Moving from belief in God, to belief in Jesus

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Welcome to Catholicism

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

So how do you have a conversation with a spirit? holy or otherwise

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Maybe OP's path will ultimately be away from belief in God or Jesus, or spirits. It happens to some people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Maybe OP's path will ultimately be away from belief in God or Jesus, or spirits. It happens to some people.

[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.

Jesus was born in the year 0 AD, if I understand correctly. It's now 2016. That's over a 2,000 years difference. By "living" I meant "alive" or, more specifically "on this Earth in physical form". If you have to twist the definition of words to prove your point then perhaps your point needs to be reassessed. Last time I checked, there are exactly zero middle eastern rabbis walking around who are 2,000 years old. That's what Jesus was. You also have not sufficient explained how to tell the difference between your own thoughts and God speaking to you.

[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.

Jesus was born in the year 0 AD, if I understand correctly. It's now 2016. That's over a 2,000 years difference. By "living" I meant "alive" or, more specifically "on this Earth in physical form". If you have to twist the definition of words to prove your point then perhaps your point needs to be reassessed. Last time I checked, there are exactly zero middle eastern rabbis walking around who are 2,000 years old. That's what Jesus was. You also have not sufficient explained how to tell the difference between your own thoughts and God speaking to you.

It's difficult to explain it because God is invisible and your thoughts are inside your head, so from the outside, you can't tell who is talking. But Christians, because of their faith, know when it's God.

[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.

Jesus was born in the year 0 AD, if I understand correctly. It's now 2016. That's over a 2,000 years difference. By "living" I meant "alive" or, more specifically "on this Earth in physical form". If you have to twist the definition of words to prove your point then perhaps your point needs to be reassessed. Last time I checked, there are exactly zero middle eastern rabbis walking around who are 2,000 years old. That's what Jesus was. You also have not sufficient explained how to tell the difference between your own thoughts and God speaking to you.

You wrote, "By living I meant..." and then accused me of twisting the definitions of words, after defining the word the way you want. Christ rose from the dead, then ascended back to Heaven, where He came from. He is very much alive. The fact that He is not walking around on Earth at the moment is irrelevant. He will return some day to redeem those who believe in Him and judge those who don't. You will see then that He is very much alive. Put your trust in Him and ask for Him to forgive your sins so that you will be in the first camp and not the second.

[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.

Jesus was born in the year 0 AD, if I understand correctly. It's now 2016. That's over a 2,000 years difference. By "living" I meant "alive" or, more specifically "on this Earth in physical form". If you have to twist the definition of words to prove your point then perhaps your point needs to be reassessed. Last time I checked, there are exactly zero middle eastern rabbis walking around who are 2,000 years old. That's what Jesus was. You also have not sufficient explained how to tell the difference between your own thoughts and God speaking to you.

The Bible and the Holy Spirit both bear witness in our spirits, if we believe in Christ as our Savior, so that we know the mind of Christ. This is open to all who will believe in Christ.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Jesus was born in the year 0 AD, if I understand correctly. It's now 2016. That's over a 2,000 years difference. By "living" I meant "alive" or, more specifically "on this Earth in physical form". If you have to twist the definition of words to prove your point then perhaps your point needs to be reassessed. Last time I checked, there are exactly zero middle eastern rabbis walking around who are 2,000 years old. That's what Jesus was. You also have not sufficient explained how to tell the difference between your own thoughts and God speaking to you.

The Bible and the Holy Spirit both bear witness in our spirits, if we believe in Christ as our Savior, so that we know the mind of Christ. This is open to all who will believe in Christ.

And the rest go to hell

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Jesus was born in the year 0 AD, if I understand correctly. It's now 2016. That's over a 2,000 years difference. By "living" I meant "alive" or, more specifically "on this Earth in physical form". If you have to twist the definition of words to prove your point then perhaps your point needs to be reassessed. Last time I checked, there are exactly zero middle eastern rabbis walking around who are 2,000 years old. That's what Jesus was. You also have not sufficient explained how to tell the difference between your own thoughts and God speaking to you.

You wrote, "By living I meant..." and then accused me of twisting the definitions of words, after defining the word the way you want. Christ rose from the dead, then ascended back to Heaven, where He came from. He is very much alive. The fact that He is not walking around on Earth at the moment is irrelevant. He will return some day to redeem those who believe in Him and judge those who don't. You will see then that He is very much alive. Put your trust in Him and ask for Him to forgive your sins so that you will be in the first camp and not the second.

