Some Atheist Scientists Are Taking Their Children to Church — But Why?
- Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:21am by
Billy Hallowell
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Atheist scientists may have no faith in the almighty, but that hasn’t stopped some of them from trying to enjoy the fringe benefits the faithful receive.
In a new survey that examines the activities of college faculty in the natural and social sciences, 17 percent of non-believers who have children said that they attended religious services more than one time in the past year.
But it doesn’t end there. These atheist scientists also want their kids to know more about the world’s many religions so that they will be able to make informed decisions about their personal beliefs. This is particularly striking, considering that many non-believers try to shield their children from believing in faith and religion.
Elaine Howard Ecklund of Rice University, the researcher behind the new study, says that scientists, who have a natural liking for exploring all potential options, may actually want to give their children a fair-minded opportunity to explore their personal views on faith.
One of the survey participants says he was raised in a Catholic home. While he later decided that science and religion aren’t compatible, he has decided to expose his daughter to various religious traditions. ”I … don’t indoctrinate her that she should believe in God,” he explained. “I don’t indoctrinate her into not believing in God.”
“Our research shows just how tightly linked religion and family are in U.S. society — so much so that even some of society’s least religious people find religion to be important in their private lives,” Ecklund explains. ”We thought that these individuals might be less inclined to introduce their children to religious traditions, but we found the exact opposite to be true,” she continued.
Live Science adds:
The atheist parents surveyed had multiple reasons for attending religious services in the absence of religious belief. Some said their spouse or partner was religious, and encouraged them to go to services as well. Others said they enjoyed the community that attending a church, mosque, temple or other religious institution can bring.
The survey data was collected via interviews with 275 participants (part of a wider 2,198-person survey of faculty at 21 U.S. research universities).
(H/T: UPI)
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Comments (203)
GeneTracy
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 11:00amMaybe they don‘t believe that they don’t believe?
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 12:51pmFrom the article: ”I … don’t indoctrinate her that she should believe in God,” he explained. “I don’t indoctrinate her into not believing in God.”
TRANSLATION = “I’m not a real parent. I don’t want the moral responsibility of actually telling my child what is right and then having to commit to that and model it for them every day myself. So, I call it – letting them choose their own path. I’ll use big words like “indoctrinate” to make it sound like all those other parents are extremists, and get my lazy rump off the hook.”
IF you bring children into this world – do society a favor and BE A PARENT. Kids need guidance, they need examples from people who will actually commit to something. Idiots like the ones mentioned in this article are just raising another generation of OWS squatters and public defacators.
Report Post »Trance
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 1:22pm@Theophilus
I’d think most Christians would appreciate aheist parents allowing their children to go to church and leave the option to believe open to them. You would rather Aheists only teach their children that there is no god, and death is the end? Heck, I’d think Christians would encourage Atheists to attend church services so that they can expose themselves to God, and perhaps start to believe. Very strange take you have.
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 1:39pm@ Trance:
I do understand your point. However, experience shows me that kids learn values from their parents. Kids who get “dropped off” at church stop going as soon as they can. Why? Because it’s not important to mom/dad, so why should I?
I guess I was speaking more to the lazy parenting and lack of real guidance than the random hope of a kid who lives all week long in an atheist home but spending one hour a week in a church service suddenly “getting it”. I suppose it could (and from time to time does) happen, but I‘ve only ever seen kids reflect what’s being modeled at home.
To be clear – not opposed to kids coming to church (I’m for that) – I’m opposed to lazy parents (both the atheist and christian varieties) who aren’t committed themselves to the values they want their children to have.
Report Post »Thisnameistowarnyouthatyouwillhatemycomment
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 1:44pm@Theopholus
The values that these parents are instilling is the importance of personal choice and belief. They’re teaching their children to think for themselves and not to believe something (or disbelieve something) simply because an authority figure has told them to think that way. Pretty strong moral value if you ask me.
Report Post »Cesium
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 2:01pmThis article fails to explain that there is indeed philosophy and history that comes out of religion despite belief. My graduate school advisor is not a believer but his kids still go to church. He can be chalked up as another atheist that doesn’t bother touting his atheism and will never be counted like the outspoken cultish groups. LIke many atheists, they have other good things to do in life. I may not believe in god but my kids would still go to hebrew school and raised as Jews. Especially in judaism, it’s not always about god. It is no surprise to me this article would find atheists that still go to religious services surprising. It is obviously beyond the comprehension of Blaze journalists to understand that modern judeo-christian religion only cherry-picks parts of the bible they like and know as good philosophies for our livelihoods. The lesser touted parts of God’s word can be perused here. http://www.evilbible.com/
Report Post »K Chad Roberts
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 2:18pmMy Father was baptist, and my mother Atheist. Neither advocated nor spoke against any form of religion until I was around 15-16 years old. They took me to several different churches, and I asked them to not to go any more. Reason? I never learned about God while attending. They spent over half the time asking for money, receiving money, then asking for more with the other hand. The fact that these atheist scientists take their children to church at all means that they truly believe in the freedom of thought and religion. They should be commended as wonderful parents and advocates of YOUR freedom to worship. THEY would not forsake their children for having different views than them… while many religious families I know WOULD if their child ended up atheist.
Report Post »Shiroi Raion
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 2:34pmI’d do the same. I’m an atheist, but I want my children to be surrounded by good and moral people and they can decide for themselves what they choose to believe. Being a parent doesn’t mean that you must indoctrinate your children one way or the other. I try to surround myself with good and moral people too. I can’t bring myself to believe in a God, but I’m not going to force my beliefs on anyone. I simply say what I believe and I listen to others’ beliefs. I do not try to silence others that disagree with me… if I behaved like that, I’d probably be just another dishonest, hypocritically selfish Progressive, but I choose freedom, truth, honor, morality, decency… I’m an atheist, but I stand with the Christians, the Jews, the true Conservatives and Libertarians, and the Tea Party.
Report Post »pavepaws
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 3:13pmMore like hedging one’s bets.
Report Post »George Patton
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 3:40pm@th30ph1lus you are absolutely correct. Lazy liberal parents say they think their children should decide for themselves about religion. That is stupid. Do these lazy lib parents let their kids decide if they go to school or not, or if they have to eat their vegetables or not? Then why do they leave the questions of the universe to the mind of an 8 year old. It’s your job to teach your kids truth and values, no matter how dumb your values are.
