Seeking, but not sure what!

[seekingsomething]

I am an unbeliever in any religion. I am looking at various websites of different religions, including Christianity, to see if I can empathise with any faith.

 

[B-A-C]

What are you looking for in a religion? What do you expect religion to do for you?
Do you want religion for the sake of religion.... or do you want something to change?

If it is the latter answer... what do you want to change?

 

[Christ4Ever]

I am an unbeliever in any religion. I am looking at various websites of different religions, including Christianity, to see if I can empathise with any faith.

First @seekingsomething. Welcome to Talk Jesus.

Glad to always welcome someone who is seeking.

That being said, some questions

Are you an atheist, agnostic or never really given it any thought until now? That you say you're an unbeliever in any religion just means to me that you do believe in something, just not as society might identify as being "religion". Example: Humanist do not see themselves as being religious, yet the construct of what they believe in holds to much of what one would define as "religion".

Unless seeking was/is in a lifetime endeavor. Most who are seekers have a starting point. The point may in some cases be some memory or event that has surfaced which has started them on this journey/inquiry/quest. So, it would really help to understand a little bit more about you. After 67 years of life, I'm sure there have been times that "religion" has been presented to you in one form or another.

For me Christianity is simple: The foundation is Jesus Christ. Meaning for me that Jesus Christ lived, died, rose again, because of His love for us. One either accepts it or rejects it.

From there. Many more questions spring forth. Ask away "Seeker".

Once again. Be welcome to TJ.
C4E
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Psalm 9:10 - And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

Hebrews 11:6 - But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

 

[Chad]

Welcome to the forums @seekingsomething. I don't believe you're here by coincidence. I know you're willfully going out to other sites as well, but sometimes you're lead (by GOD) to one area or person to help you see the light of Christ.

I pray you find Him here with our help and support.

 

[seekingsomething]

I am looking at other religions and philosophies too not just Christianity. I need to be in tune and comfortable with its concepts.

 

[Emilia]

I am an unbeliever in any religion. I am looking at various websites of different religions, including Christianity, to see if I can empathise with any faith.

Hi. I am excited for you. You see seeking christ is more than religion. It is developing personal relationship with Jesus. I don't even know where to begin. It is like discovering your first love because you see he is the only one that can fill that void in your life. But enough with the talk take the Journey with god and experience it.

It's like going on a treasure hunt. Your map is the bible and your guide is the holy spirit. The journey may not be easy but I can tell you it will be worth it - it is a beautiful journey of Faith .

Jeremiah 29:13 - When you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed

God always watches over his word to perform it -see Isaiah 55:11- So shall my word that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Philippians 3:10: My determined purpose is that I may know him - that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with him, perceiving and recognising and understanding the wonders of his person more strongly and more clearly.

Step 1: Pray - Step 2: Get a bible (word of god is powerful: see Hebrews 4:12: for the word of god is quick and powerful and sharper than any two edge sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the joints and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart ) - Step 3: Get Planted into a good church near you.

I will be praying for you

Much love Em

 

[seekingsomething]

As I said Christianity is not the only religion or philosophy I am interested in. I might decide in the end that none of them are to my taste, and I am happy just as I am as an unbeliever .

 

[Christ4Ever]

I am looking at other religions and philosophies too not just Christianity. I need to be in tune and comfortable with its concepts.

@seekingsomething

As you've stated a couple of times :laugh:

I do believe we understand that part of what you're saying. We hope to introduce you to Christianity which for all extensive purposes is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Gospel meaning "Good News"!

As far as being comfortable and in tune with the concepts. Well.........even Christians are not comfortable and in tune with what the Bible is telling them! So whether you'd be "C&T" with it. Only you and God will know.

Since posing some questions hasn't provided any additional information except for what you've stated above. Let's try a more general one then.

What is it that you'd like to know that you already don't know about Christianity?

C4E
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[George Chan]

I am an unbeliever in any religion. I am looking at various websites of different religions, including Christianity, to see if I can empathise with any faith.

Jesus has died for all of us to give us a last chance to repent our sins,therefore we receive eternal life. Consequently He radiates with unconditional love. Are we ready to die for Him, unconditionally? This is the principal message in Bible!

 

[seekingsomething]

I apologise to humans when I have screwed up and try to make amends, which seems the right thing to do. I am not sure why I should apologise to Jesus, especially as he died so long ago?

 

[Christ4Ever]

I apologise to humans when I have screwed up and try to make amends, which seems the right thing to do. I am not sure why I should apologise to Jesus, especially as he died so long ago?

Have you ever had a child that did something wrong and they were too young to understand so you took their place and apologized for them? Then later you tried to have them understand why you did so and the need to apologize? Jesus in a way has apologized by His death for our wrong. Are we still too young to understand the need for our own apology?

You are correct that Jesus died "so long ago", but He conquered death and rose again! Which I and many others truly believe by the witnesses of those days whose words one can doubt, but realize that they truly believe it true. The proof is that they died for them. One might die for someone elses' lie not knowing any better, but one does not willingly die for ones own.

 

[seekingsomething]

Have you ever had a child that did something wrong and they were too young to understand so you took their place and apologized for them? Then later you tried to have them understand why you did so and the need to apologize? Jesus in a way has apologized by His death for our wrong. Are we still too young to understand the need for our own apology?

You are correct that Jesus died "so long ago", but He conquered death and rose again! Which I and many others truly believe by the witnesses of those days whose words one can doubt, but realize that they truly believe it true. The proof is that they died for them. One might die for someone elses' lie not knowing any better, but one does not willingly die for ones own.

