Weird MAJOR Atheist/Catholicism Quandry-how to deal with it

[Eric_Hyom]

If you are searching for God, you have to do something.

Jesus died for me and you, what should we give back?

Mathew 25

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

 

[FabiusMaximus]

Well, I’m not so sure that this will be an inter-faith marriage as I want to convert to Catholicism, for many reasons among which addresses your concern. And though I’m somewhat comforted by the idea that what I’m going through is “completely normal”, I wonder if it has to be that way always. I’ve read many examples of people who “keep the holy spirit” in them through thick and thin, stronger at times, less strong at other times, but there nonetheless. In fact, some may consider that religions of all stripes are there precisely to address the “out of control environment” that we may experience.
As far as Pre-Cana, this is not only something I look forward to but something that is required if we are to marry in the Catholic Church, which is our intention.

The friends I have tend to be VERY open minded and find this a bit amusing (recall, I’ve been a somewhat outspoken atheist for nearly 60 years, so the joke’s on me!). As for my family, only my sister would be outraged, but (basically) she’s a bit of a nut-job (sad to say) and will probably never know since I try to avoid her as best as I can (as do her own adult children) and I’m quite immune to her prognostications. My 86 year old mother (my father died last year) knows and is OK with it, being an atheist herself, as she loves her children and couldn’t care less about religious affiliations but, rather, cares more about anyone attempting to infringe her legal rights. My other family members are scattered wide and I hardly ever get to see them. My fiancee’s family are very tight and, for those who know, are all overjoyed at the prospect.

However, since Judaism is considered the elder brother to Catholicism I really wouldn’t be “turning my back on [my] Jewish roots”. But, even if (somehow) I was, it wouldn’t ever be the way I see things (in general) as I feel that we are all connected in many, many ways and our roots are that of the Earth and our universe (and, what I hope to fully comprehend, God for that matter). As such, I feel there’s a real continuum connecting all life and that our real roots exist in that connection.

As far as your Jewish roots go, I believe there is a movement of Catholics of Jewish descent that practice some of the traditions that are part of the Jewish faith that are compatible with Catholicism. But you’re right, Catholicism is very “Jewish” in terms of its traditions.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Catholics

I commend you for being very open minded on it all. It’s certainly not easy for everyone, especially for someone who has had a consistent belief system for sixty years. Ultimately, you just need to do this on your own time. I don’t necessarily think you need to make a decision before your wedding (not that you’ve suggested this), but perhaps you should just keep attending Mass, contemplate, and ask God repeatedly for yourself. Some here have suggested reading up on the works of saints like St Thomas Aquinas on the existence of God. Perhaps that might help overcome whatever objections you might have left.

Conversion is never easy. It’s great that your family and your friends are mostly open-minded concerning your discernment. But if you were looking for a leisurely stroll, my friend, think again.

 

[HarveyL]

Thanks for your reply but this does not pertain to my quandary (and perhaps is too advanced?).

If you are searching for God, you have to do something.

Jesus died for me and you, what should we give back?

Mathew 25

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

 

[dskysmine]

HarveyL,

I am a skeptic Catholic, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
My honest opinion is that you are experiencing a “being in love” high, and your sub conscious self is associating your religious experiences with your fiancée.
I don’t mean to say that there might not be something else there, but in the beginning of a relationship (I experienced it too) our passions often change to the things that remind us of the object of those passions.
I say this to ask for your patience. Being a Catholic is a cognitive experience that involves not just your emotions, but your whole being, hence it might be wise to practice to think about it outside of your relationship. This should be done with the mentoring of someone you trust and that can make you accountable for your actions.
The last thing I would want is for you to realize 5 years from now, when your passion for your wife changes that the Catholic Church emotionally “manipulated” you into being a Catholic and there’s nothing you can do to change it.
I am a Catholic because I was born a Catholic.
I am also a Catholic because I choose to remain a Catholic every day when I pray or meditate.
I am also a Catholic because of the knowledge of History that allowed me to understand the position of the Church during my teen years.
I am also a Catholic because I experienced profound love not just from people in Church, but from people who were faithful to the Church even outside of it.
I am also Catholic because I have been to many services and “churches” around the world and have felt compelled to recognize the beauty of the Holy Mass.
I don’t know what you will need to experience/go through to become a Catholic… but please don’t think that it’s normal to feel sexually aroused when going to Mass.
Inner Peace is the kind of feeling you are looking for.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
God bless,
D.