@THISNAMEISTOWARNYOUTHATYOUWILLHATEMYCOMMENT You are wrong. The only thing they are teaching their kids is that their opinions are equally valid as an adult’s. But they aren’t equally valid. Children that think they are on par with adults only creates idiot adults.
Report Post »roadmaster
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 3:43pmAllowing children to chose almost always ends up with them making no choice. Religion of the parents, or lack thereof, is transferred to children. This is the ultimate “do as I say, not as I do.”
Report Post »Iceonfire
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 3:48pmIt’s always possible.
Report Post »Gamecock97
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 4:30pm@ TH30PH1LUS & @ Patton
I find your comments incredibly offensive. As a parent who has not yet had a religious epiphany I feel that taking my child to church is no different as a parent who is poor wanting their child to be financially secure when they grow up. I am a good parent who teaches my child to live by the golden rule, show compassion to their fellow human beings, and be a responsible, productive, human being. My belief or lack thereof does not prevent me from teaching and showing my child how to be a moral human being. I want my child to have the spiritual epiphany I have not yet experienced, but would saddened if such an epiphany transforms them into a religious zealout — a self-righeoutous, idignant individual who believes they retain the right to judge anyone who doesn’t conform to their viewpoint on spiritiual matters. That would be contrary to our family values of treating others the way you would want to be treated. With all the good Christians sitting in the pews on Sunday with their children I can only assume that crime, laziness, and welfare-state will be coming to an end in the next generation —- because all of those children in church now will grow up to be morally superior human beings, right? You are the people that make conservatives like myself seem irrational and irrelavant because you are incapable of seeing past your own religious prejudice and feelings of moral superiority.
Report Post »JRook
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 4:57pm“This is particularly striking, considering that many non-believers try to shield their children from believing in faith and religion.” Really or is it that they actually would rather teach their children to gain information and knowledge, examine it and make decisions for themselves. The opposite is rather indoctrination of children into an ideology that is used to supplant intellectual curiosity and individual examination and insight. An ideology chosen by the parents based on something other than a rational thought process. Beliefs are like feelings, they aren’t right or wrong they just are. But neither should form the basis for making decisions. And cannot replace information, knowledge and a well honed thought process. Utilization of the word truth in an effort to support positions or decisions based on solely on beliefs is rationalizing at its finest. On either side of the spectrum.
Report Post »the nationalist
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 5:41pmI am a bible believing christian but I dispute your charges. Sometimes I would rather be an atheist rather than a christian because of the nonsense done and said in the name of christ. Atheists can certainly uphold, and do uphold, moral standards which they can believe in. Morality is not exclusively a biblical thing. Remember that God hears every righteous man’s prayers, even un- spoken. Righteousness is not exclusively religious in nature.
Report Post »TimH
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 6:50pmSeek and you shall find. Intelligent design theory has put a fly in the ointment of atheistic orthodoxy.
http://www.BornAgainHeathens.com
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:43pm@ THE NATIONALIST: you wrote: “I am a bible believing christian but I dispute your charges.”
1. Please do. I’d love to be wrong about it. I have cited statistical research in a secondary post about church attendance.
YOU also wrote: “Sometimes I would rather be an atheist rather than a christian because of the nonsense done and said in the name of christ.”
I somewhat agree with you. In America it seems that the term “Christian” has been so abused and warped as to become almost meaningless. No doubt there’s been some bad stuff done in the name of Jesus. But let’s take a look at some of the bad stuff done in the name of atheism…. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20111031195103AAjGUKv
Seriously, if you wish to reject Jesus because of what other people do or don’t do, I have to question whether you know Him that well. You can walk at any time. Or maybe you just go to a really bad church? There are options out there.
Report Post »InversionTheory
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:08pmThis strikes me the same as the democracy argument… If the outcome of democracy favors your position, you’re in favor of democracy. If your position is not favored, democracy is not desirable.
I am perfectly happy to work with you where we agree and part ways where we do not. But no matter what… Democracy does NOT determine what is true.
As an atheist, what draws us together is more important to me than what drives us apart and if you deny experimentally demonstrable reality, you‘d better have a darned good explanation or I’m going to laugh at you the way you’d laugh at someone who said that A is non-A, to borrow from Ayn Rand.
Report Post »Jinglebob
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:19pmOnly in a World where faith is difficult…can Faith exhist. Peter Kreeft
Report Post »Jinglebob
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:23pmWhen a distinguished scientist states that something is possibile, he is almost certainly right. When he states that something is impossible, he is very probably wrong. -Author Clarke-
Report Post »flintfireforge49
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:58pm@ Cesium. Interesting. The website you sent us a;; to does exactly what it and you claims, Cherry-picking. I haven’t seen such a bunch of out of context concepts embroidered by lack of research in more than a decade. It is entirely pitiable, and incredibly misleading!
Report Post »George Patton
Posted on December 6, 2011 at 7:57am@gamecock97 Perhaps you should stop waiting for an epiphany. The question of Christianity is not weather God is nudging me to find Him through an epiphany or not…it is simply weather the religion is true or not. You don’t need an epiphany, you need to investigate the validity of the religion. If Jesus is who he claimed to be then that has serious ramifications for our life…and death…regardless of weather we have an epiphany or not. If Jesus truly did rise from the dead it will be hard to stand before him one day and say that you didn’t believe in Him because you never had an epiphany….or perhaps worse tell Him you didn’t guide your child toward Him because you believed a child should make his own decisions. Go investigate weather the Bible is true or not….here’s some advice to make it easier…….start with the resurrection. If that’s true then the rest is most likely true also.
Report Post »smithclar3nc3
Posted on December 6, 2011 at 8:05amThe answer is simple to destroy any chance that their children might become relgious. By showing them that they can deny God even in his own house and still have the all the benefits that a church community generates.
Report Post »sgtstubbs
Posted on December 8, 2011 at 4:56pmNot being a “Bible thumper” I had my kids go to several churches and they were better for it, it made them think…..Blind faith in anything is bad. Much like the science is starting to prove the Bible, and etc.
