Moving from belief in God, to belief in Jesus

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the people that say it's not a progression, you are viewing it within the context of already believing in Jesus.
Clearly, simply believing that there is a God is different from believing in Christianity. If two things are different, then going from one to the other is absolutely a progression.

If you presuppose the absolute truth of Christianity, you may argue that it's not a progression, but rather simply learning what is already true: you are already there, just opening your eyes and your ears to take it all in.

But to someone who does not presuppose the absolute truth of Christianity, it's more akin to choosing which path to walk down, and very much a progression. It's incredibly condescending to these people to tell them "you are already there, just open your eyes/ears".

I disagree.

If OP believes in God that belief is beyond any systemic rules and exclusivity that many religions impose in order for their belief in God to be valid. Some religions/sects/denominations narrowly define their ideas as to how the correct way to believe in God is, who the "true" God is, and tell you what exactly to believe or your are not truly that xyz religion. This can just push the OP back if it doesn't resonate.

God is above all that.

It's not really, you're already there, open your eyes/ears, it's more like you're already there, now listen to your heart and be open to accepting the guidance of God. This can be aided by finding a sect/denomination of religion that resonates with your current beliefs.

Do you believe that God is only God to a certain religion or to all people?

Do you believe God is humanlike in emotions? Gets angry? Gets jealous?

Or do you believe God is all pervading, that God is a part of all of creation?

Do you believe in heaven and Hell?

These types of things are important for the OP to think about when deciding to choose a religion because there are certain aspects that are central to the foundation of the religion.

It takes God as just God and belief, plain and simple, to an entire set of rules and dogma that are required for the faith in God.

What makes you think "God is above all that"? It seems more credible to believe that God would have definite attributes than to just be all things to all people, whatever they believe. That doesn't work for people. Why should it be the case for the creator of the universe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the people that say it's not a progression, you are viewing it within the context of already believing in Jesus.
Clearly, simply believing that there is a God is different from believing in Christianity. If two things are different, then going from one to the other is absolutely a progression.

If you presuppose the absolute truth of Christianity, you may argue that it's not a progression, but rather simply learning what is already true: you are already there, just opening your eyes and your ears to take it all in.

But to someone who does not presuppose the absolute truth of Christianity, it's more akin to choosing which path to walk down, and very much a progression. It's incredibly condescending to these people to tell them "you are already there, just open your eyes/ears".

I disagree.

If OP believes in God that belief is beyond any systemic rules and exclusivity that many religions impose in order for their belief in God to be valid. Some religions/sects/denominations narrowly define their ideas as to how the correct way to believe in God is, who the "true" God is, and tell you what exactly to believe or your are not truly that xyz religion. This can just push the OP back if it doesn't resonate.

God is above all that.

It's not really, you're already there, open your eyes/ears, it's more like you're already there, now listen to your heart and be open to accepting the guidance of God. This can be aided by finding a sect/denomination of religion that resonates with your current beliefs.

Do you believe that God is only God to a certain religion or to all people?

Do you believe God is humanlike in emotions? Gets angry? Gets jealous?

Or do you believe God is all pervading, that God is a part of all of creation?

Do you believe in heaven and Hell?

These types of things are important for the OP to think about when deciding to choose a religion because there are certain aspects that are central to the foundation of the religion.

It takes God as just God and belief, plain and simple, to an entire set of rules and dogma that are required for the faith in God.

What makes you think "God is above all that"? It seems more credible to believe that God would have definite attributes than to just be all things to all people, whatever they believe. That doesn't work for people. Why should it be the case for the creator of the universe?

Because he's God. The creator of the entire universe and beyond. From the tiniest atom to the largest of creatures. He's all things not just to all people but to the entire universe.

He definitely doesn't have the same attributes as any Joe Schmoe down the street has. That doesn't seem credible at all. How that works for people is baffling to me.

See how we think of God differently? Which is why it's so important for the OP to find a path that will continue to nourish his/her belief in God.

[Anonymous]

I understand what OP is going through.

You need to develop a relationship with Jesus.

A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them. So you would read the Bible, and pray for guidance.

It's a journey for all of us, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand what OP is going through.

You need to develop a relationship with Jesus.

A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them. So you would read the Bible, and pray for guidance.

It's a journey for all of us, OP.

I agree with your point that "A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them." How exactly do you plan on having a conversation with a guy who's been dead for over 2,000 years? How are able to distinguish between what you think Jesus is telling you versus your own thoughts? I have never heard a good answer to this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I mean I believe in God, intuitively, and I feel drawn to a Christian church. But being a Christian requires believing written stories about someone from 2000 years ago. How to get there, is my question.

How would you figure out anything else in your life? Use your mind and think. In my experience, anytime someone is discouraging you to do that and just go with it or use your feelings, or claiming it's some sort of mystery then it's a smoke and mirrors show.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To the people that say it's not a progression, you are viewing it within the context of already believing in Jesus.
Clearly, simply believing that there is a God is different from believing in Christianity. If two things are different, then going from one to the other is absolutely a progression.

If you presuppose the absolute truth of Christianity, you may argue that it's not a progression, but rather simply learning what is already true: you are already there, just opening your eyes and your ears to take it all in.

But to someone who does not presuppose the absolute truth of Christianity, it's more akin to choosing which path to walk down, and very much a progression. It's incredibly condescending to these people to tell them "you are already there, just open your eyes/ears".

I disagree.