It's very hot in that second camp, if you don't beieve in Christ -- or even if you do believe in Christ but mess up by not following his commandments, you will still end up in the second, very hot, camp. If you don't believe in Christ, then you take your chances. If there is a second camp, you'll end up in it, but if there really isn't a Christ who died for you (all of us, really) and demands that we believe in him and follow his commandments, then you just die - no camps at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Jesus was born in the year 0 AD, if I understand correctly. It's now 2016. That's over a 2,000 years difference. By "living" I meant "alive" or, more specifically "on this Earth in physical form". If you have to twist the definition of words to prove your point then perhaps your point needs to be reassessed. Last time I checked, there are exactly zero middle eastern rabbis walking around who are 2,000 years old. That's what Jesus was. You also have not sufficient explained how to tell the difference between your own thoughts and God speaking to you.

You wrote, "By living I meant..." and then accused me of twisting the definitions of words, after defining the word the way you want. Christ rose from the dead, then ascended back to Heaven, where He came from. He is very much alive. The fact that He is not walking around on Earth at the moment is irrelevant. He will return some day to redeem those who believe in Him and judge those who don't. You will see then that He is very much alive. Put your trust in Him and ask for Him to forgive your sins so that you will be in the first camp and not the second.

It's very hot in that second camp, if you don't beieve in Christ -- or even if you do believe in Christ but mess up by not following his commandments, you will still end up in the second, very hot, camp. If you don't believe in Christ, then you take your chances. If there is a second camp, you'll end up in it, but if there really isn't a Christ who died for you (all of us, really) and demands that we believe in him and follow his commandments, then you just die - no camps at all.

Typical dumb Atheist/materialist.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Jesus was born in the year 0 AD, if I understand correctly. It's now 2016. That's over a 2,000 years difference. By "living" I meant "alive" or, more specifically "on this Earth in physical form". If you have to twist the definition of words to prove your point then perhaps your point needs to be reassessed. Last time I checked, there are exactly zero middle eastern rabbis walking around who are 2,000 years old. That's what Jesus was. You also have not sufficient explained how to tell the difference between your own thoughts and God speaking to you.

You wrote, "By living I meant..." and then accused me of twisting the definitions of words, after defining the word the way you want. Christ rose from the dead, then ascended back to Heaven, where He came from. He is very much alive. The fact that He is not walking around on Earth at the moment is irrelevant. He will return some day to redeem those who believe in Him and judge those who don't. You will see then that He is very much alive. Put your trust in Him and ask for Him to forgive your sins so that you will be in the first camp and not the second.

Amen!

[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.

Read Isaiah. Add Daniel if you can. You will see how it all was foretold exactly as it happened. Where he would be from, etc.

[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.

Read Isaiah. Add Daniel if you can. You will see how it all was foretold exactly as it happened. Where he would be from, etc.

Isaiah and Daniel are stories, not factual accounts. And it's pretty easy to write a sequel when the back story is already written.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Jesus was born in the year 0 AD, if I understand correctly. It's now 2016. That's over a 2,000 years difference. By "living" I meant "alive" or, more specifically "on this Earth in physical form". If you have to twist the definition of words to prove your point then perhaps your point needs to be reassessed. Last time I checked, there are exactly zero middle eastern rabbis walking around who are 2,000 years old. That's what Jesus was. You also have not sufficient explained how to tell the difference between your own thoughts and God speaking to you.

You wrote, "By living I meant..." and then accused me of twisting the definitions of words, after defining the word the way you want. Christ rose from the dead, then ascended back to Heaven, where He came from. He is very much alive. The fact that He is not walking around on Earth at the moment is irrelevant. He will return some day to redeem those who believe in Him and judge those who don't. You will see then that He is very much alive. Put your trust in Him and ask for Him to forgive your sins so that you will be in the first camp and not the second.

It's very hot in that second camp, if you don't beieve in Christ -- or even if you do believe in Christ but mess up by not following his commandments, you will still end up in the second, very hot, camp. If you don't believe in Christ, then you take your chances. If there is a second camp, you'll end up in it, but if there really isn't a Christ who died for you (all of us, really) and demands that we believe in him and follow his commandments, then you just die - no camps at all.

Typical dumb Atheist/materialist.

everything that tda/m said is part of Christian belief.