But I am not a child. I don't see why anyone needs to die for the wrongdoing of others, if that is what is supposed to have happened to Jesus. Also if Jesus was actually resurrected, why didn't he stay on earth instead of going to heaven? I don't wish to cause offence to out and out believers, but I do find the gospels not very believable.

 

[Shutterbug]

Man, or Mankind, is the only animal species on the planet that seeks something outside the box. The Bible is not a history book or a moral guideline in and of itself. It is about God's plan of redemption for a connection which was lost due to rebellion and needs to be restored. At one time, a lamb was sacrificed as a propitiation for our sin (missing the mark). That requirement applied specifically to the Jews, but it included all who followed God. At some point, God provided the sacrifice through his own Son. All that was required of us was to believe it true and let him control our nature through the Holy Spirit. That's the basics of what the Bible is about.

Christianity in itself is a term which applies to those who follow the principles which Jesus taught. Because people are allowed to make their own decisions, it has also been used in an abusive manner on occasion.

If you consider all the religions of the world, only Christianity declares Mankind was created with a purpose and not just an accident of Nature.

Cheers,
John

 

[seekingsomething]

1. Christianity might claim that but it doesn't mean it is true.

 

[Christ4Ever]

But I am not a child. I don't see why anyone needs to die for the wrongdoing of others, if that is what is supposed to have happened to Jesus. Also if Jesus was actually resurrected, why didn't he stay on earth instead of going to heaven? I don't wish to cause offence to out and out believers, but I do find the gospels not very believable.

:laugh: We never want to see ourselves our children. One childhood is enough! I hope you understand that it was an example only .

As far as someone dying for the wrong doing of others, should not be a foreign concept to you or anyone in this world. It is something that occurs in the world all the time in many societies.

I guess we look for more from the god concept. So, if we are to believe in a God that is just and eventually balances right and wrong. People will then argue that we are not at fault because we were made that way. If we acknowledge this to be true, then I wonder why the angst against God in the body of Jesus Christ dying to balance the scales?

As far as what is historically documented within the Bible, you can find verification (Acknowledged Historians) outside of Christian circles who wrote concerning the events depicted in the Bible.

These writings will confirm:
1. Jesus was a real person.
2. Jesus died a violent death.
3. Jesus' body was not in the tomb three days afterwards.
4. Jesus' followers taught that they had personally seen him, touched him, heard him, ate with him after he had died.

Now it doesn't require you to believe the historians. Just like any thing that you learn. There is a level of intellect that one must use to distinguish between what is true and what is not. Using individuals that don't believe the why of the story, but can confirm their accounts provides a certain amount of credibility to the Biblical record.

I'd love to type more, but I'm on my lunch at work and have to get back to it! Just please try to separate the accounts from the theological/philosophical parts of the Bible.
C4E
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[seekingsomething]

There is no confirmation that the accounts written about Jesus have any truth to them. Surely if he had been as remarkable as is claimed in the gospels other independent writers might have mentioned him too? When accounts are written up long after people die they are often exaggerated, if not untrue. It is very hard to believe that Jesus actually resurrected. If he did why didn't he stay around on earth instead of going skywards?

 

[Christ4Ever]

@seekingsomething

First let's get to the things you do believe about Him or can come to acknowledge concerning Jesus Christ. The reason for this is that without believing that he existed you'll never believe anything else concerning him. Don't you think that follows and is reasonable to assume to be a true statement?

Now the questions: Yes or no please:

1. Jesus was a real person.
2. Jesus died a violent death.
3. Jesus' body was not in the tomb three days afterwards.
4. Jesus' followers taught that they had personally seen him, touched him, heard him, ate with him after he had died.

Appreciate your patience.
C4E
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[seekingsomething]

I think someone called Jesus probably existed.
He probably died a violent death
As for the rest, it is possible his body was stolen by his followers, but I don't believe Jesus was resurrected.
What people claim and what is the truth where claims that aren't credible are concerned is often at odds.

 

[Christ4Ever]

@seekingsomething

Good. Now let's nail down for surety that he existed through and died a violent death.

Jesus existed and died violently: Historian: Cornelius Tactus: Tacitus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Book: Annals XV, 44

"But not all the relief that could come from man, not all the bounties that the prince could bestow, nor all the atonements which could be presented to the gods, availed to relieve Nero from the infamy of being believed to have ordered the conflagration, the fire of Rome. Hence to suppress the rumor, he falsely charged with the guilt, and punished with the most exquisite tortures, the persons commonly called Christians, who were hated for their enormities. Christus, the founder of the name, was put to death by Pontius Pilate, procurator of Judea in the reign of Tiberius; but eh pernicious superstition, repressed for a time, broke out again, not only through Judea, where the mischief originated but though the city of Rome also."

He's not the only one and I can look to provide others if you're still in some doubt to his existence/death. At least historically.

This is important because if you're truly seeking as you say you are. The Bible says - Hebrews 11:6 says - And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (ESV) I understand that at the moment you don't believe that, but at least, I hope anyway. You now believe Jesus Christ really existed and died a violent death by the hands of the Roman authorities.

Believe it or not I am really enjoying this and I must thank-you! Too bad my loving wife is a calling and wants to set some tasks for me to do :whistle

C4E
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[seekingsomething]

I might be seeking but what I am finding on forums of this sort isn't very pleasant, I must admit.