Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 20:29     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
The Bible says "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." So my question is, I know you're certain that there's no One out there, but if you're wrong, have you truly thought about what an eternity in Hell will be like?

I know this is why many don't believe, but that is why Christ said, "Repent, and believe the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

Thank you for answering this. I ask this sincerely.


Not the OP, but also an atheist. I was brought up in a church, and the god I learned about there was forgiving and loving. If I am wrong, I don't actually believe I am going to hell. I think that if there was a god, the one I'd want there to be would be forgiving and judge me based on my morality and good works, not faith or lack of faith.

So I think I'll be fine, whether I believe or not.

So, you're always good?


Atheists don't believe anyone is "always good." That's a simplistic view.

We are all flawed. But if I, for example, own my flaws and try my best to be the best I can be, must I ask god for forgiveness in order to enter heaven? (if there is such a place, that is) Couldn't I be judged based on my actions and not necessarily my beliefs?

Really, what's the difference?

It's a world of difference. You just admitted your actions are flawed. And you want to own them but not ask for forgiveness. The difference is a pride of heart that says you can do what you want without consequence. Yes, you must ask forgiveness. Why not? Don't we expect that among ourselves? "Oh, I'm so sorry I hurt you. Please forgive me." That's a good thing. Well, you sin against God when you sin against others. He cares about people, so your sins against others offend Him, too. But God is not petty. He forgives those who ask for it. (1 John 1:9) And it's such a dire issue that He had to send Jesus Christ to earth to die for those sins, and ALL He asks is that you believe Him. I do not understand why people hate God for this. All He asks is you to believe Him. It's really that simple.


If I've made peace with the one I've offended, why do I need a middleman (or middlegod)?

I don't hate god; I simply don't believe in god.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 20:28     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Anonymous wrote:Dropping in to say that I really appreciate this thread. It was a nice idea.

-a person of faith


+1

- another person of faith.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 20:19     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
The Bible says "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." So my question is, I know you're certain that there's no One out there, but if you're wrong, have you truly thought about what an eternity in Hell will be like?

I know this is why many don't believe, but that is why Christ said, "Repent, and believe the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

Thank you for answering this. I ask this sincerely.


Not the OP, but also an atheist. I was brought up in a church, and the god I learned about there was forgiving and loving. If I am wrong, I don't actually believe I am going to hell. I think that if there was a god, the one I'd want there to be would be forgiving and judge me based on my morality and good works, not faith or lack of faith.

So I think I'll be fine, whether I believe or not.

You know, you inadvertently make the Christian case. You will be judged on your morality and good works. And they will be lacking. I don't know you personally, but I know that we all are sinful sometimes. And you contradict yourself. You want God to judge you on your good works AND be forgiving? The Bible says you that if you want to work for your salvation, you're welcome to it, but you will never be able to pay the debt you owe for the things you do wrong. But the Bible also preaches forgiveness, which comes through Christ. If you reject Christ, you reject the forgiveness. So if you put your faith in Christ and not yourself, then you will not be judged according to your works, but according to your faith. Where my understanding fails me is why you would put stock in living a moral life but be so antithetical to Christ, who taught nothing but righteousness. Why not identify with Him? I get it if you want to be a Hedonist. Yeah, I'm a Hedonist, keep your Jesus away from me. But you're trying to choose a moral path. Why reject Christ. Here are listed the fruits of the spirit of Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. What's to reject here? Christ taught us to love our enemies and do good to them, to sacrifice for others. What's to reject?


I don't want to sound disrespectful, and I am not the OP, but I am an atheist. When you ask "What's to reject?" you are making an assumption that is obvious to atheists, but not to Christians. Atheists don't believe in God, or Christ, or the Bible. Those ideas are meaningless to us. We don't reject your beliefs, to us, there is no basis for them. To us, you have been indoctrinated into a tradition that is no more and no less than complete fantasy. To me personally, it is sad that you have to have this fantasy. We live on such a wonderful planet. Our presence in this place is a result of wondrous evolution and synergies of time and space. Our time here is so short and so beautiful. Why do you have to have more? Can't you accept and embrace the gift of your mortality and be content to leave this world a better place than you found it to honor those who came before and those who will come after us?
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 20:14     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
The Bible says "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." So my question is, I know you're certain that there's no One out there, but if you're wrong, have you truly thought about what an eternity in Hell will be like?