Report Post »ReadTheBibleOnceAYear
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:46amMany responses but Paul says it best in the Bible, Romans 1:16 – For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the gentile. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Report Post »For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
Romans 3:23-for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 6:23-For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 10:9-that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”
boca_chica
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:18amI was lucky enough to grow up in the 50‘s with parents that didn’t talk about race or religion. I think many athiests are just mad about some religions in-doctranaire approch to their own religion to other people. I personally don’t care for any religion that considers half the population(male/female-not global) as less important( eg…12 apostles-all male…islam-all of it). The old religions Norse, Greek, Roman. Egyptian at least shard gender opprtunity. Think about it.
Report Post »dthomas777
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:51amAs a Christian of over 35 years, I know that there‘s only one thing that’s important. It’s not “the 50′s,“ or ”parents,“ or ”gender.” The only important thing in this life is, “Do you have a Savior? And there is only One Savior, Jesus Christ, who will love you no matter who you are – only believe! If someone saved your life, shouldn’t you be thankful; especially if they sacrificed their life to save your’s?
Report Post »ModerationIsBest
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 1:31pmBOCA
It’s a double standard
When parents shove their beliefs on their kid it’s all good
Report Post »When someone is trying to teach their kids something the parents don’t believe in, they call it indoctrination.
InversionTheory
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:01pmNothing motivated me to Atheism so much as an earnest and honest reading of the Bible.
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:53amJOHNNY 916 Faddish? Methinks you might just be a little too educated (indoctrinated) for your own good He is, was, and always will be,do some more study without the lib blinders on and maybe you can feel His presence in your life! Try reading some of the prophecies in the Bible that speak to our time, I would hope you find proof of Him there ! Try Ezekiel,Daniel,Revelation for starters, it’s amazing,and there are many more relating to the here and now ! God is alive and well in spite of what the so-called “intellegencia” may believe !
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:57amI actually the many so called prophecies in the bible. Many are taken out of context, misinterpret, etc. I forgot to mention I’m consider Jewish by birth and have went over why many of the verses of the Tanach do not talk about Jesus.
Report Post »http://kosherjudaism.org/
http://www.outreachjudaism.org/
http://www.jewsforjudaism.org/
Even if I agree with the Jews on the original view of the bible I still do not believe in any god or religion.
NOBAMA201258
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:02amIntelligencia more like it,pardon my brain fart
Report Post »Cesium
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 2:05pm“Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived.”
Report Post »― Isaac Asimov
imperceptible
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 2:56pm@ CESIUM
I had forgotten that quote. So very true.
Report Post »the nationalist
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 5:55pmto: Nobama201258
You believe but you just haven’t recognized that belief. It‘s interesting to me that what you can’t see, touch, taste, feel, or hear is somehow not real, or relevant. There are several things which you can do nothing but measure its effects outside of your own senses. Like gravity, time, emotions. You believe these things exist and make plans, designs, and construct thoughts based upon their existence yet you lack belief that these are unnatural in themselves. For all things made their is a maker yet you don’t believe in a maker.
Report Post »Sharon DuVall
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:30pmI believe there is no such person as an athiest. Everyone believes and worships in something. If not, then the first 10 Commandment : “have no other God before me”. ‘Atheist’ believe in something. There is NO gray area in life, you either serve Eloheem (Creator God) or Satan. Alot of people (sad to say, some Christians and non-Christians) do not believe in hell and that everyone goes to heaven (some believe there isn’t a heaven nor a hell, this life is it.) Jesus says, you can’t serve two masters. So I ask, who do you serve. You either accept Jesus or reject HIM. God is real, Jesus is alive and HIS Grace if for all, you have a choice. Hell was created for Satan, not mankind but if man rejects Jesus, then that person will join Satan. Being good is not what saves you and gets you to heaven. God so LOVED the world (His love never Failed or Fails) that HE gave HIS only begotten SON (Jesus) for you. JESUS IS NOT A RELIGION, HE IS AN EXPERIENCED TRANSFORMATION. You have a relationship with HIM. He is real, He is alive. He loves you and hates evil. He hates religion but loves people. There is not enough space here to share how wonderful HE is. God knew everyone of you before the foundation of the earth and he had a plan for mankind. Man failed but God had a plan for that. JESUS was the plan to redeem us to free us from evil. Even though we see evil out there, there is HOPE, God soon will finish evil off. HE is GOOD. Blessings to you all.
Report Post »scrapadapolis
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:52amIf there is a God we need him now more than ever before.The last person to leave, please turn off the earth.Algore will thank you in hell.
Report Post »oldestgenxer
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:18amEMRYS, can I use that? I love the way you phrased it. It‘s something I’ve tried to say before but I used way too many words. That is perfect.
Report Post »And maybe you said it that way for children, but it should help adults with hard hearts understand as well. Not everything there is can be seen with the eye.
Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:17amIn my experience, an Atheist in most Christian Churches would be hounded out like an interracial couple in Kentucky. Hey, I think I just created a new meme!
Report Post »SecularConservative
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:28amThere are plenty of Atheists in church. They really do not appear any differently than Christians unless they tell you otherwise…
Report Post »robie1
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:40amI don’t know how many churches you have attended to come to your conclusion, hopefully you will be invited to a church that does not treat people the way you describe. I have been a Christian many, many years and am sad when I read statements like yours…….I know many believers in churches that are not the way you experienced…..some denominations are more “uptight” and reserved in how they approach people but if they truly love Jesus, you will be welcome. However, a denomination where “anything” goes is not based on Scripture. We are all sinners, saved only by Jesus sacrifice on the cross and being born again. I pray you find His peace someday, recognize your sin (as we all must) repent and live for Him….Blessed Christmas
Report Post »Hiswill
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 12:01pmWe welcome Atheists in our church and we pray that their hearts would be open to our Lord. I can’t think of a better place for them to be on Sunday.
Report Post »Jesus Lives!
Cesium
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 2:03pm@HisWill and I agree with you!!! “Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived.”
Report Post »― Isaac Asimov
Iceonfire
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 3:59pmLesbian, I don’t know what Church you go to, but in most Churches, that’s the whole point, to get the unbelievers to come in, hopefully with an open mind to the Gospel. Then if you don’t accept the truth, it’s your choice, but I‘m really having a hard time understanding why anyone who really doesn’t believe in God would want to take their kids to any type of religious service, unless they are looking for some type of nostalgic connection to their own childhood, or they are hoping to passively teach their kids morals that they know that they themselves have failed to instill in their young. Just a thought.
