Originally posted by twhitehead
All the atheists.
I am one of them.
My reasons include:
1. The lack of evidence.
2. The evidence against.
3. The lack of consistency in what believers tell me. (including writings of believers such as the Bible.)
Now, if you believe in God, why? Please think about it and try to answer correctly and don't just do what most Christians do when asked that question - they list their justifications and not their primary reasons.
Why do I believe in God? That is a good question and one someone would have every right to ask. I felt the need to write my reasons here in these forums. This is not a question that can be answered quickly because there are many reasons why I believe in God. This may take a while but I’ll try and keep it as short as possible.
I always believed there was something more out there but never really wanted to spend time at Church. Much like many others, the proof wasn’t there. There was no evidence why I needed to go to Church or anything. 15 years ago, I became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My testimony was very weak at the time. I was still new in the Church. The experience that didn’t make me believe everything at first but it was a stepping stone was the time I received my Patriarchal Blessing. For those who do not know, a Patriarchal Blessing is meant to give a child of God special and personal instructions from our Father in Heaven in their life. I hold these sacred to me and can only say that there were certain things said that specifically mentioned my own personal goals and dreams I had for the future. I had not mentioned these to anyone yet.
That was the start of my testimony. Although I admit I was not perfect and began to make mistakes. I was still young and learning. At first I struggled much. I was constantly trying to live every principle I was taught. I fell short many times and repented. It seemed that when I was doing well (lived gospel principles) my life was much easier. I grasped on certain things quicker. I just received a greater understanding of the scriptures. Now I can realize what was happening. When I was baptized, I received the Holy Ghost as a companion to help me throughout my life. The Holy Ghost does not stay around sin or contention. It is the Holy Ghost that teaches us and helps us. If I sin or get angry or do many things not in accordance with Christ’s teachings, the Holy Ghost will leave me until I can get back on the right path.
The power of the Priesthood I can testify exists and is available to everyone. When my family needs a blessing and I am worthy, I can and have blessed their lives. I used the priesthood to bless my foster daughter once when she was having nightmares every night. She was 2 years old. She never once had any further nightmares. I received a blessing from other members of the Church after I had my operation. After the blessing I was not in as much pain and quickly healed. There have been many instances where blessings have helped me and my family.
There have been many other experiences, both good and bad, that lead me to believe in God our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. I didn’t write all my experiences. I would be here all day and night.
This is not meant to get someone else to believe, only to answer why I believe. Everyone needs to make their own choice and receive the proof for themselves. I can not give anyone the proof. All I can say is I have a strong belief that we have a loving Father in Heaven. He knows and loves everyone. He wants us to get to know Him.
In John 1: 43-46 Jesus found a man named Phillip and said Follow me. Phillip found another man named Nathaniel and told him of Jesus. Nathaniel had doubts and didn’t believe.
43. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, follow me.
44. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
45. Philip findeth Nathaniel, and saith unto him, we have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
46. And Nathaniel said unto, can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.
I will just close by using Philip’s reply to Nathaniel.
Come and see. Just remember it is your choice and whatever you decide: to continue to not believe or decide to ‘come and see’, you are not any less important in my eyes or God’s eyes. You will still be loved regardless of what you decide.
Who Does Not Believe in God Here?
09 May '07 09:59
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