I know this is why many don't believe, but that is why Christ said, "Repent, and believe the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

Thank you for answering this. I ask this sincerely.


Not the OP, but also an atheist. I was brought up in a church, and the god I learned about there was forgiving and loving. If I am wrong, I don't actually believe I am going to hell. I think that if there was a god, the one I'd want there to be would be forgiving and judge me based on my morality and good works, not faith or lack of faith.

So I think I'll be fine, whether I believe or not.

So, you're always good?


Atheists don't believe anyone is "always good." That's a simplistic view.

We are all flawed. But if I, for example, own my flaws and try my best to be the best I can be, must I ask god for forgiveness in order to enter heaven? (if there is such a place, that is) Couldn't I be judged based on my actions and not necessarily my beliefs?

Really, what's the difference?

It's a world of difference. You just admitted your actions are flawed. And you want to own them but not ask for forgiveness. The difference is a pride of heart that says you can do what you want without consequence. Yes, you must ask forgiveness. Why not? Don't we expect that among ourselves? "Oh, I'm so sorry I hurt you. Please forgive me." That's a good thing. Well, you sin against God when you sin against others. He cares about people, so your sins against others offend Him, too. But God is not petty. He forgives those who ask for it. (1 John 1:9) And it's such a dire issue that He had to send Jesus Christ to earth to die for those sins, and ALL He asks is that you believe Him. I do not understand why people hate God for this. All He asks is you to believe Him. It's really that simple.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 20:08     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
The Bible says "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." So my question is, I know you're certain that there's no One out there, but if you're wrong, have you truly thought about what an eternity in Hell will be like?

I know this is why many don't believe, but that is why Christ said, "Repent, and believe the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

Thank you for answering this. I ask this sincerely.


Not the OP, but also an atheist. I was brought up in a church, and the god I learned about there was forgiving and loving. If I am wrong, I don't actually believe I am going to hell. I think that if there was a god, the one I'd want there to be would be forgiving and judge me based on my morality and good works, not faith or lack of faith.

So I think I'll be fine, whether I believe or not.

You know, you inadvertently make the Christian case. You will be judged on your morality and good works. And they will be lacking. I don't know you personally, but I know that we all are sinful sometimes. And you contradict yourself. You want God to judge you on your good works AND be forgiving? The Bible says you that if you want to work for your salvation, you're welcome to it, but you will never be able to pay the debt you owe for the things you do wrong. But the Bible also preaches forgiveness, which comes through Christ. If you reject Christ, you reject the forgiveness. So if you put your faith in Christ and not yourself, then you will not be judged according to your works, but according to your faith. Where my understanding fails me is why you would put stock in living a moral life but be so antithetical to Christ, who taught nothing but righteousness. Why not identify with Him? I get it if you want to be a Hedonist. Yeah, I'm a Hedonist, keep your Jesus away from me. But you're trying to choose a moral path. Why reject Christ. Here are listed the fruits of the spirit of Christ: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. What's to reject here? Christ taught us to love our enemies and do good to them, to sacrifice for others. What's to reject?
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 20:07     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
The Bible says "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." So my question is, I know you're certain that there's no One out there, but if you're wrong, have you truly thought about what an eternity in Hell will be like?

I know this is why many don't believe, but that is why Christ said, "Repent, and believe the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

Thank you for answering this. I ask this sincerely.


Not the OP, but also an atheist. I was brought up in a church, and the god I learned about there was forgiving and loving. If I am wrong, I don't actually believe I am going to hell. I think that if there was a god, the one I'd want there to be would be forgiving and judge me based on my morality and good works, not faith or lack of faith.

So I think I'll be fine, whether I believe or not.

So, you're always good?


Atheists don't believe anyone is "always good." That's a simplistic view.

We are all flawed. But if I, for example, own my flaws and try my best to be the best I can be, must I ask god for forgiveness in order to enter heaven? (if there is such a place, that is) Couldn't I be judged based on my actions and not necessarily my beliefs?

Really, what's the difference?
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 20:02     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
The Bible says "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." So my question is, I know you're certain that there's no One out there, but if you're wrong, have you truly thought about what an eternity in Hell will be like?

I know this is why many don't believe, but that is why Christ said, "Repent, and believe the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

Thank you for answering this. I ask this sincerely.