If OP believes in God that belief is beyond any systemic rules and exclusivity that many religions impose in order for their belief in God to be valid. Some religions/sects/denominations narrowly define their ideas as to how the correct way to believe in God is, who the "true" God is, and tell you what exactly to believe or your are not truly that xyz religion. This can just push the OP back if it doesn't resonate.

God is above all that.

It's not really, you're already there, open your eyes/ears, it's more like you're already there, now listen to your heart and be open to accepting the guidance of God. This can be aided by finding a sect/denomination of religion that resonates with your current beliefs.

Do you believe that God is only God to a certain religion or to all people?

Do you believe God is humanlike in emotions? Gets angry? Gets jealous?

Or do you believe God is all pervading, that God is a part of all of creation?

Do you believe in heaven and Hell?

These types of things are important for the OP to think about when deciding to choose a religion because there are certain aspects that are central to the foundation of the religion.

It takes God as just God and belief, plain and simple, to an entire set of rules and dogma that are required for the faith in God.

Could not decipher an actual reason for your disagreement. Are you saying religious dogma is good or bad? It seems that you feel that God is above dogma, therefore dogma, which can be wrong, is therefore not that important. Yet you then seem to suggest that the OP find a set of dogma that resonates with her because they are important.

Also, not sure why the OP would need additional guidance if he/she is already there. Guidance is used to get from one place to a different place, which some of us would call a progression.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand what OP is going through.

You need to develop a relationship with Jesus.

A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them. So you would read the Bible, and pray for guidance.

It's a journey for all of us, OP.

I agree with your point that "A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them." How exactly do you plan on having a conversation with a guy who's been dead for over 2,000 years? How are able to distinguish between what you think Jesus is telling you versus your own thoughts? I have never heard a good answer to this.

Jesus hasn't been dead for more than 2,000 years. He rose from the grave three days after His resurrection. He is a living God. That's how you are able to have a relationship with him, through prayer, Bible reading, the Holy Spirit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand what OP is going through.

You need to develop a relationship with Jesus.

A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them. So you would read the Bible, and pray for guidance.

It's a journey for all of us, OP.

I agree with your point that "A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them." How exactly do you plan on having a conversation with a guy who's been dead for over 2,000 years? How are able to distinguish between what you think Jesus is telling you versus your own thoughts? I have never heard a good answer to this.

Jesus hasn't been dead for more than 2,000 years. He rose from the grave three days after His resurrection. He is a living God. That's how you are able to have a relationship with him, through prayer, Bible reading, the Holy Spirit.

There have been more sightings of Elvis than Jesus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I mean I believe in God, intuitively, and I feel drawn to a Christian church. But being a Christian requires believing written stories about someone from 2000 years ago. How to get there, is my question.

OP, the Bible says that those who truly seek after God will find Jesus Christ. If you are truly open to embracing Jesus as God, humbly pray to God to reveal to you the truth of Scripture, and He will show you. He'll answer that prayer every time.

You're speaking of tHe new Testament. THe Old testament says nothing about Jesus. Never heard of him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I understand what OP is going through.

You need to develop a relationship with Jesus.

A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them. So you would read the Bible, and pray for guidance.

It's a journey for all of us, OP.

and not all of us end up believing in Jesus. In fact the percentage of Christians is decreasing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand what OP is going through.

You need to develop a relationship with Jesus.

A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them. So you would read the Bible, and pray for guidance.

It's a journey for all of us, OP.

I agree with your point that "A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them." How exactly do you plan on having a conversation with a guy who's been dead for over 2,000 years? How are able to distinguish between what you think Jesus is telling you versus your own thoughts? I have never heard a good answer to this.

Jesus hasn't been dead for more than 2,000 years. He rose from the grave three days after His resurrection. He is a living God. That's how you are able to have a relationship with him, through prayer, Bible reading, the Holy Spirit.

so how do you have a conversation with a guy who's been living in heaven for 2,000 years?

[Anonymous]

I can relate, OP. I believe in God but have a hard time to embracing the concept of the holy trinity or seeing Jesus as define, though I love the teachings of Jesus. I'm drawn to the Christian church, too.

It's unfortunate because I've been involved with a Catholic bible study that I think I'll have to discontinue. There's so much focus on dogma and the teachings of the church - the manmade stuff - that it absolutely seems to overshadow the simple concepts of love, forgiveness, etc.

[Anonymous]

^divine not define

[Anonymous]

Well, based on the line of reasoning, God has already put the concept of love and forgiveness into our hearts, why do we need organized religion to begin with if it just adds additional manmade stuff that we don't need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I understand what OP is going through.

You need to develop a relationship with Jesus.

A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them. So you would read the Bible, and pray for guidance.

It's a journey for all of us, OP.

I agree with your point that "A relationship requires getting to know someone, and talking to them." How exactly do you plan on having a conversation with a guy who's been dead for over 2,000 years? How are able to distinguish between what you think Jesus is telling you versus your own thoughts? I have never heard a good answer to this.

Jesus hasn't been dead for more than 2,000 years. He rose from the grave three days after His resurrection. He is a living God. That's how you are able to have a relationship with him, through prayer, Bible reading, the Holy Spirit.

so how do you have a conversation with a guy who's been living in heaven for 2,000 years?

PP, while Jesus is in Heaven, the Holy Spirit -- the third part of the Trinity -- is very much here and alive on earth. When one follows Jesus and becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit lives within us.