Report Post »atombomb
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:16amI’m an atheist who attends church and Bible study for a total of 3 hours every week. The more I learn about god and the Bible, the more I’m convinced the entire thing is fictional. I would implore y’all to actually read the good book from cover to cover, and not just the warm and fuzzy feel good life-improvement self-help Jesus part.
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:21amI agree 100%. Challenge your view on all faiths or religion. What do Christians believe or why do Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah or all Muslims terrorist. Look into it and see what history has to say.
Report Post »SecularConservative
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:37amThose who think Atheists are crazy do not truly know their own religion…
Report Post »kimberlyjesus
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:50amWill see what your athiest view point will be when GOD speaks this next year and he puts you to the test to survive. You won’t have all the luxuries you have now. Oh, by the way, the devil just wants you to be with him in HELL! Is that where you want to be? God gave you free will to make that choice!
Report Post »txn4justice
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:55amIt is never too late to re-think it folks. Becoming a “real” believer took many years for me to achieve. Going to a building and hanging out ain’t going to cut it.
Report Post »Read the Bible and apply it to your daily life and experiences.
It will help you.
Good luck on your journeys.
atombomb
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:57amLol Kimberly
Bless your precious little heart.
You’re part of the reason why atheism is the fastest growing ideology in America.
Report Post »atombomb
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:14amThnx4justice, I appreciate the concern. Truthfully, I do. However, I can assure you I’m not just sitting there zoning out. I was a bible-promoting, on-fire-for-christ Christian for 18 years, and this isn’t a change I took lightly. All, I’m not basing my opinion of Christianity on the words of Kimberly the fire-breathing hypocrite. The people in my church are some of the warmest and kindest people I’ve ever encountered. I just ceased believing in the supernatural once in investigated the complete lack of evidence supporting it.
Report Post »BigBrother
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 11:00amI agree with you that people should really read the bible. My youth group at church talked about this two weeks ago. Christians today get so caught up in the one aspect of God (love) But God is also Wrathful Righteous and Just. People always ask why A so called loving God would send people to hell? They ask this because all they have ever heard about is how God love’s, But there is so much more.
As far as you thinking there is nothing to support God in science. One thing that proves there must be some kind of God. Newtons second law of motion states. All actions have a equal and opposite reaction. So if science is the ultimate authority, then you have to ask. If there was nothing, what was the action that created the Universe??? try to find a way that without God the Universe canBe created without saying something came from nothing, because obviously that doesn‘t happen that’s just as silly as God. It can’t be done, simple as that. If there is a God this isn‘t a problem because God isn’t bound by the rules he made. Are you bound by the rules and laws in a book that you write? Its the same thing.
Report Post »txn4justice
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 11:06amATOMBOMB
Report Post »I am tracking what you are saying. I am not a great speaker, but I will try to convince to reconsider your view. There is an energy we all feel. That is the spirit of life; of movement. That is the energy of the “holy spirit”. The breathe of life. It is good. Get in tune with it. Make life worth living by being a part of it. If you feel you need to recommit yourself to God then, do it. No harm done. No body is gonna fault you. We all stumble. We all fall. But it is Christ who helps me get back up again. We are all his children. We just have to learn how to ask for help and listen to guidance and expect to have our prayers answered through our belief and his will. Fight the good fight my friend. Good luck.
ReadTheBibleOnceAYear
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 12:26pmI do read the Bible. At least once a year. Usually twice. It gets better every time as my understanding grows. Man has sin. God created us to be with Him. No sin can be in in God’s presence. What does God do? He sends His son Jesus to willingly die on a cross to pay our debt of sin. God is merciful, and long suffering as He extends His invitation to us to repent of our sin and receive His gift of salvation. He writes a book and spends the first 25 verses talking about what he created, a subject that fills libraries, and spends the rest of it talking about man, man’s fall, man’s rejection of Him and His incredible efforts to reach out to us in love with the only way of redemption culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. No disrespect intended atombomb but it sounds as if you haven’t confessed your sin and placed your faith in Him. I’m not talking about going to church and attending a bible study. I’m talking about Romans 10:9 “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Without salvation, the bible is foolishness. 1Corinthians 2:9 “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are spiritually d
Report Post »Cesium
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 2:09pmProperly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived.
Report Post »- Isaac Asimov
Tom K
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 2:31pm@ATOMBOMB: I pray that God does a mighty work in your heart and soul. If you are not in a Spirit-filled church, find one; time is running out and eternity is near.
Report Post »Iceonfire
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 4:04pmAs someone who has read the entire Bible several times, cover to cover, I don’t share your view of it. The more I read and study it, the more I know it’s the rock-solid truth. I find it hard to fathom why, if you don’t believe the Bible, would you waste time reading it? You may think it proves that it’s fiction, but that’s because you are looking at it with atheistic eyes. That is your right, but please don’t delude yourself into thinking your opinion will stop anyone who believes from doing so. Merry Christmas.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 4:55pmYo Reading:
Report Post »Are you serious… once or twice a year!
YoungConservativesRule
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:28pmThanks for letting us all know…I guess. Lol.
Report Post »ReadTheBibleOnceAYear
Posted on December 6, 2011 at 3:43am4truth2all
Yes. Twice a year is my plan right now. I read/listen through the Bible in 90 days and take the next 90 days to dig deeper into things that caught my attention while quickly going through it. Then repeat.
YoungConservativesRule
Report Post »Before Roger Bannister ran the 4 minute mile, they said it couldn’t be done. After he ran it, many have done it. I was inspired by George Mueller who said everyone ought to read the bible 4 times a year. Others have read the bible much more than I have and it certainly isn‘t a quantity thing but many bibles sit on shelves and don’t get opened. I share my reading plan in hopes of encouraging others that it can be done because I know what God is capable of in transforming hearts and minds through His living and powerful word. Although just like running takes practice, commitment and discipline, it may take some exercise to work up to it. God says, “if you seek me, you will find me, when you search for me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
4truth2all
Posted on December 6, 2011 at 2:16pmYo Reading:
Report Post »Was not judging… but you seemed to have a good foundational understanding for only reading 2 times a year. Had a suspicion that it might be a little “more” involved. Correct me if I am wrong in understanding that you read the ENTIRE bible this amount of times a year?
