God didn't create you to...

@suzianne said
Better even than the "everlasting life" stuff atheists like to focus on, or rather, claiming that we focus on it, is the "more abundant life", meaning the here and now, that we are promised in scripture.

Also, someone who listens and wishes an interaction with us.

is the "more abundant life", meaning the here and now, that we are promised in scripture.
In my opinion, this would make an excellent thread for this forum.
If you have time sometime, you should make a thread on this Susanne. 🙂

@kingdavid403 said
is the "more abundant life", meaning the here and now, that we are promised in scripture.
In my opinion, this would make an excellent thread for this forum.
If you have time sometime, you should make a thread on this Susanne. 🙂

The problem with the scriptural idea of a "more abundant life" referring to the here and now, is that many Christians 'don't' experience such an abundance. (In body, mind, and soul) Indeed, historically speaking, Christians and Jews have experienced persecution for their beliefs, nullifying any sense of Earthly abundance.

It could just as easily be asserted that 'money' leads to a more abundant life in the here and now. Sure, for many wealth can not buy happiness, but in the right hands' money can lead to fulfilling charitable work and the security of family and loved ones. It can take away the worries of poverty and provide avenues for happiness not available to a person lacking in money.

@ghost-of-a-duke said
The problem with the scriptural idea of a "more abundant life" referring to the here and now, is that many Christians 'don't' experience such an abundance. (In body, mind, and soul) Indeed, historically speaking, Christians and Jews have experienced persecution for their beliefs, nullifying any sense of Earthly abundance.

It could just as easily be asserted that 'm ...[text shortened]... the worries of poverty and provide avenues for happiness not available to a person lacking in money.

Start a thread Sir Duke (just a suggestion).
This could be the first great post by you, on a thread on this issue. It surely would get the discussion moving forward quickly; me thinks. 🙂

@kingdavid403 said
Start a thread Sir Duke (just a suggestion).
This could be the first great post by you, on a thread on this issue. It surely would get the discussion moving forward quickly; me thinks. 🙂

As an atheist and a non-creationist, I prefer to acquisition threads rather than create them.

@ghost-of-a-duke said
As an atheist and a non-creationist, I prefer to acquisition threads rather than create them.

lol... 😉
Personally, I think it would be a great thread coming from a non-creationist Atheist; since, an Atheist, or anyone, can have an abundant life also. That would greatly add to the discussion in my opinion.
Either way, I understand and fully accept your choice in this matter. 🙂

@kingdavid403 said
So how is it that you can judge other Christians, their beliefs, and their actions in Jesus, when you have No beliefs in Him what so ever.

This is a debate and discussion forum. If you feel "judged" or insecure, that's a matter for you.

@kingdavid403 said
You have No beliefs in Jesus or scripture other than, "one must do good works if they believe in Jesus." which in my opinion, you only do so, so you think you can judge other Christians as phony Christians, in your 100% non-believing in Jesus Atheist eyes.

Did someone call you a "phony Christian"?

@kingdavid403 said
Please share with us why you went from "believing in Christ" to non believer.

No, I won't do this at your behest. But if I get into a conversation with another poster about it some day, you can read what I post.

@fmf said
No, I won't do this at your behest. But if I get into a conversation with another poster about it some day, you can read what I post.

Where did I present the question as a behest?
Other than that, I understand.

@kingdavid403 said
Where did I present the question as a behest?

When you said: Please share with us why you went from "believing in Christ" to non believer. "At one's behest" is a turn of phrase.

@fmf said
When you said: Please share with us why you went from "believing in Christ" to non believer. "At one's behest" is a turn of phrase.

be·hest
/bəˈhest/
Learn to pronounce
nounLITERARY
a person's orders or command.
"they had assembled at his behest"

I've never heard it used as a "turn of phrase."
I was going by the definition of the word.
I did not present my question as a command or order.

@kingdavid403 said
I've never heard it used as a "turn of phrase."

Well, now you have. Now you can no longer say you have never heard the turn of phrase, "at one's behest".

As I said, I am not going to talk about my loss of faith at your behest. If I should happen to discuss it with someone else, feel free to read the posts.

@fmf said
Yes, I saw that. I thought it was a bit wishy-washy in its effort to be overly succinct.

I'm looking for a kind of 2, 3 or 4 pronged slogan.

If you had to add 1 or 2 more to belief and worship, what would they be?

I already said all I had to say to you about this.

That you find what I said to be "wishy-washy" or "overly succinct" is an issue for you, not me.

And then there's this, on that:

"No, I won't do this at your behest. But if I get into a conversation with another poster about it some day, you can read what I post."

In this context, this fits like a glove.

I am done with presenting my views and having you simply piss on them.

@suzianne said
I am done with presenting my views and having you simply piss on them.

Well, after listening carefully to what you said, I offered this:

"God created you in order that you believe in him and worship him and if you do, you will have a more abundant life that is everlasting".

I don't see how that can be described as pissing on your views.

@suzianne said
That you find what I said to be "wishy-washy" or "overly succinct" is an issue for you, not me.

And yet it is on topic. I was just looking for something more pithy for the proverbial t-shirt.

Belief. Worship. And...

Walking the walk?

Obedience?

Striving to do good?

'Have a relationship' or words to that effect doesn't seem pithy enough.

You display a lot of candour. So I imagine, if nothing else, you appreciate my candour, even when we disagree.