 

[StGerardMajella]

However, since Judaism is considered the elder brother to Catholicism I really wouldn’t be “turning my back on [my] Jewish roots”. But, even if (somehow) I was, it wouldn’t ever be the way I see things (in general)

I understand, Harvey. I guess what I was trying to convey was that most rabbis, especially among the more traditional and conservative, would view the joining of another faith as a rejection of Judaism, tantamount to heresy. Should you ever choose to return to Judaism, this conversion to Catholicism could prove to be quite problematic in the future.

I’ve read many examples of people who “keep the holy spirit” in them through thick and thin, stronger at times, less strong at other times, but there nonetheless.

I would think this would be more common among the very spiritually-gifted and those that have chosen to live a life of a devout priest, monk, nun, etc.

Well, I’m not so sure that this will be an inter-faith marriage

Understood. This is not insurmountable, just requires more preparation, discernment, and commitment.

 

[meltzerboy]

I understand, Harvey. I guess what I was trying to convey was that most rabbis, especially among the more traditional and conservative, would view the joining of another faith as a rejection of Judaism, tantamount to heresy. Should you ever choose to return to Judaism, this conversion to Catholicism could prove to be quite problematic in the future.

I would think this would be more common among the very spiritually-gifted and those that have chosen to live a life of a devout priest, monk, nun, etc.

Understood. This is not insurmountable, just requires more preparation, discernment, and commitment.

It is true that once a Jew has converted to another faith, they are no longer regarded as Jewish according to the Law. One is considered an apostate. From the Jewish perspective–whether Orthodox, Conservative, or Reform–there is no such thing as a Jewish Christian or a Jewish Catholic or a Jewish Buddhist, etc. However, it is always possible to convert back to Judaism by relinquishing the faith one has converted to.

 

[DAML72]

HarveyL,

I am a skeptic Catholic, so take my opinion with a grain of salt.
My honest opinion is that you are experiencing a “being in love” high, and your sub conscious self is associating your religious experiences with your fiancée.
I don’t mean to say that there might not be something else there, but in the beginning of a relationship (I experienced it too) our passions often change to the things that remind us of the object of those passions.
I say this to ask for your patience. Being a Catholic is a cognitive experience that involves not just your emotions, but your whole being, hence it might be wise to practice to think about it outside of your relationship. This should be done with the mentoring of someone you trust and that can make you accountable for your actions.
The last thing I would want is for you to realize 5 years from now, when your passion for your wife changes that the Catholic Church emotionally “manipulated” you into being a Catholic and there’s nothing you can do to change it.
I am a Catholic because I was born a Catholic.
I am also a Catholic because I choose to remain a Catholic every day when I pray or meditate.
I am also a Catholic because of the knowledge of History that allowed me to understand the position of the Church during my teen years.
I am also a Catholic because I experienced profound love not just from people in Church, but from people who were faithful to the Church even outside of it.
I am also Catholic because I have been to many services and “churches” around the world and have felt compelled to recognize the beauty of the Holy Mass.
I don’t know what you will need to experience/go through to become a Catholic… but please don’t think that it’s normal to feel sexually aroused when going to Mass.
Inner Peace is the kind of feeling you are looking for.
Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
God bless,
D.

While I think your concern should be noted and heeded, I disagree with your assertion that it’s not normal to be sexually aroused by Catholicism. My conversion experience was very sensual (and I was not dating anyone at the time). I believe St. Theresa of Avila would also disagree. The Church is very sensual - it is meant to be so - to appeal to the deepest convictions of our hearts.

I think, Harvey, you just need to give it time. Let the Holy Spirit do His work. You have gotten a lot of good advice here - prayer and reading the word is very important.

I wonder, have you read Jennifer Fulwiler’s conversion story yet? That might appeal to you. I have found Bishop Barron’s videos and blog entries very helpful in my faith walk. Watch some atheist conversion stories from “The Journey Home” (on youtube) - it’s fascinating to see how the Holy Spirit works - always unique story for each individual, but in recognizable patterns.