You mention George Muller…. great story… read a book on him and had an impact on me also. I KNOW the Lord lead me to read about him as I was also involved in ministry… blessings
ReadTheBibleOnceAYear
Posted on December 7, 2011 at 12:52am4truth2all
Report Post »Yes. Entire bible. Took years to integrate while balancing family/business. Dying to self too. Today’s verse: Matt. 11:20 Then He(Jesus) began to rebuke the cities in which most of His mighty works had been done, because they did not repent: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades; for if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls For My yoke is easy and My burden is ligh
EL CHOQUE
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:59amDoesn’t anyone realize that every one who believes in RELIGION, is going to HELL? The baptists say if you are not a baptist, you’re going to hell, cat-lickers say the same thing as do. THEY ALL DO ergo (I love that word!) everyone belonging to a religion is going to HELL!! As for me, I have FAITH in God & do not have to label it as a religion. As the song says “Me & the good Lord are going to have us a good talk later tonight”! Also, religion is the cause of 99% of the trouble in the world. All religions should be classified as CLUBS & given no, none, zilch special treatment & pay property taxes etc as we all do. Have you ever heard of a member of the Elks strapping on a bomb & bombing the Moose club? NO! But people of different religions have been killing each other since religion was invented(?) by MAN not GOD!! AMEN Gotta have a chat with THE MAN.
Report Post »munacra
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:23am@EL CHOQUE – Ahem… You say “The baptists say if you are not a baptist, you’re going to hell”. WRONG… The Baptist say YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN. It doesn’t matter whether you are Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic or even a Frisbeetyrian (Believes that when you die your soul goes on the roof and can’t get down) YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN… That’s it in a nutshell…
Report Post »jado1981
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:42amMunacra got it right. The baptist do not believe if you are not baptist, you go to hell. They only say you must accept that Christ is your Saviour and apart from him, you will never enter heaven. My wife and I just finished a Bible study about being a Contagious Christian, and one of the key points we talked about was that “religion” is trying to earn heaven “DO”, while “Christianity” is accepting Christ for heaven “DONE”.
Report Post »palerider54
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 11:18am@MUNRCIA, I agree 100 per cent . I belong to a Baptist Church and I also completed a 52 week intense Bible Study course at our church. (Took a year and a half cause we kept going down rabbit trails, LOL)
All the different flavors of Christianity are fine so long as the only binding requirement is a belief in Jesus as Savior and the Gospel message.
My Pastor defines RELIGION as a set of man made rules and superstitions about how to conduct worship services. He would rather we lose our religion and instead have a personal relationship with Jesus.
I am not saying that we should ignore Gods word, the Holy Bible, but not to obey mans rules over top of Gods rules. Faith without works is a dead faith. If Jesus is truly in your life, people will see a change in you.
But remember, the thief on the cross was not baptized and the only good work he could do was to acknowledge Jesus Christ as truly being the Son of God. King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
The act of being baptized is and outward expression of an inward conversion. When we go under the water, the water represents the grave, when we come out of the water it represents being born again.
Ohh and BTW, there will be NO ATHEISTS IN HELL. When they get there, they will be believers.
Report Post »Hiswill
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 12:12pmIt’s not about organized religion, folks. It’s all about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I am in Him and He is in me. Once you make that connection, you’ll know how fantastic it is to have Jesus with you all the time. Jesus lives!
Report Post »Satan loves to blind the minds of unbelievers. 2Corn.4:4
YoungConservativesRule
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:30pmDon‘t get high before posting on topics you obviously don’t know anything about.
Report Post »danenut6
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:54amjust reminds of ” playing church. . . “
Report Post »hi
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:43amThey are taking them to church because they notice that people who know God’s love are different than non-believers They want their kids to be around such people.
Report Post »hi
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:51amI noticed this switching my kids from a private secular school to Catholic school. At secular school the kids were lost, mean, and spoiled with no respect for others. The kids at Catholic school are respectful, loving to others, kind, and compassionate. It is VERY different, praise the Lord.
The atheists have noticed this too and they want their kids around the nice kids. I know there are jerks everywhere, but in general, this is true.
Report Post »kcares
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:20amIn Church yesterday, I started noticing the many long term married couples, and the young married ones with their children, and it was such a beautiful scene, and started wondering that if someone did a survey, how many people get divorced when they go to Church opposed to one that don’t. I raised my children in Church, but my husband didn’t go. He had an affair that destroyed our family and still affects my 32 yr old daughter today. She can’t get close to a man enough to want to get married.
Report Post »atombomb
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:24amI had the exact opposite experience. I went to Catholic school from grades 1-9. In my time there, I witnessed drug deals occurring tin the bathroom, oral sex performed openly at parties, cursing like you wouldn’t believe, and bullying of gays. When I switched out to a secular public high school in 10th grade, I noticed immediately a complete reversal of behaviors. The kids were polite to authority, were much more self-regulated of their sexuality, and just generally nicer to everyone. The Catholic school kids took assured eternal salvation as a license to sin, whereas the public school kids were good for the sake of not being a douche.
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:31amAMEN,HI Well said!
Report Post »Locked
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:36am“I noticed this switching my kids from a private secular school to Catholic school. ”
I find your experience with Catholic schools interesting. About half of my friends attending Catholic high schools, and they all agree: the Catholic high school kids are some of the most rebellious and crazy as soon as they get out. Unprepared for dealing with the rest of society and the sudden freedom when not watched over all the time, they take it too far. And that’s not counting those that rebelled while in the school.
Of course, anecdotes are anecdotal. Your mileage may vary.
Report Post »SecularConservative
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:40am@Atombomb –
Report Post »In my town it was the same way. The kids that joined me in high school from the religious private school were arrogant and “sinful.“ Most people wished they would have stayed in their ”god fearing” school.
NEVER.GIVE.IN
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 11:29amI know some terific Christian School communities and some pretty awful ones. (same with secular schools) The problem I see here is that arrogant, “wild” kids come from people who do not know how to be good parents… they have bought into the societal lie that their kids are best left in other people’s hands, and they are working long hours to afford the tuition. No relationship and mentoring with kids = kids without internal purpose or values. Hard conversations are , um, hard. Have them anyway!