Not the OP, but also an atheist. I was brought up in a church, and the god I learned about there was forgiving and loving. If I am wrong, I don't actually believe I am going to hell. I think that if there was a god, the one I'd want there to be would be forgiving and judge me based on my morality and good works, not faith or lack of faith.

So I think I'll be fine, whether I believe or not.

So, you're always good?
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 20:01     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Anonymous wrote:To the PP 18:41. I am not the OP but I am a respectful atheist.

To your question - I know you're certain that there's no One out there, but if you're wrong, have you truly thought about what an eternity in Hell will be like?

How much time do you spend worrying about whether the Muslims, or the Buddhists or the Hindus are correct and the possible consequences to you of being wrong and missing out completely on Nirvana? Not much, or any, I imagine.

Well, that is what it is like to be an atheist. You don't worry about something that you don't find credible. It's like asking if I'm worrying about falling off the edge of the world when I'm on a cruise. I don't believe the earth is flat, so I don't worry about it.

Your point is taken. However, yes, I have thought about those other things. As I understand it, with Islam, you're entirely at the whim of Allah whether you get into paradise, despite any efforts you take. And as I understand it, with Buddhists and Hindus, your life is merely prelude for another experience in which you keep getting more and more chances to get to this Nirvana or heightened consciousness and bliss. Only in Christianity is there a personal God who has actually done something for me to cover my sinfulness and who cares what happens to me eternally. I get that you don't believe, so you don't believe. But Christianity is so different from other belief systems, is set so far apart from everything else, that I wonder why it's so cavalierly dismissed. It's the only belief where God loves you personally. Yes, I know the Hell we preach is distasteful, but that's the whole engine behind the love. God doesn't will anyone to Hell. Anyone there has chosen it. Heaven is there for the asking.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 19:56     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Anonymous wrote:Have you ever been under fire in a foxhole?


Seeing that they stopped digging foxholes in WW1 - I doubt anyone on this thread has been under fire in one.

If you were going to drag out the very old and tired cliche that "there are no atheists in foxholes", then you don't know many atheists, and you need to find a cliche that is not so tired.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 19:53     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Have you ever been under fire in a foxhole?
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 19:53     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Dropping in to say that I really appreciate this thread. It was a nice idea.

-a person of faith
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 19:52     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Anonymous wrote:
The Bible says "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." So my question is, I know you're certain that there's no One out there, but if you're wrong, have you truly thought about what an eternity in Hell will be like?

I know this is why many don't believe, but that is why Christ said, "Repent, and believe the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)

Thank you for answering this. I ask this sincerely.


Not the OP, but also an atheist. I was brought up in a church, and the god I learned about there was forgiving and loving. If I am wrong, I don't actually believe I am going to hell. I think that if there was a god, the one I'd want there to be would be forgiving and judge me based on my morality and good works, not faith or lack of faith.

So I think I'll be fine, whether I believe or not.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 19:48     Subject: Re:I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
Muslima wrote:How do you think we were created? Do you believe that everything that happens is random and jut a matter of chance? And finally, how do you cope? especially when there is so much injustice done, how do you rationalize that?


How can you believe that there is a reason for injustice? I think that bad things happen because they happen. I would be very distraught if I thought that there was SOMEONE or SOMETHING that was cold blooded enough to make these things happen on purpose.
Anonymous
Post 01/21/2015 19:46     Subject: I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
To the PP 18:41. I am not the OP but I am a respectful atheist.

To your question - I know you're certain that there's no One out there, but if you're wrong, have you truly thought about what an eternity in Hell will be like?

How much time do you spend worrying about whether the Muslims, or the Buddhists or the Hindus are correct and the possible consequences to you of being wrong and missing out completely on Nirvana? Not much, or any, I imagine.

Well, that is what it is like to be an atheist. You don't worry about something that you don't find credible. It's like asking if I'm worrying about falling off the edge of the world when I'm on a cruise. I don't believe the earth is flat, so I don't worry about it.
Muslima
Post 01/21/2015 18:51     Subject: Re:I'm a respectful atheist. Ask me anything
How do you think we were created? Do you believe that everything that happens is random and jut a matter of chance? And finally, how do you cope? especially when there is so much injustice done, how do you rationalize that?