 

[Vic_Taltrees_UK]

Harvey, it may be that the tasks your priest is setting you to prepare for the induction course to RCIA are sufficient momentarily, together with other suggestions.

The main thing to remember, is that it will still be a journey after RCIA.

And that it is probably most practical, to think of this as a parallel series of processes to getting married rather than one that is exactly tied in with it.

Best wishes on your good journeys!

 

[HarveyL]

I think you may be correct here as I do find Catholicism to be sensual on many levels, as well as Christianity in general. It’s comforting to think that it’s meant to be, as you stated, because it was weirding me out a bit.

I now realize that, indeed, it takes time. Still, a lot of what has been happening with me feels like a sudden strong wind that I embrace, letting it blow me away. It’s as if the more I embrace, the more I want. For instance, I just joined a Bible study Meet-Up group and I can’t wait to start with it. This is just one more aspect I’m embracing and, each week, another one or more adds to it. A year ago I would have NEVER guessed I’d be where I am now.

I’ve read Jennifer’s story and love her writing (she’s nerdy, like I am) but where she came from an intellectually based side, mine is far more emotionally based. In that respect, I’m beginning to think that I should just give in and quell my intellectual doubts, actively and knowingly. I think that may be what faith means?

While I think your concern should be noted and heeded, I disagree with your assertion that it’s not normal to be sexually aroused by Catholicism. My conversion experience was very sensual (and I was not dating anyone at the time). I believe St. Theresa of Avila would also disagree. The Church is very sensual - it is meant to be so - to appeal to the deepest convictions of our hearts.

I think, Harvey, you just need to give it time. Let the Holy Spirit do His work. You have gotten a lot of good advice here - prayer and reading the word is very important.

I wonder, have you read Jennifer Fulwiler’s conversion story yet? That might appeal to you. I have found Bishop Barron’s videos and blog entries very helpful in my faith walk. Watch some atheist conversion stories from “The Journey Home” (on youtube) - it’s fascinating to see how the Holy Spirit works - always unique story for each individual, but in recognizable patterns.

 

[Della]

I think you may be correct here as I do find Catholicism to be sensual on many levels, as well as Christianity in general. It’s comforting to think that it’s meant to be, as you stated, because it was weirding me out a bit.

I now realize that, indeed, it takes time. Still, a lot of what has been happening with me feels like a sudden strong wind that I embrace, letting it blow me away. It’s as if the more I embrace, the more I want. For instance, I just joined a Bible study Meet-Up group and I can’t wait to start with it. This is just one more aspect I’m embracing and, each week, another one or more adds to it. A year ago I would have NEVER guessed I’d be where I am now.

I’ve read Jennifer’s story and love her writing (she’s nerdy, like I am) but where she came from an intellectually based side, mine is far more emotionally based. In that respect, I’m beginning to think that I should just give in and quell my intellectual doubts, actively and knowingly. I think that may be what faith means?

The Catholic faith is both/and not either/or. The either/or is more of a Protestant idea based on rejecting various Catholic teachings. You may be coming from the latter perspective.

It’s perfectly fine to explore the intellectual side of the faith while embracing the emotive/affective sides of the faith. So, you’re fine. It’s a process in which you will grow in spurts and stops in every way any human being can. It can be a bit overwhelming–like falling in love. But you don’t have to squash your intellect. Rather we surrender it to God in love, knowing that as our faith grows, we will come to understand more and more. It’s faith informing reason not rejecting or squashing intellect in order to have faith.

 

[ThundersnowIV]

I’ve been an atheist most of my life (I’m 65 and an atheist since the age of 7). I’ve fallen in love with a practicing Catholic woman who, upon her invitation, I accompany to Mass every week and have been doing so for many months now. Note, too, that in this post when I use the term “cognitive” I mean when I’m thinking without emotion, sort of like Mr. Spock, devoid of as much emotional connection as my mind can sum up.

