraced the fact that I am gay, I am proud of it and I don’t want to be any other way. What I’m trying to say is, I don’t want to God in my life if it means I change to being straight or whatever. I know that sounds really selfish but it is how I feel.

To be honest, I’m scared I might believe in God. I don’t think I want that.

I’d just like to apologise if I have offended anyone in this thread, and I know I have. This sight has been an eye-opener for me. I thought people who believed in the Bible had to be a little crazy, but you guys are actually very intelligent and humorous. I like the whole popcorn game that is going on. It’s funny!

As it stands, I do not believe in God, but I now respect why you do. Again, I apologise for any offence caused. Supermommy, I’m sorry.

Thanks guys.

Dude! That is one of the best posts I have ever seen on this entire site. Very candid and open. Bravo!
Let me tell you a couple of things. At times, I have had a problem with lust (heterosexual, though). It’s a sin, just like homosexual sex. Doesn’t matter, though, both are sins. So, I am called to abstain from sex outside of marriage, and to abstain from lustful thoughts. (I know what you’re thinking, and yes, it’s DANG hard to do at times). You, likewise would be called to abstain from homosexual acts according to the Catholic Church.
So you see, no one hates you because you are (or may be) homosexual, quite the opposite. Everyone here who is a sincere Christian loves you. It’s the act (the sin) that we have a problem with, just like they would have a problem with my lust.
You brought up that group that protests (at soldier’s funerals, no less) homosexuals. There aren’t many people who would disagree with me when I say I don’t think they are acting in the least bit like a true Christian. I’ve seen what they have on their signs, and it’s disgusting.
All that having been said, keep walking down the road. God will not abandon you, no matter what you may think. Sit down and talk with Him a bit. I know it may seem weird to you, but try pretending He is sitting there with you and ask him questions or tell Him how you feel.
Here’s the important part: Listen. He’s going to speak to you. You just have to know how to listen (and not with your ears). Does that make sense?
Sinning is sort of like tuning Him out.
I wish you well, buddy, and I’ll share my popcorn with you.

 

[Ross09]

Maher,
Have you read the book by the leader of the Human Genome Project, geneticist and once athiest Francis S. Collins The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief?

 

[Joe_5859]

I would like to thank you for such an objective and informative post. I actually feel very emotional just now. I was at University today and I was actually doubting my beliefs. I am an atheist, but I was wondering if I had it all wrong. I just could not stop thinking about it, and was wishing I never ever found this site. Why did I find this site? There is so much of the Bible that I just cannot understand, in the sense that I cannot see any credibility in it, at all.

I am a homosexual 19 year old teen and I have told no one about it. I have written a letter to tell my parents. I did not have a conscious choice in this orientation, and now that I have embraced the fact that I am gay, I am proud of it and I don’t want to be any other way. What I’m trying to say is, I don’t want to God in my life if it means I change to being straight or whatever. I know that sounds really selfish but it is how I feel.

To be honest, I’m scared I might believe in God. I don’t think I want that.

I’d just like to apologise if I have offended anyone in this thread, and I know I have. This sight has been an eye-opener for me. I thought people who believed in the Bible had to be a little crazy, but you guys are actually very intelligent and humorous. I like the whole popcorn game that is going on. It’s funny!

As it stands, I do not believe in God, but I now respect why you do. Again, I apologise for any offence caused. Supermommy, I’m sorry.

Thanks guys.

Wow. That’s very humble and honest of you to admit. I know we can all get worked up sometimes, and I’m sure I’ve said things hastily that I shouldn’t have.

I’m glad that, at the very least, you have come to see us “religious people” in a not-quite-so one-dimensional way through this thread. It is far too easy for any of us to caricaturize those we disagree with. We all do the best we can to overcome that (I know I’m still trying as well).

 

[dawid]

Continued…

“The Earth Will End”

According to the Bible, the Earth will end. Most Christians want this to happen as they believe they will be with God. This sort of mentality is dangerous. The Earth will end in the name of religion, and it is wrong!!!

Human history is laden with false misconceptions, inaccuracies, etc, so why is the Bible exempt to so many people?

I will leave you with one last thought:

If you were a kid and they transposed the Bible as a fairytale would you know the difference as an adult?

I recommend you read Lee Strobel’s book “The case for the real Jesus”.
Strobel is a legal journalist that approaches his subjects as he would in a court - based on evidence.