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 5:08pmThere ya go… just goes to show it’s not the school or the church, none of us is good enough. Going to a christian school or church doesn’t save anybody. I think what is said here is indicative of the NEED of God’s forgiveness and that even those who “are” saved are examples of that.
Report Post »YoungConservativesRule
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:35pm@ATOM @ Secular
Yes, isn‘t it funny how atheists all seem to have the same traumatic experiences isn’t it? Stop trying. It’s pathetic.
Report Post »garyM
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:17amFaith is believing in a God is beyond human understanding, no one can know God with the I’ll believe when I see it attitude. They must have faith in Christ and the Gospel, not their own human understanding. When any person is totally born from above, the Bible and true science fits together perfectly, that is when you believe in true science, not just a scientifically theory!
Report Post »Emrys
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:03amTrue. As a teacher of middle- and high-school students in a private religious school, I teach my students that there are two worlds, two universes: the material world of matter and energy that comprises everything we can observe with our five senses, and then the spiritual world where things like sin, salvation, honor, love, hate, etc. exist.
And I teach them that often the rules for one universe do not apply to the other, but are in fact often opposites. For example, in the material world, seeing is believing. But in the spiritual realm, believing is seeing; “the carnal mind does not understand the things that are of the spirit.” See Confessions by St. Augustine, and On The Incarnation by St. Athanasias
And as human beings, we are part of both universes, having a material body that encapsulates our soul. As Miller says in A Canticle for Liebowitz, “you don’t have a soul, doctor, you are a soul. You have a body, temporarily.” (often this quote is misattributed to C.S. Lewis)
As Einstein said, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.”
Report Post »txn4justice
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:03am@GARYM and EMRYS
Really great words you both wrote. I am sure you struck a chord of truth in many.
Report Post »gwssacredcause
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:37am“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
Report Post »MarsBarsTru7
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:14amAtheism is illogical and it is impossible for a human being to be an absolute atheist. There is no debate to be made about atheism. It’s ridiculous.
Report Post »MrsNix
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:29amExactly. Atheism makes an absolute statement and asks others to prove that statement wrong. This, in itself is contrary to their stated belief that they base their ideas on empirical evidence. If you place the burden where it belongs–on atheists to prove that there is no God–they can’t do it. The truly logical and scientific position is to acknowledge the reasonable possibility of a Creator.
It is not on the open-minded to prove anything. It is on the closed-minded to offer proof positive that no other answer could exist. Because atheism is generally backward like this, atheists resort to ridicule and angry reprisals against people of faith because they have no other tools in the shed to come to the table with.
Report Post »imperceptible
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:32amReligion is illogical and it is very easy for a human being to be illogical. There is much debate to be made about religion.
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:32amWe will leave aside the argument against the existence of god in the generic sense. A generic god cannot be defined. The word could mean almost anything within the limits of human imagination. Even the currently faddish explanation, Intelligent Design, tells us nothing of the attributes of this so-called form of intelligence. The hope among proponents is that believers will translate the idea to their favorite personal God.
Report Post »imperceptible
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:43ammrsnix – Based on your stated logic I can claim The Flying Spaghetti Monster is just as real as your god and the burden is upon you to prove that The Flying Spaghetti Monster doesn’t exist.
Report Post »hi
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:54amRead Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. He “proves” the Biblical account of Christ is true in legalese. He was an atheist who hated Chrstians and wanted to disprove Christianity. On his journey, the evidence was so compelling, he became a believer.
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:59am@Hi: No thanks. I have studied different religions for years and come across many authors and teaches like Lee Stroble. I understand why different people will be influenced by religions like Islam or Christians to believe in a god and to change their lives. Being the skeptic I am I just do not see all their claims as accurate. Take a second to stand in my shoes and challenge your beliefs. Even if you will still continue to believe in religion at least you saw why different people do not believe in your religion.
Report Post »SecularConservative
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:34amThe burden of proof rests on the one making the claim, whether it be the theist or the atheist. You say there is no god, prove it. You say there is a god, prove it. When it comes to the supernatural it is all personal beliefs and opinions.
Report Post »atombomb
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:38amYes it is possible, as atheism isn’t a belief in the absence of god. It’s the absence of a belief in god. Unfortunately several outspoken atheists seem to misunderstand this, and should be more correctly categorized as anti-theists.
Also, the burden of proof is ALWAYS on the individual making the claim. If I claim I have 1,000,000$ in my pocket, I cant put the burden of proof on you to prove I don’t. I have to prove I DO.
Report Post »MarsBarsTru7
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:40amThe crux of the issue and why it is only logical to dismiss the atheist position –
Because a doubtful agnostic maintains no absolute position, they are still able to acknowledge the question “why?“ in addition to ”how?”. This is the essential element that divides every other belief system, theology, ideology, philosophy etc… from atheism.
From a materialist/atheist point of view, the only question acknowledge in their existence is “how?“ and the only answers they seek or accept are in answer to ”how?”. Every other belief system acknowledges the question “why?“ ”Why?” is the essential element to the purpose of religion and philosophy (which are inseparable). “How?“ without ”why?” doesn’t allow for religion and philosophy, because in rejecting “why?” it rejects an entire aspect of existence for the conscious mind – The purpose of existence itself; purpose altogether, outside of relating to “how?”.
Materialist/atheist thought demands all existence is excepted as accidental and definable by mathematical measurement. In essence, it sees lifeforms as organic living computers, without purpose.
The very fact that we can conceive “why?” intrinsically refutes the atheist/materialist position, and even if one does not interpret the evidence of God that religious people see, it demands acknowledgement of the possibility.
Why do I weep? Why do I laugh? Why do I enjoy poetry? If a human were to embrace atheism absolutely, they would be compelled
Report Post »MarsBarsTru7
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:55am… cont. to reject “why?” relating to any such question. To absolute atheist/materialist thought, there is no purpose to existence beyond the perpetuation of existence. And even that is an assumption. In the end, existence just is, and there is no purpose at all. It would be of no consequence if all life were wiped out of the universe. The oblivion of the universe itself is of no consequence because there is no purpose to existence. Thus, oblivion dominates the scientific mind that attempts to adhere to atheism/materialism.