I have always had a deep level of curiosity about many things and, since going to Mass, I’ve asked many questions and read many things about the meaning of the Mass and what it means to be Catholic. My learning has drawn me closer both to my, now, fiancee and to Catholicism. I’m very impressed with the incredible amount of thought behind the Catechism, the beauty of the Church, and the rituals, not to mention the morality and goodness of Catholic thinking and practice, as I’ve seen it so far. I even decided to, what I thought to be temporary, give up atheistic viewpoints for Lent (and discussed this in a separate thread).

My history is Jewish but I don’t practice and haven’t done so since I was 13 when I was forced/strongly-encouraged to have a Bar Mitzvah. My fiancee would be overjoyed if I converted to Catholic, but she wants it to be my decision. I even hired a certified hypnotist to believe in God though she said that can’t be done in any long term manner, she instead opened me up to “spirituality”. This had two affects: I find myself annoyed when I read or hear atheists espousing their beliefs (even though I agree with them!) and my fiancee giggles when this happens as she feels similarly, and I am filled with a feeling of love and community when we go to Mass together, far more than previously.

Here’s the issue, and it’s a strange one. When I go to Church it’s as though I believe in God completely. Note that I and my fiancee have both been praying for my belief. But, when I’m in my ordinary world, outside the Church, I revert to my atheistic beliefs which are now 100% in my cognitive mind and 50% in my emotional self (it used to be 100% at all times, on both levels) though for Lent I didn’t reveal this and, instead, decided to only have positive thoughts and actions regarding belief and Catholicism.

I’ve read many of the apologetics and my cognitive mind easily finds answers that undermine the logic of all of the apologetics, including the first cause explanation, which I think is among the best of the arguments. Yet, emotionally, now, I feel a MAJOR draw to Catholicism. So, I both (and I use this term on purpose) love Catholicism at the same time that I don’t believe (cognitively) its major foundational beliefs: the Resurrection, the existence of God and transubstantiation. Note, though, that emotionally I do believe all of this. (?!)

This is a very strange place to be, trust me. It’s almost as if I’m two people, but I’m not crazy, I am one person.

Let me just free associate and say what I want and let you out there help sort this quandry for me.

Now, I want to become Catholic (I’m registering for the RCIA and am being guided until then by our Catholic priest who is giving me tasks to do in preparation). I want to have our marriage as a sacrament as this would both satisfy my fiancee (and myself) and place our marriage in the highest order. I want to go to Mass at least once a week, and on all high holy days, for the rest of my life. I want to go to Confession and be absolved of my sins and seek Penance. I want to convert and live a life of deeper conversion every day. I want my marriage to be inspired by Jesus and God. I want to use the list of sins and the 10 Commandments as the moral code to live by. I want to be able to think and feel Catholic, to vote with Catholic conscience (note, I am (cognitively) for birth control, abortion, gay rights but FEEL a kinship with Catholic morals and want that, too, to enter my cognitive beliefs since I understand the connection that the Catholic Catechism has so clearly described) but can not, now, connect the two parts of myself: the emotional and the cognitive.

When I am outside the Church, in my everyday life, I can’t find myself to believe that God exists. I hold very “progressive” political viewpoints that violate Catholic doctrine. The exception comes only when I’m with my fiancee and feeling great love for her. At those times I feel God is working His hand in my relationship and guiding me to a holy life. That is the only exception. And, another strange observation: when I’m in Church I feel this same feeling. I’m actually turned on, sexually, about all things Catholic.

I’m very, very confused about it all and don’t know what to do with this.

My friend…my degree is in physics. So here we go in a very brief way. An atheist believes that the universe has always existed in one form or another…but does not believe that a creating force (GOD) has always existed. There is the consideration. I am praying for you.

 

[zab]

Ask God for the gift of Faith.

 

[HarveyL]

Yea, it’s probably basic but “faith informing reason” makes sense since, even if reason may be based on facts, it’s one’s faith in the paradigm to conclusions that works one way or another. Good.

The Catholic faith is both/and not either/or. The either/or is more of a Protestant idea based on rejecting various Catholic teachings. You may be coming from the latter perspective.