As an agnostic he attempted to discredit the Bible, but has come to the conclusion that the book has considerably more merit than he had ever believed possible.

 

[Maher]

Look at it this way, and I’ve posted this on another thread -

Suppose two algae cells could communicate with each other somehow. They have this conversation:

“I’ve been told that humans exist, but I just dont’ see the evidence. I’ve heard they wreak havoc with the environment, kill some of us, cause others to grow and prosper, etc… But I can’t understand any of this because I just can’t comprehend a higher being than ourselves. I guess what I’m saying is that I need proof.”

Now remember algae have no eyes, brain, ears, or limbs. But humor me about the part of them talking to each other.

We sail on the ocean maybe through a patch of algae and cause distruction to their environment through extreme turbulence. We put chemicals in lakes to kill algae. In aquariums, sometimes algae is beneficial so we place artificial lighting on our fish tanks to engcourage growth. These explain the concerns in the above scenario. They certainly seem valid to us. Yet, algae can’t comprehend this at all. They just consider us part of their natural environment and adapt to each situation as it arises. Comprehending us would be absolutely impossible, even if we had a blob of algae in our hands.

Now, look at God. We are like algae in that we don’t have the capabilties to comprehend God. God exist in ways we can’t even fathom. But because we are taught and believe that we are made in God’s image and likeness, we do have advantages over algae to comprehend a very tiny bit about God. Faith I mentioned earlier, and reason. Intelligence is good, but it can’t describe or comprehend God by itself. For that we need the help of faith and reason.

Now, concerning your scenarios above. I don’t have the answer. It’s part of the mystery of faith. Only God knows those answers. But consider this, taking the above literally might get you into trouble becuase your missing the faith part. You certainly have reason, it just needs faith added to the equation.

I really hope God gives you the faith to see this. Even if the suggestion I gave you earlier doesn’t work, you have the rest of your life to keep trying - even if it’s only sporadically at best. There’s also the explanation that maybe God doesn’t want you to see these things right now, but will reveal them at some later point in your life.

In any case, I wish you luck in your endeavors.

Snert

I feel you have partially contradicted yourself here.

How do you know that God exists? You compare us to algae in that we would not have a clue about humans, which is fair enough, so how do you know God exists? Surely if we are like (not literally, of course) Algae, then surely we will be unaware of a higher being?

Thank you for being kind though, and wishing me well. When I said religion incites wars, I now know I was misled. Whilst some religions do incite violence (Islam, in my opinion, is rather violent), I have come to learn that the warm embracive attitude I have felt on here is reminiscent of the Christian faith. I have never felt warmth like this before.

 

[Maher]

Maher,
Have you read the book by the leader of the Human Genome Project, geneticist and once athiest Francis S. Collins The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief?

I have not, but it sounds interesting. I will have a look around for it.

Thank you.

 

[Maher]

No not really. You will have done as much as I have as soon as you are done with college.

I hope so.

Not sure? There is a lot of psychology and sociology involved int it (which correct me if I am wrong are also considered sciences) but there is also a great deal of history involved in it to. I have a lot of worthless information about its History; like for instance did you know that the term ‘copper’ and then ‘cop’ originated because of the copper badges that officers wore?. Amazing isn’t it?

That is very interesting. I didn’t know that. Thanks for that.

So I have really no idea why it is considered a science degree. I thought I was getting a Bachelor of Arts degree. After graduation, when the degree came in the mail which stated Bachelor of Science, I was a little surprised. Shows you how much I paid attention to my adviser when we were planning my courses.

Sounds just like myself. I only recently discovered I need specific grades to progress into 3rd year. I know it should have been fairly obvious but my friends who do different degree’s do not require a minimum requirement.

Yea, I took what was called *sports medicine *in High School. It sounds similar. We got the opportunity to dissect a cat. Apparently dissecting a cat is the next best thing to dissecting a human…That was a memorable week.

I can imagine. I don’t know if I would be able to do that. The biggest thing I have dissected was a worm and I can’t say I enjoyed it.

 

[Maher]

I recommend you read Lee Strobel’s book “The case for the real Jesus”.
Strobel is a legal journalist that approaches his subjects as he would in a court - based on evidence.

As an agnostic he attempted to discredit the Bible, but has come to the conclusion that the book has considerably more merit than he had ever believed possible.

That sounds just like me. I will have a look for that book also.

Thanks.