It’s is the search of “why?” that gives purpose to life, to existence itself. Religion and philosophy together are the studies of the human mind related to answering the question of “why?”.
Specifically, to believe in a theology such as Judaism or Christianity requires one to believe in an omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient God. All-powerful, all-knowing, and beyond our limits to conceive. The Creator and Master of existence itself. Even if one does not believe what faithful believers see as evidence, acknowledging the concept of “why?” and understanding who/what God is to Jews and Christians one comes to understand that God represents the ultimate answer to “why?”.
Thus, it is profoundly ironic that atheism, of all belief systems, calls itself a belief system of “free thinkers”.
Report Post »ares338
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:12amI don’t participate in organized religion but I am not an atheist. My only real problem with atheists is they tend to be angry at people who profess their religious affiliations. They don’t afford everyone the freedom of their choice of religion, no religion, God or no god! In the immortal words of Rodney King as he was having the sand pounded out of him “cant’t we all just get along?”
Report Post »Moozmom
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:09amGive me an atheist any day rather than a hypocrit.
Report Post »And by the way, there are no atheists in foxholes.
When you are forced to live under constant fear of death, somehow God becvomes very real.
atombomb
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:33amThats insulting. There are many male and female atheists proudly serving our country abroad. Pat Tillman is a great example.
I hate this, “we’ll get you eventually” arrogance from religious folks.
Report Post »By your same token, I could just as easily say, “there are no Christians in Iran.”
SecularConservative
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:36amdoes that mean there are no theists in garrison? haha
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:58amI’m an atheist and I can agree with many atheist and secular parents that we should teach our children why many different people follow different religions. Growing up my parents were Christian but never went to church. I studied all kinds of religion, philosophy, mythology, etc. In my book there is no real god I just wish everyone can be happy without religion.
Report Post »Countrygirl1362
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:25amWhy cannot people just be happy and not have to conform to your beliefs?
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:31amWhat do you mean? The reason I do not believe in any religion is because it goes against human nature and is out-dated. I feel people should be happy without god and religion. I could care less someone is Christian or Muslim; just respect science, humanity, and nature.
Report Post »Charlie500
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:37amWhy would an athiest demand respect for science, humanity and nature? From where does that doctrine originate?…from God’s word. Otherwise, why should I feel any moral obligation toward anything? You see, although you do not acknowledge it, you really do have divine law written on your heart.
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:41amWell, Charlie I would like to challenge you into studying the history of religion. When you understand why deny the countless other gods in religion then you will understand why I deny your god.
Report Post »Bullfarm
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:55am@Johnny916 … 2+2=4 … I know this to be true and I would guess that you do as well. However, if you don’t believe that to be true… I don’t need to gather others and wish for their sake that they would be happy with the fact that 2+2=4… I don’t need to do this because 2+2 does in fact equal 4 and in that I am confident because it has been proven to me. Nearly every Atheist that I know continues to need a consensus to make themselves feel better about their belief in Atheism. In my life… the only times that I seek out to gain a consensus from others is when I know deep down that I am not at all sure of that which I am seeking consensus. My contention is that the people taking their children to these churches are unsure, but they love their children. I hope they keep searching… There is a peace that passes all understanding and no man can show you proof, but there is a still small voice to which we respond … Pisteuo
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:02amAs I mentioned before I had look all the evidence for different religions. It is not a flip-side of a coin. In my view all the evidence collapses when you really look at with you mind instead of your heart. When I was younger I was a believer in faith now I’m critical of all faith and religion. The reason is because there is no evidence supporting any religion, religion doesn’t improve life, and many other reasons.
Report Post »Charlie500
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:09amBut you did not answer the question. Where does your morality come from and why should anyone abide by it?
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:19amCharlie my morality comes my own personal experiences on how I should live my life. I’m influenced by a wide range of people who also like myself had ups and downs. I’m my own person and I do not need religion to be moral. I can say religion and different cultures have shaped human concepts of right and wrong. I just view religion as outdated.
Report Post »Stoic one
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:42amjohnny i am content with my beliefs about God and do not feel the need to “make” you believe as i do……why do you want to “make” me view the world as you do?
Report Post »Johnny916
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:44amJust be yourself and skeptical of everything in life. This is why I’m an atheist is because I was critical of the different claims for god or faith. I’m just happy living my life.
Report Post »recoveringCalifornian
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 11:21amJohnny -
Report Post »I have to disagree with you about religion being contrary to human nature. Were humans not wired to believe in SOMETHING you wouldn’t have so many different religions out there. Every society has some sort of religion. Even the communists has their faith … the state. Some of my atheist friends – I have a few – have become frothing at the mouth warmists … they worship at the alter of the green movement. They NEED to believe in something greater than themselves. Other atheists I know have a religious fervor to their lack of belief. And now we see atheists trying to convert people to atheism. The non-belief is becoming a religion of its own.
I see these scientists taking their children to church as being very honest. Science is *supposed* to be non-prejudiced. They are giving their children the option of thinking for themselves. Considering that to many people science IS their religion, the idea of letting their children choose for themselves is pretty bold. And maybe it is CYA … for their children. Which is pretty darned loving if you ask me. Sitting in that pew with their children won‘t save their souls since they don’t believe. But they‘re giving their children the chance for redemption they don’t even believe in. That’s kind of huge, don’t you think?
ModerationIsBest
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 1:54pm@JOHNNY916
Just give up man, there is no point in trying to sway these people to think as a skeptic.
You and I embrace skepticism, and doubt and questioning everything(even yourself).
To them, Skepticism and doubt is evil and is the tool of the devil to steer people away from God. They can’t have a shred of doubt in their belief, because once they do it all starts to crumble.
You can point to past religions, and why they believed what they believed. You can even point to their own religion and its faults, and they will ignore you and quote their scripture.
For instance,
They claim to believe in the same God of the Jews(which the Jews hijacked), but they obviously don’t.
Christians believe you have to believe in Jesus and that he died for our sins to be saved. The Jews DON’T believe that, therefore they don’t worship the same God. They just say “Jesus is God” to go around that pesky 1st commandment.
Some will even claim their “faith” as “fact” and have no problem with the contradiction between faith and fact. Out of all of the Gods that people have claimed to worshiped, they have the TRUE one. How egotistical.