It’s perfectly fine to explore the intellectual side of the faith while embracing the emotive/affective sides of the faith. So, you’re fine. It’s a process in which you will grow in spurts and stops in every way any human being can. It can be a bit overwhelming–like falling in love. But you don’t have to squash your intellect. Rather we surrender it to God in love, knowing that as our faith grows, we will come to understand more and more. It’s faith informing reason not rejecting or squashing intellect in order to have faith.

 

[HarveyL]

I’ve been doing that through daily prayers. Thanks.

Ask God for the gift of Faith.

 

[HarveyL]

Strictly, from a scientific point of view, both beliefs are equally valid since, from a scientific point of view, both have an equal amount of data to support them, so far.

My friend…my degree is in physics. So here we go in a very brief way. An atheist believes that the universe has always existed in one form or another…but does not believe that a creating force (GOD) has always existed. There is the consideration. I am praying for you.

 

[Della]

Strictly, from a scientific point of view, both beliefs are equally valid since, from a scientific point of view, both have an equal amount of data to support them, so far.

Which tells us what? That faith and science are not enemies of one another, as some claim. Pope St. John Paul II wrote a great encyclical about faith and reason which you may like to read: w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_14091998_fides-et-ratio.html.

 

[HarveyL]

Hi ThundersonIV,

I’m not sure if anyone can characterize what any atheist may think about the origins of our universe, or the multiverse if that turns out to be factual. I’d guess that the majority of atheists are relatively ignorant about cosmological theoretical physics. I’d also guess that most atheists don’t go much past the “not believing that any God exists” stage with a few more of them stating that the evidence they’ve seen wasn’t convincing enough for them.

At this point in my life, I’m inclined (using my “cognitive” side) to think that a particular quantum state may have existed outside time and space from which, due to random fluctuations, energy was concentrated in such a way as to render gravity a “force” for expansion, thus giving birth to a universe. It’s all quite hypothetical, as you may know, but is both consistent with current quantum physical understandings and mathematical realities. One may term this overarching “quantum state” a form of God, but certainly not the form that one would usually use to define, say, a personal God, etc.

Some atheists may state our universe is probably one of many, all of which came from another, previous, universe and grew outside from them in their own bubble, or within some other manifestation but all connected by the idea that the multiverse changes form and potential, each with their own start point, but ultimately the broader “outer” universe never had a beginning. This is sort of like saying that a circle has no beginning, even if it does have a limited dimension that may expand, or a sphere’s surface has no beginning point though it may have a particular shape and diameter.

As such, my cognitive state is in its own vacuum as my emotional side would very much prefer the personal God.

My friend…my degree is in physics. So here we go in a very brief way. An atheist believes that the universe has always existed in one form or another…but does not believe that a creating force (GOD) has always existed. There is the consideration. I am praying for you.

 

[Della]

Hi ThundersonIV,

I’m not sure if anyone can characterize what any atheist may think about the origins of our universe, or the multiverse if that turns out to be factual. I’d guess that the majority of atheists are relatively ignorant about cosmological theoretical physics. I’d also guess that most atheists don’t go much past the “not believing that any God exists” stage with a few more of them stating that the evidence they’ve seen wasn’t convincing enough for them.

At this point in my life, I’m inclined (using my “cognitive” side) to think that a particular quantum state may have existed outside time and space from which, due to random fluctuations, energy was concentrated in such a way as to render gravity a “force” for expansion, thus giving birth to a universe. It’s all quite hypothetical, as you may know, but is both consistent with current quantum physical understandings and mathematical realities. One may term this overarching “quantum state” a form of God, but certainly not the form that one would usually use to define, say, a personal God, etc.

Some atheists may state our universe is probably one of many, all of which came from another, previous, universe and grew outside from them in their own bubble, or within some other manifestation but all connected by the idea that the multiverse changes form and potential, each with their own start point, but ultimately the broader “outer” universe never had a beginning. This is sort of like saying that a circle has no beginning, even if it does have a limited dimension that may expand, or a sphere’s surface has no beginning point though it may have a particular shape and diameter.

These are all questions we do not know the answers to, and may never know, but we know that God knows. He hasn’t deigned to tell us everything about creation, how he did it, it’s full meaning in regards to our relationship with him. Perhaps we’ll know one day when God creates a new heaven and a new earth. Whatever it has been and whatever it will be is not within our power to effect, in any case.

As such, my cognitive state is in its own vacuum as my emotional side would very much prefer the personal God.

When I’m puzzled about the grand scheme of things I remember the very brief Psalm 131:

[1] O LORD, my heart is not lifted up,
my eyes are not raised too high;
I do not occupy myself with things
too great and too marvelous for me.
[2] But I have calmed and quieted my soul,
like a child quieted at its mother’s breast;
like a child that is quieted is my soul.
[3] O Israel, hope in the LORD
from this time forth and for evermore.

 

[HarveyL]

Just an update:

I have been doing the following most every day:

Praying when wakening (usually asking God to direct me for the day)
Praying in mid day (thanking God for the blessings I’ve received)
Praying before sleep (telling God that I’m open to believe)
Reading my Bible every day at least 15 minutes (usually more than 30)
Praying the Rosary whenever I have time and instead of doing things that are simply time fillers (entertainment type stuff)
IMPORTANT-Examining my conscience before sleep and during the day (in terms of Catholic sin), asking God for forgiveness and including in my prayers for having the power in God to overcome them.
Going to Mass, even when on vacation (even my fiancee never did this but I now feel a strong need to do so and feel renewed afterwards, though left with a deep painful feeling of not being allowed, yet, to participate in Communion)

Again, I thank everyone here for their great suggestions. I think the best of them (and they’re all valuable) is praying throughout the day as it is very reinforcing and I’ve found that the longer I’m at it, the more sustained its affects. At this point, the affects last easily from one prayer session to the next and I actually didn’t even consider this but now realize that it’s very effective for dealing with my issues as described here. Of course, wanting this and being open to it enabled me to hear God inside more and more.

What is great is that, after Mass now, I can carry my emotional beliefs (see how I’ve defined this in this forum posting) throughout the day. I think the regular praying has strongly helped me sustain this and I feel it’s finally becoming the whole of me, without the dichotomy I had been bothered by. I don’t care if praying is a form of self hypnosis, because, whatever it’s defined as, it feels like food now. I want my “regimen” to become a lifetime habit and I know that it’s becoming easier each day, even necessary.

It amazes me how quickly this has moved. I feel, now, that by September, when I start my RCIA, I will be fully open and ready to convert and continue my conversion, even afterwards. Note, also, that I’ve been doing all of this while purposely avoiding any exposure to atheistic “noise”. In fact, atheist sentiments now bother me where it never had previously. I realize that this is probably temporary but I need to avoid it for now as I don’t want to backtrack.

If anyone has any other ideas to help me cement my faith, please add them. Thanks!!!

 

[lightacandle]

Hello HarveyL. What you have shared is fascinating to me. Firstly, IMO, belief in God is a choice. You have, for many years, chosen to NOT believe. A choice. And, evidently, nothing came along in your life to make you question that choice until now. You cannot become Catholic for someone else or just because it seems a cool thing to do. Just as our God is one in three persons, we are body, soul and spirit. Body and mind you have dealt with all your life, but now it seems that your spirit has emerged. Perhaps it is your spirit now that calls out to God. And it seems your spirit does believe in God. And God is reaching out to your spirit. This is your chance and your choice. When you have a personal experience with our Lord, everything will click and fall into place. I pray that moment will happen for you. Continue to give your spirit a chance to know God and the choice to know God.

I took a Physiology class once. We studied the complexity of the human body in detail. It was awesome how many people were so awestruck and were commenting on the fact that the human body had to have been by design and could not have been some random accident. At that moment, God seemed the answer. Intelligent design. Once you admit intelligent design, then there has to be a creator. And that creator created you. And then it goes from there. Creator is greater than I. I owe my existence to the creator. It isn’t hard to believe or give due worship after that. And then wanting to know who God is. It is so much more hopeful to believe in God than not. To believe that there is something else past this mortal life, some kind of immortality, is hopeful. So much better than the belief that when this body dies, that’s it. You cease to exist. So much better to believe that miracles can and do happen, and not just a belief in random chance. Only the existence of God explains everything that is. Nothing else makes sense to me. I hope you have that personal experience, that light bulb :newidea: moment with God. Nothing will ever be the same.