Most of my friends are evangelical Christians, I have two Jewish friends and Mormon aunts and uncles and I love them all dearly. Doubt and skepticism has made me more open minded and introduced me to people who I have great affection for.
Do I think they have a primitive view of the world? Yes.
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 5:37pmYo Moderation:
What you see as egotistical is probably only confidence… this confidence should not be arrogant. It comes from the Holy Spirit and should lead us to be meek ( meek meaning… strength under control).
Is it possible that what you see as black is actually white…? it is called deception… it is a game satan loves to play. No disrespect intended.
Also… scripture does say that the entire Jewish nation still alive before His return will come to ackowledge Christ. What is happening in the middle east is all mentioned in the bible… written over 2000 years ago. Russia, Iran, Turkey, Lybia all mentioned as nations that will come against Israel.
Report Post »I know what I know… not sorry… just the way it is when ones eyes are opened to what is black and what is white.
watashbuddyfriend
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:55amAtheist, why don’t you look in the mirror, and ask yourself, who created me, then teach your children?
Report Post »imperceptible
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:29amOK – I was created by one of my father‘s sperm fertilizing one of my mother’s eggs. Basic biology.
Report Post »hi
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:39amImperceptible
Report Post »What is life? What happened when the sperm met the egg? Scientists cannot create life if they mix up all of the ingredients.
SecularConservative
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 10:20amActually, Scientists have created parts of DNA in a lab. Whose to say in 50 years or less when humans have fully created a strand of DNA that we cannot create life? just food for thought :)
Report Post »4truth2all
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 5:14pmYo Secular:
Report Post »Do you know the story of the tower of babel… ?
xnileo… not quite sure how it is spelled… but it means out of nothing. This is what God did. It is quite easy to make a building out of lego, not so easy to speak the lego into existence. ( some more food for the plate)
Locked
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:52amA pretty interesting article, although I had two things to point out:
“This is particularly striking, considering that many non-believers try to shield their children from believing in faith and religion.”
While the rest of the article was based off the data from the survey, this doesn’t seem to be backed up anywhere. Is it just the author’s opinion?
Also, I’m curious how many religious families bring their children to other services to give them, as it says in the article, “a fair-minded opportunity to explore their personal views on faith”? My parents never brought me to any church but our local Catholic one; it wasn’t until high school that I started questioning the infallibility of the Holy See and began looking into other Christian churches. I wonder if it’s much the same for other religious folks here?
Report Post »corbecket
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:59amI think it is fine to research/expeience/consider as many religions as you wish. After all, if your faith is to persist, you must believe in the religion you’ve chosen to affiliate yourself with. There’s plenty of cradle Catholics/Muslims/Hindus etc., that never switch. That’s fine too. Plenty will tell you there’s only one path to salvation. I know what mine is, but I’m not foolish to berate those that disagree with my choice, or pronounce their’s as invalid.
I think that what these parents are doing for their children is just fine. Plenty of kids choose different religions than their parents. The act of choice (free will, and all that) is not intrinsically erroneous. Folks exercise it all of the time. It is what a loving parent woujld/should do. Atheists are not monsters, but I do feel sad for them. Going through life, without faith, tends to hard.
Report Post »SpankDaMonkey
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:47am.
Some Atheist Scientists Are Taking Their Children to Church — But Why?
It’s called CYA you silly……………
Must have heard the old saying: Better to believe, die and find no God. Than not, die and find there is………….
Report Post »momsense
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 8:20amFollowing the dictates of Descartes. It doesn’t cost you anything to believe–you’re correct, it is a CYA
Report Post »NOBAMA201258
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:58amHedging their bet,or maybe seeing the reality of the human condition has them a little worried ?
Report Post »KingCanon
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:46amEveryone, bar none, believes in a God. I, personally, refer in my belief to the God. And yes, the One found in the scriptures and felt in my heart and soul. And when the reason that I’m standing stands in front of me I will bow at His Holy Feet.
Report Post »MrsNix
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:45amDeism. It’s logical and based on no parables, miracles, or otherwise fanciful beliefs. It doesn’t require people to believe in psychic prophets, people or messiahs rising from the dead, or the other-worldly significance of one holy book. It posits that there is a monotheistic and omniscient God whom man can know through reason. It was good enough for the Thomases Jefferson and Paine (who were NOT, as so many atheists love to scream…atheists). Organized religion, in my opinion, is one of the most hateful and damaging things man ever created. Deism acknowledges God, worships God, and leaves all the BS out of it.
Rational people who were never taken to church and told as children that they would go to Hell if they didn’t believe in Jesus…would choose Deism.
Report Post »MrsNix
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:48amSorry…this was supposed to be a direct reply to Zenga’s post.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:42amHope they come to my Church, they may get saved! We don’t preach feel good messages. We preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Double dog dare ya Mr. Atheist…
Report Post »atombomb
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 9:13amI’m an atheist who attends weekly church services and Bible study at my local Baptist church for a total of 3 hours every week. I’ve been doing this for about a year now and remain as staunch an atheist as ever. What do I win?
Report Post »Secessionista
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:38amI don‘t think they are doing this for their kid’s own good. You can’t be halfway religious, not at all.
Report Post »Striker
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:38amThe Lord works in mysterious ways.
Report Post »ZengaPA65
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:31amIf you took 100 individuals with no preconceived ideas about religion and showed them all the world’s religions, which prophecies have come to pass and which didn’t, which have done what deeds historically good and bad based on facts alone and not what seems fun or strikes their fancy which religion would they ultimately choose?
Report Post »Jack of Hearts
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:34amBuddhism.
Report Post »great.work
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:49amAGREE. Buddhism would be the choice religion given no preconceived notions because the doctrine of the Buddhist faith is not based in anything outside the realm of self-realization. I think religions dance around a single unifying concept but that Buddhism, by its very nature, is less susceptible to the influences of corruption, thus sheltering an individual practitioner from manipulation from outside misconceptions.
Report Post »MrsNix
Posted on December 5, 2011 at 7:55amI put my reply in the wrong place by mistake, but I disagree because Buddhism believes in reincarnation, and that is a hard concept for people to believe in through reason. Deism has no such beliefs that stretch belief outside of the scientific and into the fantastical.
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